As EMTs and paramedics, we often face serious challenges delivering the high-quality care our patients need while working in a system that runs us ragged.
We struggle to eke out a sustainable living while suffering in the shadows from the hazardous work we do — especially those of us employed by private ambulance companies. We walk the line between providing top-notch care for our communities, while working for large corporations that seek to cut costs wherever possible.
EMS
WORKERS UNITEd
EMS is one of the most dangerous professions in the country. Unfortunately, the EMTs and paramedics who put their lives on the line every day are up against a broken system.
EMS
WORKERS UNITEd
EMS is one of the most dangerous professions in the country. Unfortunately, the EMTs and paramedics who put their lives on the line every day are up against a broken system.
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We're not seen until we're needed.
but when we're needed ...
lives depend on us.
A broken system
Fixing the system with afscme
Equipment and training
Functioning ambulances that are stocked with the supplies we need. Personal protective equipment — paid for by our employers — so we can do our jobs safely and efficiently. EMS Workers United/AFSCME got us the tools we need.
Washington, D.C.
In Washington, D.C., that meant obtaining radios for every crew member in the private-sector American Medical Response (AMR) unit
In Washington, D.C., that meant obtaining radios for every crew member in the private-sector American Medical Response (AMR) unit
Lake Havasu, Arizona
In Lake Havasu, Arizona/AMR, it means strong contract language to prevent retaliation for reporting unsafe vehicles or equipment.
In Lake Havasu, Arizona/AMR, it means strong contract language to prevent retaliation for reporting unsafe vehicles or equipment.
O’Fallon, Illinois
For O’Fallon, Illinois EMS, it means tuition reimbursement up to a bachelor’s degree at their local college.
For O’Fallon, Illinois EMS, it means tuition reimbursement up to a bachelor’s degree at their local college.
Northern California
In Northern California/AMR, that means having access to employer-paid continuing education trainings.
In Northern California/AMR, that means having access to employer-paid continuing education trainings.
O’Fallon, Illinois
For O’Fallon, Illinois EMS, it means tuition reimbursement up to a bachelor’s degree at their local college.
For O’Fallon, Illinois EMS, it means tuition reimbursement up to a bachelor’s degree at their local college.
Northern California
In Northern California/AMR, that means having access to employer-paid continuing education trainings.
In Northern California/AMR, that means having access to employer-paid continuing education trainings.
Lake Havasu, Arizona
In Lake Havasu, Arizona/AMR, it means strong contract language to prevent retaliation for reporting unsafe vehicles or equipment.
In Lake Havasu, Arizona/AMR, it means strong contract language to prevent retaliation for reporting unsafe vehicles or equipment.
Washington, D.C.
In Washington, D.C., that meant obtaining radios for every crew member in the private-sector American Medical Response (AMR) unit
In Washington, D.C., that meant obtaining radios for every crew member in the private-sector American Medical Response (AMR) unit
In our own words
Fixing the system with afscme
Equipment and training
Functioning ambulances that are stocked with the supplies we need. Personal protective equipment — paid for by our employers — so we can do our jobs safely and efficiently. EMS Workers United/AFSCME got us the tools we need.
Washington, D.C.
In Washington, D.C., that meant obtaining radios for every crew member in the private-sector American Medical Response (AMR) unit.
In Washington, D.C., that meant obtaining radios for every crew member in the private-sector American Medical Response (AMR) unit.
Lake Havasu, Arizona
In Lake Havasu, Arizona/AMR, it means strong contract language to prevent retaliation for reporting unsafe vehicles or equipment.
In Lake Havasu, Arizona/AMR, it means strong contract language to prevent retaliation for reporting unsafe vehicles or equipment.
O’Fallon, Illinois
For O’Fallon, Illinois EMS, it means tuition reimbursement up to a bachelor’s degree at their local college.
For O’Fallon, Illinois EMS, it means tuition reimbursement up to a bachelor’s degree at their local college.
Northern California
In Northern California/AMR, that means having access to employer-paid continuing education trainings.
In Northern California/AMR, that means having access to employer-paid continuing education trainings.
O’Fallon, Illinois
For O’Fallon, Illinois EMS, it means tuition reimbursement up to a bachelor’s degree at their local college.
For O’Fallon, Illinois EMS, it means tuition reimbursement up to a bachelor’s degree at their local college.
Northern California
In Northern California/AMR, that means having access to employer-paid continuing education trainings.
In Northern California/AMR, that means having access to employer-paid continuing education trainings.
Lake Havasu, Arizona
In Lake Havasu, Arizona/AMR, it means strong contract language to prevent retaliation for reporting unsafe vehicles or equipment.
