NYC ambulance workers back Andrew Cuomo for mayor, abandon Eric Adams amid contract squabbles

Unions representing New York City’s ambulance service workers have made a surprising endorsement in the upcoming mayoral race, throwing their support behind ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo instead of the incumbent Eric Adams. This move marks a significant shift from their endorsement of Adams four years ago.

The EMS workers, represented by the FDNY EMS Local 2507 and Uniformed EMS Officers Union Local 3621, have been facing challenges with expired labor contracts, low pay, and a lack of resources. Despite their crucial role in the city’s emergency response, they have been struggling to make ends meet.

Local 3621 represents 600 EMS officers, while Local 2507 represents 4,100 members, including emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and fire protection inspectors who were on the front lines during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. These frontline workers have been dealing with inadequate compensation and increasing demands on their services.

The unions cited their dissatisfaction with the current administration’s handling of their labor contracts and the overall lack of support for EMS workers. They believe that Andrew Cuomo is the candidate who can address these issues and prioritize the safety and well-being of New Yorkers.

One of the major concerns raised by the unions is the increase in ambulance response times during life-threatening emergencies. The FDNY has attributed this to staffing shortages and recruitment challenges, leading to a decrease in the overall capacity of EMS services.

Cuomo has pledged to address the grievances of EMS technicians and paramedics, promising to provide them with the resources they need to perform their jobs effectively. He has also highlighted the plight of EMS families living in homeless shelters and stressed the importance of respecting and valuing the work of these frontline heroes.

Despite the controversies surrounding Cuomo’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the nursing home directive and the publication of a book on the crisis, the unions believe that he demonstrated strong leadership during a challenging time. They commend his responsiveness to their concerns and his commitment to supporting EMS workers.

As the front-runner for the Democratic nomination, Cuomo’s endorsement by the EMS unions could boost his campaign and highlight the importance of addressing the needs of essential workers in the city. Meanwhile, Adams has announced that he will not run in the Democratic primary, opting for a re-election bid as an independent candidate.

Overall, the unions’ endorsement of Cuomo underscores the urgent need for better support and recognition of EMS workers in New York City, and the importance of prioritizing their well-being in the upcoming mayoral race.