Missouri EMS workers seek a voice on the job

Independence, MO – Along with their coworkers in South Platte County, the EMS professionals of Independence aren’t letting fear of change keep them from having a say in their future and the future of their community.

Many EMTs, paramedics and dispatchers employed by American Medical Response have signed membership cards stating their wish to join the mighty Green Machine that is AFSCME.

“We’ve come together to advocate for our patients,” said Nate Bunce, a four-year EMT. “By uniting we’ll have the ability to work together with AMR so the highest level of care may be provided to our communities, and we’ll have a voice to elevate our profession as EMS providers.”

A union election has been set for June 25.

Laura Cain, a paramedic with AMR, has been an EMS professional for nine years and already sees the benefits of joining AFSCME, which represents EMS workers through the nation.

“We’re standing together for a voice and to be acknowledged by our employer,” Cain said.

“Before we began our union movement, we were just a number. Now we’re sticking up for what is fair for our families, our patients, and our profession.”

Independence is the hometown of President Harry Truman, who may as well have been speaking of AFSCME members when he said: “America was built on courage, on imagination, and unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.”

(AFSCME)