Essex County council has ratified a tentative collective agreement with the union representing more than 300 paramedics and support staff with Essex-Windsor EMS. The agreement was reached between the county and CUPE Local 2974.2 and has been endorsed by both bargaining teams. The union’s bargaining team is recommending that members ratify the deal, which remains subject to approval by the membership. Details of the agreement will not be released until the ratification process is complete, the county said. In a statement, Essex County Warden Hilda MacDonald said paramedics and support staff provide essential services to residents across Windsor, Essex County and Pelee Island, often in difficult circumstances. “Our paramedics and support staff provide vital services every day, often under extraordinarily challenging circumstances. This tentative agreement reflects the importance of that work,” MacDonald said. She thanked employees for their service and acknowledged both bargaining teams for their efforts during negotiations. The county has not said when the union membership vote will take place.
