Prairie EMS settles with strong raises, premiums
The union that represents the paramedics of Prairie Emergency Medical Systems (PEMS) is pleased with the outcome of bargaining.
“We met with PEMS for one and a half days of bargaining. The negotiations were conducted in good faith and both parties respected each other’s positions.”
The result was a three-year agreement that includes 11 per cent in raises and higher premiums. Overtime rules are revised and new employees are given more credit for previous experience.
Meanwhile, Health Sciences Association of Alberta is also in negotiations with Alberta Health Services for the bulk of the province’s emergency medical technicians. Talks to date have dealt with housekeeping issues, but further meetings are scheduled for September and October.
New rates of pay for five groups of EMS employees — Edmonton Metro, Inter-Hospital Transfer – North, Parkland, Calgary Metro and Cochrane — are being made effective in July and August. The revised salary scales were mandated by the “Moreau Settlement” of January 3, 2011.
Employees have until September 30 to challenge their placement on the grid.
Ontario regulations affecting pharmaceutical rebates created “a challenging set of negotiations” for Pharma Plus drug stores and the UFCW.
In the end, the 2,500 employees will have a wage freeze in the first year and 25¢ in each of the second and third years. There will also be adjustments resulting from the change of designation from Certified to Registered Pharmacy Technician.
