County, CUPE Local 2974.2 Reach Four-Year Deal

Essex-Windsor EMS Paramedics represented by CUPE Local 2974.2 have ratified a four-year Collective Bargaining Agreement that provides annual wage increases, enhancements to holidays and benefits, and improvements to protocols governing sick leave, overtime and scheduling.

“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 Essex-Windsor EMS Chief Bruce 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.”

County Council approved the agreement in June and it was ratified by union members Wednesday. CUPE Local 2974.2 represents more than 300 Paramedics and support staff.

“Paramedics have extremely demanding jobs and routinely deal with systemic stresses as they attend to their day-to-day calls,” said James Jovanovic, Local 2974.2 President. “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.”

Kristie Cronin, Director of Human Resources for the County of Essex, praised union leadership for their professionalism at the bargaining table and for engaging in positive discussions that led to this agreement and lay such a solid foundation for the future.

The contract is retroactive to April 1, 2022 and runs through to March 31, 2026. It provides for the following wage increases:

  • April 1, 2022 – 1.5%
  • September 26, 2022 - 1.5%
  • April 1, 2023 – 1.5%
  • September 25, 2023 - 1.5%
  • April 1, 2024 – 1.5%
  • October 7, 2024 – 1.5% plus additional $0.15 for Primary Care Paramedics and $0.25 for Advanced Care Paramedics
  • April 1, 2025 - 1.5%
  • October 6, 2025 – 1.5% plus additional $0.15 for Primary Care Paramedics and $0.25 for Advanced Care Paramedics

The contract has a number of other enhancements, including improvements to holidays, benefits, overtime and shift premiums.