A day of talks between Essex County and the union representing Essex-Windsor EMS paramedics has ended in stalemate.
The County stated that despite spending all day Friday with a conciliator, the two sides have not reached an agreement.
CUPE Local 2974.2, which represents the paramedics, had requested and received an amendment to its previous strike date of Monday, October 5. It is now Friday, October 9.
If there is no agreement, local paramedics could strike for the first time in Windsor-Essex history.
"CUPE Local 2974.2 has communicated an amendment to its strike deadline...to align with the deadline for establishing an Essential Ambulance Services Agreement as prescribed by the Ontario Labour Relations Board on October 1," read the statement from the County. "The County of Essex believes it is important to provide residents with accurate information about both its bargaining position and the continued delivery of paramedic services."
The County added that it did not previously comment on the negotiations out of respect for the bargaining process and all parties involved.
Wages and staffing remain the key sticking points in talks.
The County said in its statement that it offered to resolve the matter through binding arbitration, and it remains committed to reaching a fair agreement.
Union president James Jovanovic did not respond to requests for comment on Friday from WindsorNewsToday.ca, but he did say in August that everyone's concern is the long-term health of the local EMS.
"These negotiations are about the future stability of Essex-Windsor EMS," said Jovanovic at the time. "No single proposal or figure tells the whole story. A lasting agreement requires meaningful solutions to the recruitment and retention crisis, along with seriousness, consistency, and a genuine commitment to resolution at the bargaining table."
Jovanovic had also accused the County of obstructing the process and ignoring the guidance of the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB).
The previous collective bargaining agreement expired on March 31. Paramedics voted unanimously earlier this year to authorize strike action.
The OLRB ruled that Essex-Windsor EMS could reduce services by 20 per cent should a strike occur. Jovanovic had indicated that it would involve ten per cent reduction of ambulance service, and the other ten per cent in support and administrative staff.
