Peterborough County Council has given the green light to a new 3-year collective agreement for the Peterborough County/City Paramedic union, CUPE Local 4911. The agreement follows extensive negotiations between the union and the County, facilitated by a conciliator appointed by the Ministry of Labour.
Both parties engaged in intensive bargaining sessions to address their respective concerns, ultimately avoiding the complications of a strike or arbitrated settlement. The employees covered by the agreement are set to receive a 3% wage increase annually for the period spanning from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2025. This adjustment aims to keep wages competitive with other ambulance services in the Eastern Region.
The new contract introduces several enhancements, including improvements to hours of work and working conditions, clarification on the overtime payment process, adjustments to reporting pay provisions to align with current practices, nightshift and weekend shift premiums, and advancements in health benefits, with a specific focus on mental health.
Both the union and the County expressed satisfaction with the finalized agreement, highlighting the collaborative efforts that led to a mutually beneficial resolution without resorting to more contentious measures.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)