Mediator appointed in Nova Scotia paramedic negotiations

Ground, air paramedics will be in legal strike position on June 8

In an effort to head off a strike by paramedics in Nova Scotia, Frank Corbett — the province’s labour and advanced education minister — is appointing an arbitrator.

Corbett named John Clarke, an arbitrator he called experienced, to aid in the contract negotiations between Emergency Medical Care and the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), Local 727.

"No one wants to see a paramedic strike," Corbett said. "I know both sides care deeply about patients, and I am confident they are working hard toward avoiding a work disruption. We believe in the principles of collective bargaining and we are optimistic a solution can be reached."

Clarke is a veteran mediator, arbitrator and lawyer from St. John's, N.L., who has successfully mediated a number of disputes, the province said.

Ground and air paramedics in Nova Scotia are employed by Emergency Medical Care. Paramedics represented by the union will be in a legal strike position on Saturday, June 8.

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