NEMSA puts pressure on EMS Agency for improper investigations.

 

 

Stanislaus County California – NEMSA takes strong position against EMS agency refusing to allow employees representation in agency investigations.  NEMSA Chief Shop Steward Paul Angelo contacted NEMSA President Torren Colcord and informed him that the EMS agency was conducting close door investigation interviews with employees, where AMR management is being allowed the primary investigation and resolution roll.  When the local NEMSA stewards rightfully asserted their right for employees to have representation in these close door interviews, the agency refused to allow the employee this right. 

Colcord has assigned the incident to NEMSA’s legal dept.   NEMSA’s Attorney Tim Talbot has already sent communication to the agency asserting NEMSA’s position on the legal rights that union members have when the employer is involved in any investigations with employees, weather it involves the EMS agency or not.  An excerpt from Talbot’s letter explains to the agency why NEMSA has big problems with this practice: “We write concerning what we understand to be your agency’s policy of denying union representation to AMR Paramedics and EMTs during investigatory interviews, while simultaneously allowing AMR representatives to conduct, attend or otherwise participate in such interviews.  This policy creates an unnecessarily coercive environment for AMR employees and leaves employees unable to distinguish between AMR’s role and authority as an employer from that of the Mountain-Valley EMS Agency as a regulatory agency….. Your process allows AMR to subject its employees to disciplinary interviews and action in violation of their rights.”  More on this story as this issue continues.