Mediator Appointed To Avert Paramedic Strike

A mediator has been appointed in an effort to solve a contract dispute and possible strike by paramedics in Nova Scotia. Labour Minister Frank Corbett has named John Clarke to help in contract negotiations between the union that represents the paramedics and their employer, Emergency Medical Care. Corbett says he believes both sides care about patients and he is confident they are working to avoid a disruption in health care services. The paramedics will be in a legal strike position Saturday. They are represented by represented by the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 727. Clarke is a veteran arbitrator and lawyer from Newfoundland.