RIVERSIDE, Calif. - Members of AFSCME Local 4911 in Southern California are gearing up for a new round of contract negotiations which is scheduled to begin at the end of January.

The union has been in negotiations with American Medical Response over the past several months pressing management to improve working conditions for the hundreds of emergency service workers employed by the company.

“Low pay and safety concerns are among the issues which have contributed to the high turnover rate at the company,” said Daniel Kitt, a paramedic whose going into his second year at the company. “AMR should prioritize providing quality EMS over corporate profits.” 

Sam Maddaluna, a Local 4911 member who serves on the bargaining unit's negotiating team, acknowledged the arduous but promising road ahead by noting his expectations that cooler heads will prevail at the company.

“At the end of the day, this is about serving the public, supporting our families, and maintaining professionalism,” stated Maddaluna. “I remain hopeful that the company won't lose sight of what’s a stake for our communities.”

  January 16, 2015