Online exclusive – Paramedics stage rally in St. Stephen

Kathy Bockus/Courier Steve Belyea, a paramedic with 42 years of experience; Chris Wall, CUPE 4848 south regional president and paramedic Denny Cogswell, union shop steward from Lepreau, were among those who took part in a rally in St. Stephen today. Paramedics and dispatchers are hoping the rallies, being held throughout the province, will raise awareness about difficulties with recruitment and retention with Ambulance New Brunswick.

St. Stephen – Paramedics from throughout New Brunswick, who are members of CUPE Local 4848, and their supporters, including politicians such as PC Leader Blaine Higgs, staged a rally in St. Stephen today to raise awareness of the union’s struggles with employment as it relates vacation eligibility and bilingualism which they claim results in fewer “trucks” (ambulances) on the road and longer response times.

For more on the rally, including interviews with union members, Higgs and other politicians, see an upcoming edition of The Saint Croix Courier.

Kathy Bockus

Journalist Kathy Bockus is based in St. Stephen and has worked for The Saint Croix Courier as a general news reporter and feature writer for the past 15 years. She began her lengthy newspaper career in 1974 with a daily in Saint John. Bockus says she always jokes being a reporter is a licence to be nosey, but firmly believes that everyone has a story to tell. She can be contacted at 321-0759.