..education - main page
Circadian Shift Schedule Survey
In 1976, the Toronto Civic Employees’ Union and the newly formed Toronto Ambulance Service agreed to a 240 hour 6-week cycle. This cycle has served as the foundation of scheduling ever since. For the most part, it has remained unchanged over the last 34 years.
Scheduling concerns have often found their way to the bargaining table and have formed part of numerous joint Union/Management discussions. During collective bargaining in 2005, the parties agreed to look more closely at shift pattern options that would better accommodate the various scheduling needs of Local 416 members while putting more paramedics on the road when they are most needed.
In 2007, TCEU Local 416 approached management with a proposal to hire an independent third party to assist in the development of an alternate shift schedule that would better meet the needs of Toronto EMS Paramedics. Since then, the Hours of Work Committee has worked diligently to secure an international expert in the field of scheduling design. We are pleased to announce that Circadian Technologies Inc. has been awarded this contract.
Circadian Technologies is an international research and consulting firm specializing in 24-hour business operations and how they affect the health of shift workers. The company utilizes an objective and scientific approach to scheduling that includes the input from frontline staff in designing a schedule that is customized to our specific needs.
Circadian is working with us to explore different shift schedule options, and as part of this process the following is a brief overview of our "next steps":
•Deliver staff information sessions and information (see video above)
•Staff complete Circadian survey during winter Continuing Medical Education to determine staff scheduling needs and preferences
•Circadian evaluates survey data and works with the parties to develop alternative schedule choices that meet operating criteria and Paramedic preferences
•Presentation of schedule options and ranking by Paramedics – September 2010
•Top two schedules presented to Paramedics for ranking – October 2010
•Top ranked schedule presented to membership for ratification – November 2010
•1 year pilot with selected schedule(s) – tentative trial start is currently January 2011
This is a unique opportunity for all Toronto EMS Paramedics to have input into the type of schedule and the features that you would like to see. We strongly encourage Toronto EMS Paramedics to watch the video below and to click on the links for further information on the physiological effects of working shift work.
