The threat of a strike by paramedics at the Essex-Windsor EMS could be over.
CUPE Local 2974.2 President James Jovanovic told WindsorNewsToday.ca that a verbal agreement was reached late Monday night between the union and the County of Essex.
The union represents 340 paramedics, who are fighting for better wages and working conditions. It says the service is short at least 50 paramedics.
The union is recommending ratification.
"We were very close to our ultimate goal. It wasn't entirely what we were looking for in all areas, but we got so close we were more than comfortable," said Jovanovic.
The county released its own statement on Tuesday morning.
"Essex-Windsor EMS paramedics and support staff provide an essential service to our community every day, often under extraordinarily challenging circumstances, and this tentative agreement reflects the importance of that work," said Essex County CAO Sandra Zwiers. "We are pleased that the two sides have reached a tentative agreement and I want to thank everyone involved for the time and effort they have devoted to the bargaining process."
As of last Friday, the union said talks with the county were at a stalemate.
"It was rather unexpected," said Jovanovic. "The county reached out late yesterday afternoon, just to inquire whether our last position was still on the table. We confirmed that it was. The county was willing to move in a few areas that were able to put us close enough."
Reaching a tentative deal has been an arduous journey for both sides.
Paramedics were expected to walk off the job on Friday if there was no agreement, marking the first service delivery disruption in Essex Windsor EMS's history.
The Ontario Labour Relations Board ruled Essex Windsor EMS could cut services by 20 per cent should there be a strike. It would have meant a ten per cent reduction in ambulance service, and a ten per cent reduction in support and administrative staff.
In August, Jovanovic said the talks were about the stability of the service going forward.
"A lasting agreement requires meaningful solutions to the recruitment and retention crisis, along with seriousness, consistency, and a genuine commitment to resolution at the bargaining table," he said.
The union is recommending its members ratify the agreement. There will be two information sessions for members on Thursday and Friday. Voting online on the agreement will start on Friday afternoon and stay open until noon on Tuesday.
The results of the ratification vote could be known by Tuesday afternoon.
