Rural Metro Knoxville EMTs and Paramedics Band Together Despite Rocky Negotiations
EMS professionals working for Rural Metro of Knoxville, Tennessee, members of IAEP Local R5-421, are prepared to take a job action over their continued difficulties with management during the contract negotiations process.
The members of Local R5-421 are currently working without a contract despite months of negotiations and multiple attempts to craft a fair contract. Rural Metro management refuses to offer their employees the fair wage increase they are asking for and deserve. In a display of solidarity, the members of Local R5-421 are prepared to possibly strike next month if management will not offer such an increase.
“We expect significant progress to be made come December 18," IAEP National Representative Christian Cloen told reporters. "If it's not made, then we're going to go back to the members and possibly take a vote to approve a job action. The worst case scenario would be to approve a strike.”
Local R5-421 members refuse to back down to management and hope that any action they take will send a clear message that they’re voice will be heard and respected in their workplace.
“These members are standing tall together and sending a strong message to management,” said Cloen. “We are asking for improvements and increases that these EMS workers clearly deserve. The EMS profession continues to change and our members deserve contracts that reflect the progressive nature of their career.”