Deal inked

The union representing rural paramedics has reached a deal with the city, closing the door on any possible work stoppage.

Some 80 full-time EMS staff in the district will get a 1.5 per cent salary increase retroactive from Jan. 1, with another 1.5 per cent in 2012. Superior North EMS director Norm Gale said he’s happy that the deal is done and no work stoppage was necessary.

"We have some significant challenges in EMS. The system is under strain and our paramedics are feeling that strain," Gale said.

Gale said the contract for the paramedics, working in 15 municipalities throughout the district, is the same as paramedics working in Thunder Bay. And with the exception of some operational differences, such as scheduling, the job is the same.

"Once you’re qualified as a paramedic it doesn’t matter where you are, it’s the same work," Gale said.

CAW Local 229 president Kari Jefford said the sticking point was employees working 12 hour shifts but only being paid for eight hour stat holidays. 12 hours has now been agreed on. On-call pay rates have now been increased to $3.20 per hour from $2.85.

Jefford said the deal is a step in the right direction.

Gale said the negotiations were not easy but credited both the union and management for getting the deal done.

"It was a tough round of bargaining," Gale said. "Both parties came to the table with some significant issues and both parties came to work."