County, CUPE Local 2974.2 reach new four-year contract

Special to the RTT

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.

The County of Essex made the announcement via press release last Thursday afternoon.

“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.”

Essex 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,