MAINE, USA — Workers of United Ambulance Service in Lewiston are still waiting for a final labor contract almost two years after forming a union there.
NEWS CENTER Maine spoke with workers earlier this year who joined the Teamsters 340 Chapter. Many of which shared their concerns of being overworked, and under supported.
Although workers have been in contact with leaders at United Ambulance to land on a labor contract, Teamsters Local 340 representative Ed Marzano says progress has not been made.
"United has failed to bargain in good faith... they just simply won't do it," Marzano said.
As a result, dozens of Teamster members from other New England states showed up in front of United Ambulance's office doors to rally for them in an effort to jumpstart momentum in the negotiation process.
"We wanted to walk [the United Ambulance workers] out, and put them on strike cause that's what the union does," Massachusetts resident and Teamsters Joint Council 10 Executive Officer Thomas Mari said. "These people don't even want to go down that road at this time because they feel so compelled to the town and the City of Lewiston."
Marzano also says since earlier this year, several employees have left the company due to the unmet contract.
"I believe that is the company's plan, is to constantly turn employees over. 'If you don't like it, you can leave,'" Marzano added as an example.
NEWS CENTER Maine reached out to United Ambulance Executive Director Paul Gosselin, who sent along this statement on the rally and current negotiations:
The residents of Androscoggin County rely on professional emergency medical services to help in times of great need-at all hours of the day and night, and often in the most stressful of circumstances. We are confident that United Ambulance will continue to negotiate in good faith with the union, as they have from the beginning. Our hope is that a resolution can be reached that is in the best interests of all involved, and most importantly the patients in the communities we serve.