BREAKING NEWS: City, EMS Workers Agree On Contract

TENTATIVE AGREEMENT WITH EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE WORKERS, BRINGS OVER 97 PERCENT OF  CITY WORKFORCE UNDER CONTRACT

NEW YORK—Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced that the City of New York has reached a tentative contract agreement with DC37 Locals 2507 and 3621, covering approximately 3,700 Fire Department employees, including EMTs, Paramedics, EMS Officers, and Fire Protection Inspectors.

This agreement – which conforms with the pattern of 10 percent in raises over seven years that was established with other municipal unions for this round of bargaining – means that over 97 percent of the workforce is now under contract agreement. It also incorporates the unprecedented healthcare savings agreed upon with the Municipal Labor Committee of $3.4 billion in savings through FY2018 and $1.3 billion every year thereafter, ensuring that this tentative contract is affordable and responsible for the City and its taxpayers. The net cost of the wages to the city will be $44.3 million.

“This Administration has been clear – bringing our workforce under contract is a top priority. We have continued to build on a productive and respectful dynamic with our workforce and, as a result, we now have over 97 percent of our workforce under contract agreement, compared to 0 percent when we took office,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

The seven-year, seven-month proposed contract provides for 10 percent in raises and includes a one-time $1,000 ratification bonus. It will begin, retroactively, on September 6, 2010 and expire on April 5, 2018.

As part of this contract, the City and the union have agreed to a one-year alternative work schedule pilot program for EMTs, Paramedics, Lieutenants, and Captains. Ten EMS stations throughout the City and certain specialty units will work 12-hour tours, as opposed to the current 8-hour tours. During the course of the pilot, labor and management will regularly meet to discuss and measure the success of the program.

The City and Locals 2507 and 3621 have also agreed to additional benefits completely funded by the seven-month contract extension and changes in work schedules, including increases in longevity differentials, new eligibility for assignment differentials, and a $261-per-employee annuity fund for Fire Protection Inspectors.