There is optimism that job action might be averted as some unionized private ambulance operators return to the bargaining table even as members prepare to vote on possible job action later this week.

Hubert Dawe of Teamsters Local 855 says Fewer’s has agreed to come to the table and negotiate today and tomorrow prior to the strike vote on Friday.

Dawe says he is “optimistic,” and has his fingers crossed that they will get somewhere with talks.

Freake’s has also agreed to come back to the table, although it doesn’t look like those meetings will take place before the voting deadline on Sunday, but Dawe hopes those talks will begin shortly after.

Meanwhile, an agreement has been reached with Russell’s on the west coast.