CUPE Local 2974.2 members have ratified a three-year deal for 350+ Essex-Windsor EMS

CUPE Local 2974.2 members have ratified a three-year deal for 350+ Essex-Windsor EMS paramedics and support staff, the County of Essex said. Wages rise in four steps through Oct. 2028, with added mental-health supports. Council approved it Oct. 7.

Topics: HealthCouncil and City Hall

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The new agreement between the County of Essex and CUPE Local 2974.2 is now in place after union members voted to ratify it on Oct. 13, the County announced Tuesday. Essex County Council approved the same agreement on Oct. 7. The local represents more than 350 Essex-Windsor EMS paramedics and support staff.

Term and wages

The agreement runs for three years. It takes effect retroactively to April 1, 2026, after the previous collective agreement expired, and runs through March 31, 2029. The County listed four wage increases:

| Effective date | Increase | |---|---| | April 1, 2026 | 6.64 per cent | | April 1, 2027 | 6.25 per cent | | April 1, 2028 | 3.13 per cent | | October 1, 2028 | 3.94 per cent |

The increases apply to both Primary Care Paramedics (PCPs) and Advanced Care Paramedics (ACPs). By Oct. 1, 2028, the top hourly wage will reach $56.50 for PCPs and $60.13 for ACPs.

Mental health

The agreement also includes enhanced mental-health benefits for eligible employees and their dependants. It adds new occupational psychological health and support provisions following critical incidents.

What officials said

County of Essex CAO Sandra Zwiers said paramedics and support staff serve Windsor, Essex County and Pelee Island "often under extraordinarily challenging circumstances," and that the County is "pleased to have reached an agreement that recognizes their contributions and allows us to move forward together."

Essex-Windsor EMS Chief Justin Lammers said, "We look forward to working together under the new agreement and continuing to provide the best possible care to the communities we serve."

Background

The two sides reached a tentative agreement on Oct. 6. A strike had been possible as early as Oct. 9. Members voted from Thursday, Oct. 8, until noon on Tuesday, Oct. 13. The County did not release vote totals.