In Lake Havasu, Arizona/AMR, it means strong contract language to prevent retaliation for reporting unsafe vehicles or equipment.
Washington, D.C.
In Washington, D.C., that meant obtaining radios for every crew member in the private-sector American Medical Response (AMR) unit
In Washington, D.C., that meant obtaining radios for every crew member in the private-sector American Medical Response (AMR) unit
Functioning ambulances that are stocked with the supplies we need. Personal protective equipment — paid for by our employers — so we can do our jobs safely and efficiently. EMS Workers United/AFSCME got us the tools we need.
Washington, D.C.
In Washington, D.C., that meant obtaining radios for every crew member in the private-sector American Medical Response (AMR) unit
In Washington, D.C., that meant obtaining radios for every crew member in the private-sector American Medical Response (AMR) unit
Lake Havasu, Arizona
In Lake Havasu, Arizona/AMR, it means strong contract language to prevent retaliation for reporting unsafe vehicles or equipment.
In Lake Havasu, Arizona/AMR, it means strong contract language to prevent retaliation for reporting unsafe vehicles or equipment.
O’Fallon, Illinois
For O’Fallon, Illinois EMS, it means tuition reimbursement up to a bachelor’s degree at their local college.
For O’Fallon, Illinois EMS, it means tuition reimbursement up to a bachelor’s degree at their local college.
Northern California
In Northern California/AMR, that means having access to employer-paid continuing education trainings.
In Northern California/AMR, that means having access to employer-paid continuing education trainings.
O’Fallon, Illinois
For O’Fallon, Illinois EMS, it means tuition reimbursement up to a bachelor’s degree at their local college.
For O’Fallon, Illinois EMS, it means tuition reimbursement up to a bachelor’s degree at their local college.
Northern California
In Northern California/AMR, that means having access to employer-paid continuing education trainings.
In Northern California/AMR, that means having access to employer-paid continuing education trainings.
Lake Havasu, Arizona
In Lake Havasu, Arizona/AMR, it means strong contract language to prevent retaliation for reporting unsafe vehicles or equipment.
In Lake Havasu, Arizona/AMR, it means strong contract language to prevent retaliation for reporting unsafe vehicles or equipment.
Washington, D.C.
In Washington, D.C., that meant obtaining radios for every crew member in the private-sector American Medical Response (AMR) unit
In Washington, D.C., that meant obtaining radios for every crew member in the private-sector American Medical Response (AMR) unit
In our own words
fixing the system with afscme
improving safety, Reducing fatigue
Joining a union means we can better fight for our patients and ourselves. Through enforceable, clear policies, we’ve worked with our employers to develop rules to stem fatigue, fairly compensate us for overtime, and most importantly, to keep patient safety a priority despite call tempo. We have also advocated for and won harsher criminal penalties for those who assault and injure emergency responders.
New York City
In New York City’s FDNY EMS, AFSCME members advocated for and won a landmark new law to protect EMS personnel from assaults.
In New York City’s FDNY EMS, AFSCME members advocated for and won a landmark new law to protect EMS personnel from assaults.
Riverside, California
In Riverside, California/AMR, members won an EMS Professional Practice Committee to work with the employer to reduce turnover and make recommendations to improve patient care and services.
In Riverside, California/AMR, members won an EMS Professional Practice Committee to work with the employer to reduce turnover and make recommendations to improve patient care and services.
Washington, D.C.
In Washington, D.C./AMR, members won overtime penalties to curb excessive holdover demands.
In Washington, D.C./AMR, members won overtime penalties to curb excessive holdover demands.
Maricopa, Arizona
In Maricopa, Arizona/AMR, members won contract language to cap maximum consecutive shifts and provide clear guidelines for long-haul interfacility transfers.
In Maricopa, Arizona/AMR, members won contract language to cap maximum consecutive shifts and provide clear guidelines for long-haul interfacility transfers.
In our own words
New York City
In New York City’s FDNY EMS, AFSCME members advocated for and won a landmark new law to protect EMS personnel from assaults.
In New York City’s FDNY EMS, AFSCME members advocated for and won a landmark new law to protect EMS personnel from assaults.
Riverside, California
In Riverside, California/AMR, members won an EMS Professional Practice Committee to work with the employer to reduce turnover and make recommendations to improve patient care and services.
In Riverside, California/AMR, members won an EMS Professional Practice Committee to work with the employer to reduce turnover and make recommendations to improve patient care and services.
Washington, D.C.
In Washington, D.C./AMR, members won overtime penalties to limit the potential for excessive holdover demands.
