Editor's note: The story appearing in today's issue of The Gulf News reflected the situation as of deadline time on Friday. At that time, there was no indication that talks would resume.
Kirby Mauger worked as a paramedic for Mackenzie’s Ambulance Service until the quarrel ended his and 10 others’ employment with the organization.
In a couple of articles in The Star, Steve Carey, one of the ambulance company’s owners, said the 11 employees quit. Mauger maintains they were fired.
Meetings aimed at getting the regular crews back on the road went ahead Thursday afternoon and in the morning Friday.
Talks broke off at about 11:45 a.m. and the parties got back to the table some time after 2 p.m. By the time 4:50 p.m. came the two parties were close to a deal.
Mauger said the employer needs to resolve two technical details that have to be worked out with government departments which were closed as of 4:30 p.m., so no more could be done.
There will be meetings through the weekend to update the employees embroiled in the dispute on the progress, but not much more.
“ We’re hopeful Monday morning to get back to negotiations,” Mauger said.
The Western Star
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