NEMSA Members – Families Eligible For Scholarship

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NEMSA Members and their families are eligible for a $500 scholarship as part of NEMSA’s affiliation with NAGE.  In a continuing commitment to helping members and their families achieve educational goals and dreams, NEMSA as an affiliate of NAGE is proud to announce the Annual NAGE Scholarship program.

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The Scholarships are available to members of NEMSA, NAGE, IBPO, IAEP, and IBCO and also to member’s spouse, child, grandchild, niece, nephew, or significant other.  Each year, fifty scholarships of $500 each are awarded in a lottery drawing from all eligible applicants.  Applicants for the lottery drawing of scholarships must be planning to attend or already be attending a two or four-year college , trade or technical school to be eligible.  Scholarships will be awared without regard for the sex, race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, or disability of any applicant. Applications must be postmarked on or before May 17, 2013 to be considered.  Winners will be selected in a lottery drawing in June 2013.  Scholarship winners will be announced on the NEMSA, NAGE, IBPO, IAEP, and IBCO websites.

Only One Application May Be Submitted Per Applicant:

You can apply online HERE

or

You can download the Scholarship Application and mail it via US Mail to the address listed.

Reaching Beyond Your Borders: How COPE Helps YOU!

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  COPE:  Committee On Political Education

 

 

 

 

Every day, elected officials make decisions that affect your job, your benefits and your security. That’s why it’s critical that NEMSA helps build political strength and unity among our membership.  As an affiliate of NAGE, NEMSA Members have the power to use COPE to better their lives.

One of the most effective ways to build a coalition of political power and make a true difference in politics is to put our dollars together to elect candidates who will support and promote our legislative agenda.

What is COPE?

COPE, the Committee On Political Education, is a voluntary political action fund that supports our political and legislative activities. COPE contributions are used to support grassroots lobbying efforts and help elect local, state and federal candidates who support the collective bargaining agreements, issues and concerns of our members.

Why should I contribute?

Every day, politicians make decisions that affect our members, and one of the most effective ways to build a coalition of political power is to put our dollars together to help elect candidates who will aggressively support and promote our legislative agenda. When politicians we endorse win on Election Day, we all win at the bargaining table.

Why is NEMSA/ NAGE involved in politics?

Collective bargaining agreements, wages, benefits and job security are negotiated and/or overseen by elected officials. In order to protect our best interests, we must be involved with electing these representatives—especially in the current fiscal environment where public employees are being increasingly targeted by politicians bent on layoffs, cutbacks and downsizing.

Why should we give politicians money?

We need to make sure that the pro-NEMSA/NAGE, pro-labor politicians win. Remember, as a public employee, you ultimately have the power to hire and fire your boss at election time. When you win on Election Day, you win at the bargaining table.

Is it true that we support only Democrats?

No way! NEMSA/NAGE is not a “one-party” union. NEMSA/NAGE supports the politicians who care about our issues and our families, whether that politician is a Democrat, a Republican, an Independent or a Green Party member. The bottom line is, we’re with you if you’re with us.

How will my contribution protect my job?

Every COPE contribution goes directly to help NEMSA/NAGE promote the rights of our members—their compensation, their job security, their union protections. In addition, they provide NEMSA/NAGE the resources to inform and educate the public and elected officials about the detrimental effects of budget cuts and employee layoffs. In short, your COPE contribution strengthens NEMSA/NAGE’s political and legislative agenda, giving you and all members a powerful voice at all levels of government.

How does NEMSA/NAGE use COPE contributions?

Contributions are used to support pro-NEMSA/NAGE candidates and voter registration and education. Contributions may also be used to promote legislation that protects NAGE members and influences policy decisions that affect your job, your family, and your future. A portion of the contributions is earmarked for pro-NEMSA/NAGE federal candidates in Congressional and U.S. Senate races.

Who can contribute to COPE?

Any member in good standing can contribute to COPE.

 

How Do I Contribute To COPE?

Just Click The Link To Contribute:  https://action.seiu.org/page/contribute/cope

 

Different Workforces – Different Directions: A Cautionary Tale About How A Union’s Strength Matters

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NEMSA continues makes big gains in Alameda County while UEMSW/AFSCME struggles to represent EMS workers.
In the Northern California, similar EMS workforces are heading towards dramatically different results. Alameda County (NEMSA) and Solano County, Santa Clara County, and employees of AMR Northern CA (AFSCME Local 4911) workforces both originally were employed by the same ambulance companies and worked under the same NEMSA negotiated contracts, however through the course of normal business, some workforces moved to new employers and all moved to a new an unproven union, United EMS Workers/AFSCME Local 4911.   Amazingly, this occurred within 18 months of each other and  a comparison of the NEMSA represented Alameda County bargaining unit and the United EMS Workers ( UEMSW ) / American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees ( AFSCME ) represented bargaining unit is an example of how NEMSA brings success to EMS professionals compared to other unions.

