County of Essex and CUPE Local 2974.2 Ratify Three-Year Collective Agreement

The County of Essex and CUPE Local 2974.2, which represents more than 350 Essex-Windsor EMS paramedics and support staff, have ratified a new three-year collective agreement.

The agreement takes effect retroactively to April 1, 2026, following the expiry of the previous collective agreement, and runs through March 31, 2029.

The agreement provides the following wage increases:

• 6.64 per cent effective April 1, 2026
• 6.25 per cent effective April 1, 2027
•  3.13 per cent effective April 1, 2028
•  3.94 per cent effective October 1, 2028

The increases apply to both Primary Care Paramedics (PCPs) and Advanced Care Paramedics (ACPs). The top hourly wage for PCPs will reach $56.50 effective October 1, 2028. The corresponding top hourly wage for ACPs will be $60.13.

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

“Essex-Windsor EMS paramedics and support staff provide critical services to residents of Windsor, Essex County and Pelee Island, often under extraordinarily challenging circumstances,” said County of Essex CAO Sandra Zwiers. “We appreciate the work they do every day and are pleased to have reached an agreement that recognizes their contributions and allows us to move forward together.”

Essex-Windsor EMS Chief Justin Lammers said the agreement includes important measures to support employees as they carry out their demanding work.

“Supporting the health and well-being of our paramedics and support staff is essential to the continued delivery of high-quality emergency medical services,” said Lammers. “We look forward to working together under the new agreement and continuing to provide the best possible care to the communities we serve.”

Essex County Council approved the agreement on October 7. It was ratified by CUPE Local 2974.2 members on Oct. 13.