Philadelphia medics stay in union for now

Paramedics are trying to stay in the firefighters’ union. A judge has ordered the city and medics to keep talking and report back November 1st.

A lawsuit is on hold and Philadelphia Paramedics remain with the Firefighters’ union as a deal is being worked out about whether they can stay with that union.

The medics want to remain with the firefighters’ union, and retain the ability to obtain a contract through arbitration. But Philadelphia wants the medics to have to negotiate a separate contract, even though that brings the possibility of a medics strike. Attorney Ralph Teti represents the firefighters union

“What we have agreed is that the temporary restraining order which we got last Friday stays in effect status quo of the fire service paramedics that is important to us. Number two, it takes two sides to a dialogue to resolve this problem. We wouldn’t be doing this if we thought we would be talking to ourselves and neither would the city.”

City Solicitor Shelly Smith remains optimistic.

“The fact that we are talking again is encouraging.”

The sides have to report on progress November first.