NEMSA achieved in Alameda County a contract that is the best private ambulance contract in the nation, building on the foundation of the NEMSA Northern California contract. Paramedics Plus, the Alameda County employer worked with NEMSA to find an agreement that positions both the NEMSA represented workforce and Paramedics Plus for success, both now and in the future. Employer representatives have praised NEMSA and NEMSA members professionalism. NEMSA’s unique and proven successful approach to contract negotiations and contract enforcement is known throughout the EMS landscape as workforces are transformed by NEMSA contracts, contract enforcement, and representation.

The same cannot be said for the UEMSW/AFSCME Local 4911 in Solano County, Santa Clara County, and AMR Northern CA who opted to go with a new and unproven union local of the American Federation Of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).  Their attempt to use the NEMSA Northern California contract as a foundation for their new contracts with Rural/Metro, Medic Ambulance, and AMR has failed as employers have forced weak UEMSW to start over contract negotiations, from scratch! UEMSW appears to be struggling to achieve even the most basic contract principles, much less than he complex and employee friendly language that NEMSA had previously achieved in the Northern California contract. Employees in Santa Clara county represented by UEMSW/AFSCME still do not have “just cause” as a standard for employee discipline, still do not have the ability for arbitration of grievances, and still do not have any pay increases, benefit protections, or working condition improvements.

Reports on the ground are that AFSCME has supplied a couple of part time and inexperienced employees who know little to nothing about EMS and are relying on volunteer efforts from bargaining unit members to provide representation to represented employees.  Contract negotiations are reported to be slow, non-productive, and sessions scheduled months apart.  Employees report that they do not know who their union is.  Calls to the UEMSW Local 4911 office lead to a telephone answering machine where messages are generally not accepted because the mailbox is full.

Different EMS workforces…. Two dramatically different directions… NEMSA in Alameda County continued to push EMS professionals forward, with a contract that improves upon their previous contract. UEMSW / AFSCME in Solano County,  Santa Clara County, and AMR Northern CA is struggling to get something, anything for its members at the bargaining table.

When choosing a union, it is important to know what that union can do for you and your workforce. NEMSA has a history, track record, and pattern of consistent success in representing EMS professionals. NEMSA is the best choice for EMS professionals and has the results to prove it! If you or your workforce is interested in NEMSA, please click the “Join NEMSA” button on this website or call 866-544-7398 and ask to speak to a NEMSA representative today.

NEMSA And Union Coalition Lobbies, CA. Gov Vetoes Anti-Private EMS Bill

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VetoCalifornia Governor Jerry Brown recently vetoed a bill that would have required private EMS providers to become second class citizens, through marking and labeling them as private contractors of public services.  The bill, sponsored by the California Professional Firefighters Association continued a pattern of increasing preferential treatment towards publicly employed firefighters even though 80% of EMS in the State of California is performed by Private EMS Professionals.

A colation of labor groups including NEMSA, NAGE, IAEP, IBCO, IBPO and others rallied against the bill, which had strong support in influential parts of the California State Assembly.  Even some professional firefighters rose up against the bill as unnecessary, abnormally complex, or against best practices.  In his veto letter, issued to the California Legislature, Governor Brown stated “This is a bill that ultimately is about the growing practice of subcontracting in the service industry.  I agree that this is a topic that requires greater scrutiny – and more detailed information…. It is not clear to me that requiring logos on uniforms and vehicles solves any problems… I think we need to know more before prescribing practices such as those suggested by this bill.”

NEMSA thanks all the EMS providers who stood up and emailed, wrote, and called the Governor expressing concern over this bill.  NEMSA also thanks our union coalition brother and sister unions who recognized that CA AB2389 was poor public policy and joined hands together showing our strength and solidarity.  It is through our collective strength that Governor Brown considered the bill and chose not to sign it into law.

Why Is NEMSA Being Attacked By Critics?

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 A series of YouTube type videos are being posted around the internet, using violent and unprofessional imagery, making and repeating already proven false claims about NEMSA.  These videos are the work of agents of a rival union, attempting to convince NEMSA members to abandon NEMSA in favor of another union.

        

WARNING:  THESE IMAGES ARE  FROM A UNITED EMS WORKERS/AFSCME 4911 WEBSITE AND MAY CONTAIN GRAPHIC VIOLENCE, GORE, AND INAPPROPRIATE CONTENT.  VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.

These images are screen captures from Anti-NEMSA videos posted on YouTube and other internet sites.  Is this how you want to represent yourself to your employer?

 

FOR NEMSA PROFESSIONALISM = SUCCESS

NEMSA is too busy representing members, winning arbitrations, conducting representational hearings, and negotiating contracts to even respond to the various absurd, false, and misleading claims within these videos.

