Essex-Windsor EMS contract talks had broken down, but are expected to pick back up this week. The union and the county have a conciliation date set for Thursday. Negotiations have been going on for months after paramedics with CUPE Local 2974 voted 100 per cent in favour of strike action in February. Workers have been without a contract since the end of March, and a big point of contention is keeping pace across the province as other markets are competing to recruit and retain workers. The union says it is hopeful for progress and a deal is needed to stay competitive and keep employees from burning out. “We’re looking for stabilization, the ability to recruit and retain, to offer protections such as mental health supports, things in line with other first responders that we’re simply not competitive with,” said James Jovanovic, CUPE Local 2974 president. If the deal isn’t reached, there will be other bargaining dates. Jovanovic said the goal is to reach a deal and avoid a situation where patients are impacted by strike action. - With files from CTV Windsor’s Robert Lothian.