In Washington, D.C./AMR, members won overtime penalties to limit the potential for excessive holdover demands.
Maricopa, Arizona
In Maricopa, Arizona/AMR, members won contract language to cap maximum consecutive shifts and provide clear guidelines for long-haul interfacility transfers.
In Maricopa, Arizona/AMR, members won contract language to cap maximum consecutive shifts and provide clear guidelines for long-haul interfacility transfers.
A Broken System
equipment
and training
Proper, functioning equipment is vital for us to do our jobs safely and effectively. But for private EMS operations, cost reigns supreme, and EMS professionals are sometimes forced to make do with ill-equipped ambulances that aren’t stocked with essential supplies.
01
01
equipment and training
Unfortunately, some people don’t view EMS professionals as first responders and providers of life sustaining services.
A Broken System
02
safety and fatigue
Working 24 hours straight with no break. Performing life-or-death medical procedures having had no sleep, no rest. Fatigue is one of the most common problems we face, since we’re often denied adequate periods of rest and recovery.
02
safety and fatigue
Working 24 hours straight with no break. Performing life-or-death medical procedures having had no sleep, no rest. Fatigue is one of the most common problems we face, since we’re often denied adequate periods of rest and recovery.
A Broken System
03
respect
Unfortunately, some people don’t view EMS professionals as first responders and providers of life-sustaining services.
03
respect
Unfortunately, some people don’t view EMS professionals as first responders and providers of life sustaining services.
A Broken System
04
danger
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, EMTs and paramedics have "one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations.”
04
danger
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, EMTs and paramedics have "one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations.”
A Broken System
05
wages and benefits
Despite playing a crucial role in our communities, EMS workers often only earn the minimum wage and we shoulder the burden of paying the full cost of our health insurance.
05
wage and benefits
Despite playing a crucial role in our communities, EMS workers often only earn the minimum wage and we shoulder the burden of paying for our health insurance.
the path forward
Learn how joining EMS Workers United/AFSCME has improved our lives on the job while elevating our profession.
a broken system
lack of equipment and training
fixing the system with afscme
equipment and training
O’Fallon, Illinois
For O’Fallon, Illinois EMS, it means tuition reimbursement up to a bachelor’s degree at their local college.
For O’Fallon, Illinois EMS, it means tuition reimbursement up to a bachelor’s degree at their local college.
Northern California
In Northern California/AMR, that means having access to employer-paid continuing education trainings.
In Northern California/AMR, that means having access to employer-paid continuing education trainings.
Lake Havasu, Arizona
In Lake Havasu, Arizona/AMR, it means strong contract language to prevent retaliation for reporting unsafe vehicles or equipment.
In Lake Havasu, Arizona/AMR, it means strong contract language to prevent retaliation for reporting unsafe vehicles or equipment.
Washington, D.C.
In Washington, D.C., that meant obtaining radios for every crew member in the private-sector American Medical Response (AMR) unit
In Washington, D.C., that meant obtaining radios for every crew member in the private-sector American Medical Response (AMR) unit
In our own words
a broken system
Poor wages and benefits
fixing the system with afscme
improving wages and benefits
In our own words
a broken system
Low safety, high fatigue
Washington, D.C.
In Washington, D.C., that meant obtaining radios for every crew member in the private-sector American Medical Response (AMR) unit
In Washington, D.C., that meant obtaining radios for every crew member in the private-sector American Medical Response (AMR) unit
Lake Havasu, Arizona
In Lake Havasu, Arizona/AMR, it means strong contract language to prevent retaliation for reporting unsafe vehicles or equipment.
In Lake Havasu, Arizona/AMR, it means strong contract language to prevent retaliation for reporting unsafe vehicles or equipment.
O’Fallon, Illinois
For O’Fallon, Illinois EMS, it means tuition reimbursement up to a bachelor’s degree at their local college.
For O’Fallon, Illinois EMS, it means tuition reimbursement up to a bachelor’s degree at their local college.
Northern California
In Northern California/AMR, that means having access to employer-paid continuing education trainings.
In Northern California/AMR, that means having access to employer-paid continuing education trainings.
fixing the system with afscme
improving safety, Reducing fatigue
New York City
In New York City’s FDNY EMS, AFSCME members advocated for and won a landmark new law to protect EMS personnel from assaults.
In New York City’s FDNY EMS, AFSCME members advocated for and won a landmark new law to protect EMS personnel from assaults.
Maricopa, Arizona
In Maricopa, Arizona/AMR, members won contract language to cap maximum consecutive shifts and provide clear guidelines for long-haul interfacility transfers.
