Penfield Webster EMS workers organize under Teamsters banner

The organizing effort stems from widespread concerns regarding arbitrary management decisions, workplace favoritism, and instances of retaliation. By aligning with the Teamsters, these EMTs and paramedics intend to leverage collective bargaining to establish standardized pay, predictable scheduling, and professional respect. Local 118 President Timothy L. Barbeto emphasized that the union is prepared to prioritize these issues during upcoming contract negotiations to ensure the agency remains a sustainable place for long-term careers.

For staff member Michael Waterhouse, the transition represents a necessary step toward stabilizing the workforce. He noted that fair scheduling and consistent treatment are critical to the operational success of the agency. Teamsters Local 118 currently represents over 5,000 workers throughout upstate New York and Northern Pennsylvania, providing the newly unionized group with the institutional backing required to challenge existing workplace policies.