An arbitrator has ruled in favour of paramedics in Essex County finalizing contract negotiations between the two parties.
The arbitrator denied the County of Essex's contract proposal to change sick tiem and the short term disability plan.
Ian Nash President of CUPE 2974, that also represents Essex County library workers, says the arbitrator ruling shows the policy was not equitable. "The arbitrator ruled it's not a problem for EMS with 270 [member] and the employer had come forth in the paper and on the news claiming that there was no issue with sick time, why are they going after 58 [library] employees that don't abuse sick time," says Nash.
Essex County library workers have been on the picket line since June 25, 2016. One of the main issues on the table has been the sick policy in the county's proposed contract. Essex County paramedics having been operating without a contract since March 2015. The new contract expires March 31, 2017.