HALIFAX: A three-year agreement was ratified by members of the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 727 on November 17.
The agreement covers the areas of compensation, health benefits and a retention allowance for paramedics employed in a permanent or term position.
“I would like to thank both parties for coming together to negotiate a fair and balanced contract that recognizes the critical role these individuals play in providing emergency health services for Nova Scotians,” said Michelle Thompson, Minister of Health and Wellness.
“In such a competitive environment, where healthcare professionals are in high demand, this contract and other investments we’re making in the system will help retain and recruit more paramedics.”
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The new agreement runs from November 1, 2023, to October 31, 2026, and includes:
— a 16.5 per cent classification adjustment for paramedics in the first year, along with other incentive and premium increases
— cost of living increases totalling 8.5 per cent over the life of the contract
— improved extended health benefits
— a retention allowance of up to $5,000 per year of the contract for paramedics employed in a permanent or term position
— resources to support clinical transport operators to return to school to become trained as primary care paramedics
— salary increase in recognition of training required for clinical transport operators
– aligning classifications for various roles across the system.
