Just four days before a possible strike, CUPE 2974 members and Essex-Windsor Emergency Medical Services (EWEMS) have reached a tentative agreement following months of negotiations.
The parties worked through the evening on Monday to finalize the agreement after EWEMS returned to the table willing to move on several outstanding issues.
“This came down to the wire but ultimately we came to an agreement that will make a difference for paramedics, help our service, and enable the long-term health of emergency medical care in Essex-Windsor,” said James Jovanovic, president of CUPE 2974. “I’m proud of our members for holding firm and I’m happy to be bringing this deal back.”
The tentative deal still must be ratified by both sides. CUPE 2974’s roughly 350 paramedics will begin voting on Thursday and will have until next Tuesday to cast ballots. EWEMS will vote tomorrow. No details of the tentative agreement will be released publicly until it has been fully presented to members and ratified by both parties.
“Paramedics showed we are willing to stand together and fight for what this profession needs,” said Jovanovic. “That solidarity, coupled with broad support from the community, gave our bargaining team the strength we needed to negotiate an agreement we will proudly recommend.”
