Calgary Paramedics - CUPE Local 3421

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CUPE - Court of Queen's Bench Ruling

CALGARY–

by Rick Fraser

On May 18th, 2010, the Court of Queens Bench ruled on the judicial review filed by CUPE and AUPE against Alberta Health Services. Judge R. F. Belzil ruled against CUPE and AUPE and upheld the ALRB decision in February of 2010, stating he was “unwilling to break new ground”.

This ruling effectively transitions the membership of CUPE local 3421, Calgary EMS workers into HSAA, a union which represents approximately 22,000 health care workers in the province of Alberta. CUPE’s EMS locals around the province have spent the last two years fighting for our members to have the right to choose their representation, but this latest ruling represents the final stage of this fight.

In an effort to move forward, I and five other CUPE local EMS Presidents were invited to meet Elisabeth Ballerman, the HSAA President and some of her Directors in Edmonton on Friday May 28th 2010. The conversation that took place was around our transition in to HSAA and the many questions we had on your behalf. We have put the questions and responses on our www.calgaryparamedics.com website under executive notices for you to read.

On June 21, 2010 (time and place to be disclosed by HSAA), you will have an opportunity to meet HSAA yourself and ask your own questions. More importantly this will be your chance to vote who will be the new “chair person” that will represent you as your HSAA rep. I encourage each of you to become involved in this new union and make an effort to help better our profession.

Finally, thank you for all your support and patience over the many months, we appreciate every word of encouragement we received. From the executive of Calgary Paramedics CUPE 3421, it has been our honor to represent you.

Rick Fraser

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