The threat of an unprecedented work action by Essex-Windsor paramedics is officially over.
Over 350 paramedics, represented by Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 2974.2, have ratified a new three-year contract with Essex County.
The voting took place over the long weekend. The results were announced on Tuesday afternoon.
"Essex-Windsor EMS paramedics and support staff provide critical services to residents of Windsor, Essex County, and Pelee Island, often under extraordinarily challenging circumstances," said Essex County CAO Sandra Zwiers. "We appreciate the work they do every day and are pleased to have reached an agreement that recognizes their contributions and allows us to move forward together."
The agreement includes a 6.64 per cent wage increase, retroactive to April 1, 2026. It also includes a 6.25 per cent raise in April 2027, a 3.13 per cent increase in April 2028, and a 3.94 per cent raise in October 2028.
Also included are enhanced mental health benefits for paramedics and their families, along with occupational psychological health and support provisions following critical incidents.
Essex-Windsor EMS Chief Justin Lammers said those benefits are crucial.
"Supporting the health and well-being of our paramedics and support staff is essential to the continued delivery of high-quality emergency medical services," said Lammers. "We look forward to working together under the new agreement and continuing to provide the best possible care to the communities we serve."
The union was prepared to begin strike action as late as Friday if there was no agreement. CUPE Local 2974.2 President James Jovanovic told WindsorNewsToday.ca last week that movement toward a deal was "rather unexpected".
"The county reached out late [October 5], just to inquire whether our last position was still on the table," Jovanovic said last week. "We confirmed that it was. The county was willing to move in a few areas that were able to put us close enough."
The new contract is effective through midnight on March 31, 2029.
