More than 150 EMS workers at Armstrong Ambulance Service have voted to join Teamsters Local 25 in Boston, the union has reported. 

It is believed to be a first for employees of the the Arlington-based company, founded in 1946, which has not responded to requests for comment.

The union called the June 15 vote "overwhelming," but did not report a vote count. The union said the victory follows a nearly yearlong campaign, which "faced aggressive union busting by the company."

Workers said to face challenges

Local 25 President Tom Mari said in a Teamsters news release: "These workers faced challenges along the way but kept pushing forward because they saw the benefits of joining Local 25 and what can happen when we join together as one voice.

“I’m proud to call Armstrong Ambulance workers our newest brothers and sisters, and look forward to working with them on a first contract that these new members can be proud of.”

Workers met with the Teamsters in May last year regarding unsafe conditions, low pay and what workers called a general lack of respect by the company. Together, the workers’ organizing committee and the Teamsters Joint Council 10 New England Organizing Department conducted one-on-one meetings with more than 65 percent of the company. This campaign faced numerous challenges such as high turnover and daily union busting by the company. Workers held strong despite these challenges and today have emerged victorious.

The EMTs, paramedics and chair-car drivers work out of bases in Arlington, Waltham, Medford, Brighton, Saugus, Stoneham and Woburn.

The Joint Council 10 Organizing Department has worked on this campaign for months, informing workers of the organizing process and the strength in being part of the Teamsters Union.

“They are the first responders who make sure we get the best possible treatment during the worst of possible times,” said Mari. “The Joint Council 10 Organizing Department worked tirelessly to make sure that these workers got the union representation they deserve.”

July 22, 2019: Armstrong earns renewed national accreditation

This news summary was published Wednesday, June 22, 2022. When an Armstrong representative responds, those comments will be published.