On October 19 Crozer delivered a “Settlement Offer” to the Union for EMS personnel.

This is a good offer in line with the contracts agreed to by virtually every other union at Crozer-Keystone, including the 700 RNs also represented by PASNAP:

• We have asked the Paramedics and EMTs to accept the same one-year freeze on across-the-board increases that all other unions have accepted.
• Current Paramedics and EMTs still get step increases in year 1 and both step and across-the-board increases in years 2 and 3.
• Paramedics and EMTs get excellent health coverage under the CHOICES Benefits Plan in 2012, including free preventive health and dependent coverage for children up to age 26.
• Current EMS personnel continue to receive a Defined Benefit Pension on the same terms accepted by the other unions.  New EMS employees get the same Defined Contribution Retirement Plan that applies to other new hires.
• Paramedics and EMTs get severance payments and health coverage of up to 12 weeks if a layoff should occur at any time during the three-year contract.
• We have signed off on a labor-management committee.
• The offer includes a robust health and safety program with “power stretchers” to reduce back injuries.
• The Scheduling Committee still prepares schedules, subject to approval by the Chief or his designee.

This economic package is virtually identical to those in Crozer’s other union contract settlements.

* * *

Unfortunately, rather than work with us to reach agreement in line with other contracts, the CCPA/PASNAP:

• Continues to cling to unrealistic economic demands;
• Voted to authorize a strike that could hurt our relationship with customers;
• Failed to respond to our proposal to resume negotiations next week; and
• Says it is considering sending the Hospital a strike notice.

We urge the Union to come back to the bargaining table prepared to reach a settlement in line with other union contracts and within the parameters of our most recent settlement offer.

* * *

If you have any questions regarding what is on the table, please do not hesitate to ask the Chief or an Assistant Chief.