Hunter’s Ambulance

Statement from Gary Havican, president of Hunter’s Ambulance

June 23, 2023

Hunter’s Ambulance provided the union with an enhanced offer on June 15. Since then, the union has not accepted the offer or presented a formal counterproposal. We do not understand why the union is talking about a work stoppage instead of focusing on reaching an agreement.

Hunter’s latest proposal follows membership’s rejection of a tentative agreement unanimously recommended by the union’s committee in May.  Since then, Hunter’s considered and addressed each issue cited by the union as reasons for rejection. Hunter’s enhanced offer also provides substantial, front-loaded wage increases averaging 17.2% over four years.

Among other benefits, we are offering enhanced health benefits with a lower deductible, and extending them to regular part-time employees; adding employer-paid disability benefits; increasing the employer 401(k) match by 2%; supporting training; expanding paid time off benefits; and more.

This latest proposal provides above-market wages and the most employee-friendly scheduling policies among Connecticut’s commercial EMS providers.

Since acquiring the ambulance service two years ago, Hunter’s has invested more than $3 million in health, training and safety enhancements, including an upgraded communication platform and new medical equipment, which have greatly benefited our employees and our patients.

close

June marks 2 years since Hunter’s Ambulance became part of Hartford HealthCare — and we are proud of what we’ve accomplished together.

Hartford HealthCare has invested more than $3 million to enhance the training, safety and wellness of our Hunter’s colleagues.
 

Our safety investments include:

  • Replacing unreliable radio communication system with a new, digital network.
  • New uniforms that include hi-visibility jackets for all colleagues
  • Updated ambulance modems to help enhance tracking

Our infrastructure investment include: 

  • Four new ambulances with ongoing plans to continuously update the fleet
  • Brand new stretchers, stair chairs and AEDs

And when it comes to health and well-being of our Hunter’s colleagues:

  • We’ve introduced time outs, which allows colleagues an immediate break after a critical call.
  • Development of a new peer support team
  • Hunter’s is also the leading sponsor for statewide EMS mental health and wellness training seminar

We are also very proud what we are offering our Hunter’s colleagues:

  • Substantial wage increases 
  • Reduction in health insurance costs and lower deductibles
  • Insurance for part-time employees
  • Improved short-term and long-term disability benefits
We look forward to our future together and know that we will continue to work together to care for our communities.