A strike deadline has been set for Essex-Windsor EMS.
CUPE Local 2974 President James Jovanovic confirmed the union filed a no board report with the Ontario Labour Relations Board on Tuesday. That triggers a 17 day waiting period, setting the strike deadline for August 8, 2026.
"Due to just a general lack of movement, lack of progress, we felt as though now it was necessary to proceed forward," said Jovanovic.
On July 13, the Ontario Labour Relations Board ruled that Essex-Windsor EMS can reduce overall services by 20 per cent should a strike occur.
"We had a meeting scheduled to work out the logistics of what that strike would look like, as ordered by the labour board, we still have to finalize an essential ambulance services agreement with the employer. The employer actually cancelled that scheduled meeting," said Jovanovic.
A meeting date for contract negotiations is tentatively scheduled for August 5, 2026, but Jovanovic stated the union is prepared to meet at any time.
"The union is still holding out hope that the employer will come to the table and that we can reach a freely negotiated deal; however, based on recent actions and lack thereof from the County of Essex, my optimism has dwindled," said Jovanovic.
He said the union is looking to maintain pace with the provincial market. He said if they are not able to maintain pace, that will hurt recruitment of new paramedics and exacerbate problems surrounding Code Blacks in the community.
“The issuance of a No Board Report is a procedural step established under Ontario’s labour legislation and marks another stage in the bargaining process, but with other steps being required before the parties would be in a legal strike or lockout position. It does not prevent the parties from continuing with negotiations, and the County looks forward to more discussions with the Union," said the County of Essex in a written statement. "Essex-Windsor EMS continues to operate normally. Public safety remains the County’s highest priority. The County is committed to the collective bargaining process and reaching a fair, sustainable and negotiated agreement.”
