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Pittsburgh Paramedics Reject Contract Offer; Strike Authorized

The local paramedics union has voted down a contract offer from the city of Pittsburgh, and authorized a strike.

The contract offer was rejected overwhelmingly with a vote of 134-9. Local 1 of the Fraternal Association of Professional Paramedics said it will continue to negotiate in good faith with the Ravenstahl administration to prevent a strike.

"While by nature it is our top priority to protect and care for the residents and visitors of the City of Pittsburgh, we also need to ensure that this and future generations of Pittsburgh Paramedics are treated with the respect that they deserve and our City can continue to attract and retain the talented individuals that make Pittsburgh EMS one of the best EMS systems in the country," wrote Justin Sypoli, Recording Secretary of the FAPP Local 1.

The paramedics union said its members have worked without a contract for twenty months.

At the time of this article's publication, Mayor Luke Ravenstahl’s office had not yet issued an official response.