In Maricopa, Arizona/AMR, members won contract language to cap maximum consecutive shifts and provide clear guidelines for long-haul interfacility transfers.
Riverside, California
In Riverside, California/AMR, members won an EMS Professional Practice Committee to work with the employer to reduce turnover and make recommendations to improve patient care and services.
In Riverside, California/AMR, members won an EMS Professional Practice Committee to work with the employer to reduce turnover and make recommendations to improve patient care and services.
Washington, D.C.
In Washington, D.C./AMR, members won overtime penalties to limit the potential for excessive holdover demands.
In Washington, D.C./AMR, members won overtime penalties to limit the potential for excessive holdover demands.
In our own words
a broken system
lack of respect
fixing the system with afscme
earning respect
In our own words
EMS: IN our OWN WORDS
Tired of being disrespected and ignored while giving our all, EMS professionals across the country are taking a stand.
We joined EMS Workers United/AFSCME, the union for EMS. We’re fighting for a seat at the table, a voice on the job and to be a part of the loudest, most effective union dedicated to elevating our profession.
We joined EMS Workers United/AFSCME, the union for EMS. We’re fighting for a seat at the table, a voice on the job and to be a part of the loudest, most effective union dedicated to elevating our profession.
stronger united
EMS Workers United/AFSCME has the power to negotiate contracts that raise standards in the industry and allows EMS workers to be treated like the professionals we are.
With more than 25,000 EMS members in both private and public EMS operations, and the backing of members across the country, being a part of the EMS Workers United/AFSCME family means never being ignored … at the bargaining table, in state capitals or in Washington, D.C.
We’re a family and families stand together. Our sisters and brothers in public EMS have rallied behind private EMS employees again and again, as they fight to have their voices heard. Because that’s what families do.
With more than 25,000 EMS members in both private and public EMS operations, and the backing of members across the country, being a part of the EMS Workers United/AFSCME family means never being ignored … at the bargaining table, in state capitals or in Washington, D.C.
We’re a family and families stand together. Our sisters and brothers in public EMS have rallied behind private EMS employees again and again, as they fight to have their voices heard. Because that’s what families do.
Click a video below to hear how EMS is stronger united
stronger united
EMS Workers United/AFSCME has the power to negotiate contracts that raise standards in the industry and allows EMS workers to be treated like the professionals we are.
With more than 25,000 EMS members in both private and public EMS operations, and the backing of members across the country, being a part of the EMS Workers United/AFSCME family means never being ignored … at the bargaining table, in state capitals or in Washington, D.C.
We’re a family and families stand together. Our sisters and brothers in public EMS have rallied behind private EMS employees again and again, as they fight to have their voices heard. Because that’s what families do.
With more than 25,000 EMS members in both private and public EMS operations, and the backing of members across the country, being a part of the EMS Workers United/AFSCME family means never being ignored … at the bargaining table, in state capitals or in Washington, D.C.
We’re a family and families stand together. Our sisters and brothers in public EMS have rallied behind private EMS employees again and again, as they fight to have their voices heard. Because that’s what families do.
Click a video below to hear how EMS is stronger united
join ems workers united
Joining AFSCME will help change the game for EMS professionals.
With more than 24,000 EMS workers in both the private and public sectors, we are the nation’s fastest growing EMS union. We stand united with members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), AFL-CIO.
Our mission is to improve the standards in our profession so that we can better serve the public and make EMS work a viable and respected career path.
By joining with AFSCME, we have the strength and resources to improve EMS through collective bargaining and political action, while pushing back against cuts and declining standards. To learn more, visit EMS Workers United/AFSCME.
Our mission is to improve the standards in our profession so that we can better serve the public and make EMS work a viable and respected career path.
By joining with AFSCME, we have the strength and resources to improve EMS through collective bargaining and political action, while pushing back against cuts and declining standards. To learn more, visit EMS Workers United/AFSCME.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form
With more than 24,000 EMS workers in both the private and public sectors, we are the nation’s fastest growing EMS union. We stand united with members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), AFL-CIO.
Our mission is to improve the standards in our profession so that we can better serve the public and make EMS work a viable and respected career path.
By joining with AFSCME, we have the strength and resources to improve EMS through collective bargaining and political action, while pushing back against cuts and declining standards. To learn more, visit EMS Workers United/AFSCME.
Our mission is to improve the standards in our profession so that we can better serve the public and make EMS work a viable and respected career path.
By joining with AFSCME, we have the strength and resources to improve EMS through collective bargaining and political action, while pushing back against cuts and declining standards. To learn more, visit EMS Workers United/AFSCME.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form
