New Agreement For Paramedics

Ground ambulance paramedics working for Emergency Medical Care Inc. (EMC) have a new agreement.

An arbitration board, chaired by former chief justice Lorne Clarke, released its ruling today, which calls for a fair increase in wages for paramedics working for EMC.

"Paramedics deserve to be treated fairly and paid appropriately," said Health Minister Jamie Muir. "That is why government introduced legislation to establish the mediation/arbitration process. We see today that the process worked. We are pleased that paramedics will now receive improved salaries, as well as more reasonable hours, benefits and pensions."

The union representing the paramedics -- the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union -- and EMC reached a tentative agreement last fall, but the agreement was rejected by the membership. Government was concerned that the impasse in the conciliation process would put public safety at risk. As a result, legislation sending outstanding issue to a mediation/arbitration process was introduced.

The decision affects about 600 paramedics who deliver pre- hospital care in Nova Scotia. Emergency Medical Care Inc. is the primary employer and has a contract with the Department of Health to manage ambulance service in the province. The Emergency Health Services division of the Department of Health is responsible for the regulation and monitoring of all pre-hospital emergency medical care in Nova Scotia.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Copies of the Arbitration Award, as well as a fact sheet, are available at the Department of Health. Please call 902-424-5886.