However the videos do give opportunity to bring up concerns over Professionalism within the industry.  NEMSA represents EMS Professionals, appealing to ambulance companies and the community that NEMSA members are professional EMS providers and deserve higher levels of pay, secure benefits, and better working conditions as well as the support of the communities that NEMSA members live, work, and serve in.

This push, to increase the public image of EMS Professionals in their communities has led to improved lives, and improvements in wages, benefits, and working conditions for NEMSA members. NEMSA members have gotten involved in their local communities, through charity activities, volunteer time, and community service. The communities NEMSA members serve have responded by supporting their local NEMSA members. Local, State, and National politicians have responded by becoming involved in issues NEMSA members find most important. NEMSA’s affiliation with NAGE will continue the push for professionalism forward.

At a time when ambulance reimbursement rates are being heavily regulated and ambulance companies are beginning to have a difficult time providing needed services and in some cases, even remaining in business, it is only the professionalism of NEMSA members that differentiates them from other EMS providers.

In this modern day era of EMS:

Professionalism = Jobs.

Professionalism = Gains At The Bargaining Table.

Professionalism = Success.

The future is unknown for EMS, with major Federal Legislation changing how EMS operates. Change almost seems a constant. In these new and ever changing days for EMS, let our Professional Conduct be what defines us and may we show our employers, our community, and each other why we deserve to have better lives, better wages, improved benefits, and better working conditions.

  “Believe passionately in what you do, and never knowingly compromise your standards and values. Act like a true professional, aiming for true excellence, and the money will follow.”– David Maister


CA Assembly Bill 2389 And EMS Union Opposition and Support

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The California Legislature in 2012 has debated Assembly Bill 2389, a discriminatory anti-private EMS bill that would require, among other things, privately employed EMS providers to wear clear logo and insignia identifying them as a public “contractor”.  The law would also change public contracting law and give special requirements for private ambulance companies.  The bill is sponsored by the California Professional Firefighters union, an affiliate of IAFF (International Association of Firefighters).

In its public argumentation in favor of the bill, supporters have claimed that private EMS providers are unprofessional and a danger to the public and must be clearly identified so that the public can be protected from them.

Interestingly, the CA registered supporters of this bill (supporters must register with the state legislature to be official supporters) includes AFSCME, the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees.  At the same time, AFSCME’s struggling San Francisco Bay area local United EMS Workers ( UEMSW ) appears to be AFSCME’s attempt to gain a foothold in the unionization of private EMS workers.

NEMSA and IAEP ( International Association Of EMTs and Paramedics ) are both publicly opposed to the anti-private EMS legislation.  NEMSA is affiliated with NAGE, the National Association of Government Employees and NAGE is also publicly opposed to the legislation.

Why is this important you may ask?  This legislation is designed to do nothing more than discriminate against private EMS professionals.  NEMSA and IAEP are both unions that represent private EMS professionals.  So is UEMSW/AFSCME Local 4911.  But only AFSCME supported the legislation.

So for private EMS professionals, when AFSCME comes knocking at your door claiming that they want to represent you, remember their support of CA AB 2389 and that AFSCME  stood in support of discriminating against private EMS professionals and that supporters claimed private EMS workers would endanger the lives of citizens.

 

NEMSA Protecting Member Voting Rights!

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Judges Gavel and Scales of Justice

NEMSA, under the leadership of the NEMSA Board of Directors continues to stand up in defense of member’s eligibility and voting rights during a prolonged legal dispute originating from the 2010 Officer Election.

The issue is under review by a U.S. District Court Judge, who will decide how candidate eligibility will be determined and what election procedures will be used. Read more »

Federal Court Rules Against Gambone!

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The United States District Court, Eastern District of California struck down James “Jimmy” Gambone’s request for an injunction, seeking to install him as NEMSA’s President.  Late last week the court summarily DENIED the injunction, finding that Gambone has no legal right to be installed as the President of NEMSA through the injunction sought for him by the Department of Labor.  Read more »

Know Your Rights!

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Interested in NEMSA for your workplace?

Know Your Rights!

It is ILLEGAL for your Employer To:

  • Terminate You For Union Activity or Support
  • Deny You Benefits Because Of Union Activity or Support
  • Attempt to Bribe You To Stop Your Union Support or Activity or Support
  • Discipline You For Your Union Activity or Support

It is ILLEGAL for your Employer to say:

  • “If you bring a union in here, everyone gets a pay cut.”
  • “If you become union I will close the business.”
  • “If you vote for the union, I will fire anyone who votes YES” Read more »

Did You Know?

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  • That there is NO law or rule that an employer must provide a health plan to employees?
  • There is NO law or rule that an employer must provide sick days, vacation time, or paid time off to employees?
  • Beyond Minimum Wage laws there are very few laws or rules about what an employer is required to pay employees?
  • There is NO law that an employer must provide any retirement related benefits?
  • There is NO law or rule that an employer must treat employees consistently, fairly, or with respect.

Read more »