Windsor-Essex's Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) finally have a new contract.
The County of Essex announced Thursday afternoon that Essex-Windsor EMS paramedics, represented by Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 2974.2, ratified the new four-year pact.
"Paramedics have extremely demanding jobs and routinely deal with systemic stresses as they attend to their day-to-day calls," said CUPE Local 2974.2 President James Jovanovic. "This contract respects their dedication and commitment, with improvements on multiple fronts, and our members are keen to move forward and continue providing exceptional care to area residents."
Essex-Windsor EMS Chief Bruce Krauter praised the union leadership after a long, tough stretch of bargaining.
"Our paramedics work hard every day on behalf of the residents of Windsor, Essex County, and Pelee Island, and this fiscally responsible agreement acknowledges the difficult work they do," said Krauter. "I want to thank the union leadership for working with us at the bargaining table to craft an agreement that will enhance our service levels and improve the working experience of front-line staff."
The new contract is retroactive to April 1, 2022, and expires on March 31, 2026. It includes a 1.5 per cent raise, given each April and September during each year of the deal. Also, in October 2024 and October 2025, will be a 15-cent per hour premium, or 25 cents per hour for an advanced care paramedic.
The contract also includes improvements to holidays, benefits, overtime, and shift premiums.
The deal was reached last month and was approved by Essex County Council.