County of Essex Reaches Tentative Agreement with CUPE Local 2974.2

The County of Essex has reached a tentative three-year agreement with Essex-Windsor EMS paramedics and support staff represented by CUPE Local 2974.2.

The agreement would take effect retroactively to April 1, 2026, following the expiry of the previous collective agreement. Details of the agreement are not being released until the ratification process is complete. The bargaining committees for both the County and CUPE Local 2974.2 are recommending ratification of the tentative agreement. County Council will consider the agreement Wednesday night.

“Essex-Windsor EMS paramedics and support staff provide an essential service to our community every day, often under extraordinarily challenging circumstances, and this tentative agreement reflects the importance of that work,” said County of Essex CAO Sandra Zwiers. “We are pleased that the two sides have reached a tentative agreement and I want to thank everyone involved for the time and effort they have devoted to the bargaining process.”

Essex-Windsor EMS Chief Justin Lammers said reaching a tentative agreement provides an opportunity to move forward together with a renewed focus on supporting the paramedics and support staff who work every day to deliver high-quality emergency medical services to residents of Windsor, Essex County and Pelee Island.

CUPE Local 2974.2 represents more than 300 employees with Essex-Windsor EMS.

The tentative agreement remains subject to ratification by both County Council and CUPE Local 2974.2 members.