Paramedics ratify three-year contract with province

Nova Scotia paramedics have ratified a new three-year agreement with the provincial government, highlighted by a 16.5 per cent classification adjustment and 8.5 per cent cost-of-living increases.

Effective between Nov. 1 of this year and Oct. 31, 2026, the new contract approved by members of

International Union of Operating Engineers Local 727 covers the areas of compensation, health benefits and a retention allowance, such as:

■ A 16.5 per cent classification adjustment for paramedics in the first year, as well as other incentive and premium increases;

■ A total of 8.5 per cent in costof-iving increases over the life of the contract;

■ Improved extended health benefits;

■ Up to $5,000 annual retention allowance over three years for paramedics in a permanent or term position;

■ Resources to support clinical transport operators to be trained as primary care paramedics;

■ Salary increase for clinical transport operators training.

“In such a competitive environment, where health-care professionals are in high demand, this contract and other investments we’re making in the system will help retain and recruit more paramedics,” provincial Health Minister Michelle Thompson said Friday in a news release announcing the deal.

IUOE Local 727 represents about 1,200 Emergency Medical Care Inc. employees, including paramedics, transport operators and flight nurses.