The Yukon Employees Union is worried about the government handing off ambulance services to the hospital.

Earlier this week, Health and Social Services Minister Peter Jenkins announced a series of changes to the Yukon's ambulance services.

In the government's press release, the top issue is the fact the honoraria for ambulance attendants in rural Yukon will be increased as of Apr. 1.

The release then talks about the government paying for uniforms and training.

However, for YEU president Dave Hobbis, the big issue is further down the release.

'Jenkins also announced that as part of ongoing efforts to improve the delivery of health care to all Yukoners, the government is negotiating the transfer of all emergency medical services to the Yukon Hospital Corporation.'

'They sort of just brushed over it and got onto what good people they are,' Hobbis said in an interview today about the transfer.

Hobbis also noted that while it's called a 'transfer' it is really a sale of government services to a private company.

The union president noted problems with ambulance services, including a lack of volunteers in Teslin, has made it an issue the government has had to deal with in the past few months.

Hobbis never heard anyone suggest to Jenkins one way to solve the matter is to shuffle it out of the government's control.

He wonders why the minister is not dealing with the concerns surrounding ambulance services in the Yukon.

The union head believes the government's decision to hand off the responsibility is politically motivated.

'We think it's politically motivated because it's already become a hot topic,' said Hobbis. 'It hasn't gone away.'

In an interview Thursday, Jenkins said the government's announcement on ambulance services is 'a good news story.'

'For him, it's probably all a good news story,' said Hobbis. 'He's divesting himself of a headache.'

The union leader is also concerned with the fact there will be less accountability in how ambulance services are dealt with since the minister has passed off the responsibility.

'The whole accountability factor is greatly decreased.'

The government press release indicates the government met with the union on this matter.

While they did meet, Hobbis said, there was zero consultation with the YEU on this issue.

Last week, a meeting was set up with Hobbis and government officials for this past Monday. However, he was not told what the session was about.

At the meeting, with Public Service Commissioner Patricia Daws and deputy Health minister Rob McWilliam, Hobbis was told about the government's decision to shift control of ambulance services.

'That was the total extent of communication with the union (on this matter),' said Hobbis.

Jenkins' announcement outlined that ambulance volunteers in the communities will receive $20, $22.50 or $25 per hour while on the job, depending on their training.

Currently, the rates are $15, $18 and $20.

Plus, the government is adding a new category for volunteers with a class four licence. Those volunteers will be paid $18 per hour.

Jenkins said this was an area he identified as one that needed the attention. He said the last time honoraria were adjusted was in 1975.

The Yukon Party government did not deal with it until now because 'this budget cycle was the first one we had some flexibility,' said the minister.

'I admit, it's taken me more time than I would've like to have taken.'

The minister said he is also prepared to look at bonuses on top of the honoraria.

Included in the announcement is a yearly clothing allowance for the volunteers.

Hobbis said the recognition of some of the concerns by raising the wages is good but the sale to the hospital corporation is still a problem.

Both opposition parties appreciated the increases.

'It's very good and hallelujah,' Liberal Leader Pat Duncan said of the raises.

But both parties, like Hobbis, are concerned with the transfer of control.

New Democratic MLA Eric Fairclough said that when he read the government press release, it first appeared the minister had learned from past problems and first consulted with the union.

But when Hobbis raised Cain about the matter, the New Democrat realized the minister had not consulted with the union about the sale.

'Again, we cannot believe the Yukon Party government when they have consulted,' Fairclough said.

Duncan is concerned that just because the government has promised the volunteers they will receive more money doesn't mean it will always be available.

The Liberal leader wants to know if the government will guarantee it will pay the hospital corporation each year for the attendants' wages.

Hobbis noted that the hospital corporation has had to go to the government looking for money for other items and has had to publicly raise funds for equipment.

'What happens if the government's not going to give them the money?' he wondered.

Fairclough said he is concerned there is no money to pay for training for attendants.

Duncan also expressed concerns there is nothing in the deal for training.

The press release said the volunteers 'will receive payment for taking training if they are still providing services six months after receipt of training.'

Duncan feels the extra money, while good for the rural attendants, is a shot at the Whitehorse ambulance workers, because they won't receive the increases.

She believes all attendants should receive the same hourly rate.