Essex County and the union representing more than 350 Essex-Windsor EMS paramedics and support staff have ratified a new three-year collective agreement. The agreement between the county and CUPE Local 2974.2 takes effect retroactively to April 1, 2026, and runs through March 31, 2029. Under the deal, primary care paramedics and advanced care paramedics will receive wage increases of 6.64 per cent effective April 1, 2026, 6.25 per cent on April 1, 2027, 3.13 per cent on April 1, 2028, and 3.94 per cent on Oct. 1, 2028. By the final increase, the top hourly wage for Primary Care Paramedics will rise to $56.50, while Advanced Care Paramedics will earn up to $60.13 per hour. The agreement also includes enhanced mental health benefits for eligible employees and their dependants, along with new occupational psychological health and support provisions for workers following critical incidents. Essex County council approved the agreement Oct. 7. CUPE Local 2974.2 members ratified it Tuesday. In a statement, County of Essex CAO Sandra Zwiers said the agreement recognizes the contributions of paramedics and support staff, who provide emergency medical services across Windsor, Essex County and Pelee Island. Essex-Windsor EMS Chief Justin Lammers said the contract includes measures aimed at supporting employee health and well-being while maintaining emergency medical services in the region.
