An Interest Arbitration Award between Hastings County and the Canadian Union of Public Employees – Paramedics (CUPE Local 1842) has been received.
This award, dated October 17, 2025, follows the expiration of the previous collective agreement from December 31, 2023, and establishes a new three-year term expiring December 31, 2026, with a cumulative total compensation increase of 11.71%.
The collective agreement covers approximately 180 full- and part-time paramedics.
Wage adjustments over the term Include:
Effective January 1, 2024 5%
Effective January 1, 2025 1.50%
Effective July 1, 2025 1.50%
Effective January 1, 2026 1.50%
Effective July 1, 2026 1.50%
Effective July 1, 2026 Special Wage Adjustment 1.25%
“We are pleased that this award recognized the historical relationship of our regional comparator group and took a measured approach, with the end result being competitively-aligned paramedic wages within our existing budget framework,” said Hastings County Warden Bob Mullin. “We deeply appreciate the dedication and resilience of our paramedics, who consistently deliver exceptional care under challenging conditions.”
The award also provided significant improvements to mental health benefits, a priority for both groups, as well as increases to paramedical services, and vision care coverage.
A further statement from CUPE Local 1842 says the award is the culmination of many months of rigorous negotiations and steadfast advocacy on behalf of its members, who have continued to provide exceptional, lifesaving care to the residents of Hastings County under significant operational pressures, growing service demands, and persistent staffing challenges.
Local union further emphasizes that the improvements were not easily achieved but do represent a meaningful step forward toward fair and comparative compensation for Hastings County paramedics—ensuring their wages better reflect the value and complexity of the work they perform every day.
Union President Zoraiz Ur Rehman says for years, paramedics have shouldered escalating demands, fatigue, and mental health strain as they continue to serve on the front lines of emergency medical care and that while the award
provides an important step it must be viewed as a foundation for progress, not its conclusion.
provides an important step it must be viewed as a foundation for progress, not its conclusion.
CUPE Local 1842 reiterates that sustained investment in paramedic services, meaningful improvements to staffing levels, and continued recognition of the indispensable role paramedics play within the broader healthcare continuum remain essential priorities.
