October 22, 2025

Media Release

An Interest Arbitration Award between Hastings County and the Canadian Union of Public Employees – Paramedics (CUPE Local 1842) dated October 17, 2025 has been received.

This award follows the expiration of the previous collective agreement on 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 5.00%
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.

Chief Paramedic Carl Bowker added, “Throughout bargaining, we have prioritized the need for increased wages and mental health benefits for our paramedics that align with current market conditions. As such, we are pleased with the arbitrator’s award and see it as a fair and equitable deal for both parties.”

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For more information, please contact:

Bob Mullin, Warden
613-966-1311 ext. 3203
warden@hastingscounty.com

Connor Dorey, CAO
613-966-1311 ext. 3204
doreyc@hastingscounty.com