Tentative deal for Essex-Windsor EMS

Tentative deal for Essex-Windsor EMS. The County of Essex and CUPE Local 2974.2 reached a tentative three-year agreement ahead of a possible strike. It still needs ratification by County Council (Wednesday night) and union members. Terms not released yet.

The agreement covers Essex-Windsor EMS paramedics and support staff represented by CUPE Local 2974.2, which the County says represents more than 300 employees. If ratified, it would take effect retroactively to April 1, 2026, after the previous collective agreement expired.

What happens next

The County says the agreement remains subject to ratification by both County Council and union members. Council will consider it Wednesday night, and the bargaining committees for both sides are recommending ratification. Details will not be released until the ratification process is complete, the County says.

Union president James Jovanovic told CBC News the deal was reached Monday night after the County reached out to the union earlier in the day. He said the union will hold information sessions with members Thursday and Friday and expects a final vote count by the end of the weekend.

"A deal is always better than the potential for a strike. Nobody wanted that," Jovanovic told CBC News.

"We are pleased that the two sides have reached a tentative agreement," County CAO Sandra Zwiers said in the County release.

Background

A strike had been possible as early as Friday, Oct. 9, the union said. Windsor News has asked the County and CUPE 2974 for details.