There’s a tentative agreement between the County of Essex and the union representing about 340 paramedics with Essex-Windsor EMS. CUPE Local 2974 President James Jovanovic told AM800 News the tentative deal came together yesterday after the county reached out to the union. “It is tentative, we haven’t officially signed it but there is a verbal agreement that does constitute an official tentative agreement,” he said. “We just have to work out some minor details today, we’ll sign off and then it will go to [county] council on Wednesday for approval and to the members for ratification.” Paramedics were set to strike as early as Friday morning after negotiations last Friday ended without a deal. Money and working conditions, including staffing levels, were among the key issues in the contract dispute. No date has been set for the paramedics to vote on the tentative agreement, but Jovanovic said the union is recommending acceptance. This is a developing store. More details to come.
