BROCKTON, Mass. (
MyFoxBoston.com) -- They rallied outside, they rallied inside. With time running out, AMR ambulance workers took what may be their last best shot to save their jobs in Brockton.
"We don't believe we lost this contract. We believe it was taken away," one ambulance worker said.
It was taken away, AMR says, by Brockton Mayor Bill Carpenter, who
received a recommendation to rehire AMR from a panel charged with reviewing proposed contracts, but went, instead, with Brewster Ambulance, despite the fact AMR has been providing the city's ambulance service for 34 years.
"It's problematic for me that the fire chief doesn't agree with what the city is doing. And I don't agree with what the city is doing right now, either," said State Rep. Michelle DuBois.
On Monday night, union and corporate representatives aimed their collective fire at Brockton's City Council, even though that body has no power to override the mayor's contractual decisions.
But AMR is hoping to keep pressure on the mayor, so he'll change his mind.
"We want the city council to have that conversation with the mayor," said AMR paramedic Marty Tyrrell. "Ask him why did he make this odd decision in complete contrast to all of the experts who told him AMR was the unanimous decision."
Some are suggesting the mayor's decision was politically motivated.
AMR says if it stands, jobs could be lost.
"There's a potential for lay-offs, tp to the entire division," said AMR general manager David Pelletier.
That would mean about 100 people out of work.
But support for the AMR workers seems to be growing. At the roadside picket, many honked their horns in solidarity, and some residents came by in the pouring rain.
"They do a great job. They really do," said Brockton resident Kathie Layton. "And I appreciate everything they've done for me."
And something perhaps more ominous for the mayor: About 1,000 Brockton voters sent cards saying they won't be supporting him in the next election.
