Paramedics use 'right to refusal' on roadside posts

The union representing paramedics in New Brunswick says some members are refusing to park at roadside posts on Friday.

Trent Piercy, president of CUPE 4848, says paramedics are exercising a "right to refusal" to work in what they consider unsafe conditions.

Piercy said it's been an issue for some time — with some paramedics parked at a post for hours without access to washrooms or water and food.

He said the paramedics are still answering calls.

"It's not like they're refusing to go answer an inter-facility transfer or a 911 call," he said. "They're doing their work, they're doing what's requested of them, they're going and covering other communities when requested."

It will be up to Ambulance New Brunswick to figure out how to manage dispatching. ANB said it's aware of the situation and working to resolve it.