Item - 2020.EX16.21
Tracking Status
- City Council adopted this item on November 25 and 26, 2020 with amendments.
- City Council considered this item on September 30, October 1 and 2, 2020 and postponed its consideration to a later date. Consult the text of the decision for further information on the deferral.
- This item was considered by the Executive Committee on September 23, 2020 and adopted without amendment. It will be considered by City Council on September 30, October 1 and 2, 2020.
EX16.21 - Ratio of Full-time to Part-time Paramedics
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Amended
- Wards:
- All
City Council Decision
City Council on November 25 and 26, 2020, adopted the following:
1. City Council receive the report (September 8, 2020) from the City Manager and the Chief People Officer for information.
2. City Council request the Chief People Officer and the Chief, Toronto Paramedic Services, in collaboration and consultation with CUPE Local 416, to address staff fatigue and mental health amongst front line paramedics and report back on the progress to the February 2 and 3, 2021 meeting of City Council.
Background Information (Committee)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2020/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-156452.pdf
Motions (City Council)
That City Council request the Chief People Officer and the Chief, Toronto Paramedic Services, in collaboration and consultation with CUPE Local 416, to address staff fatigue and mental health amongst front line paramedics and report back on the progress to the February 2 and 3, 2021 meeting of City Council.
Councillor Thompson, on a Point of Order, stated that he believes the Item should be considered in closed session as the matter is currently before arbitration.
The City Solicitor advised Council that questions should be answered in closed session.
Councillor Holyday, on a Point of Order, stated that he understood Councillor Layton had a motion on this Item.
EX16.21 - Ratio of Full-time to Part-time Paramedics
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Deferred
- Wards:
- All
City Council Decision
City Council on September 30, October 1 and 2, 2020, deferred consideration of Item EX16.21 to the November 25 and 26, 2020 meeting of City Council.
Background Information (Committee)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2020/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-156452.pdf
Motions (City Council)
That consideration of the item be deferred until the November 25 and 26, 2020 meeting of City Council.
EX16.21 - Ratio of Full-time to Part-time Paramedics
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Adopted
- Wards:
- All
Committee Recommendations
The Executive Committee recommends that:
1. City Council receive the report (September 8, 2020) from the City Manager and the Chief People Officer for information.
Origin
Summary
The purpose of this report is to respond to the July 28, 2020, Council request that the City Manager and the Chief People Officer, in consultation with the Medical Officer of Health, report back to City Council on a possible change to the ratio of full-time to part-time Paramedics so that more Paramedics have paid sick days to decrease the likelihood of Paramedics working in other positions that may expose them to greater risk. Toronto Paramedic Services was also consulted for this report.
As the COVID-19 pandemic has persisted, the City and Toronto Paramedic Services have continued to implement and maintain initiatives to support the wellness of all Toronto Paramedic Services staff, including part-time Paramedics:
Uninterrupted pay for every Toronto Paramedic Services employee on self-isolation due to possible exposure to COVID-19.
Part-time Paramedics absent due to COVID-19-related symptoms continue to be compensated for pre-scheduled shifts.
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) benefits coverage for all accepted claims regarding illnesses/injuries acquired while working, including COVID-19.
Launch of a Staff Support Centre to track COVID-19-related absences and to answer staff enquiries related to the pandemic.
Self-screening of all staff for symptoms of illness prior to starting work each shift to increase protection of paramedics and the public.
Psychological Health and Wellness Plan for all staff, focused on prevention, reduction of stigma, timely intervention, post-incident support and increasing available resources.
In April 2020, the City approved the provision of psychological services for part-time Paramedics provided through the BEACON program offered by the City's benefits provider, Green Shield Canada.
It should also be noted that, in Ontario, both full-time and part-time Paramedics are permitted to work for more than one employer. A portion of both full-time and part-time Toronto Paramedic Services Paramedics are known to work for other Paramedic services outside Toronto.
In addition, the Ontario government has provided funding for temporary pandemic pay to all active frontline Paramedics, regardless of job classification, in the form of a temporary top-up based on hourly wages as well as monthly lump sum payments. This pay is in recognition of the challenges and heightened risk faced during the COVID-19 outbreak. The goals of this temporary pandemic pay were to provide additional support and relief to frontline workers, encourage staff to continue working and attract prospective employees, and to help maintain safe staffing levels and the operation of critical frontline services.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2020/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-156452.pdf