Cleveland tightens paramedic sick-time rules

CLEVELAND (AP) — The city of Cleveland is tightening paramedic employee rules because of a rash of sick time that cut the numbers of ambulances on the street.

The agreement Thursday with the paramedics union resolves a city directive ordering vacationing employees back to work this week to ease the shortage.

Sick time involving paramedics has increased by about 20 percent this year.

The new rules require paramedics to fill out a form noting their absence within 24 hours of returning to work. If they don’t complete the form, they won’t be paid.

The city will now check on paramedics at home if more than six call off sick and they can be disciplined if they are not home.