Essex-Windsor EMS has set a strike deadline.
CUPE Local 2974 President James Jovanovic announced that the union submitted a no board report to the Ontario Labour Relations Board on Tuesday. This starts a 17 day waiting period, making the strike deadline 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 decided that Essex-Windsor EMS can cut overall services by 20 percent if a strike happens.
“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 tentative date for contract talks is set for August 5, 2026, but Jovanovic mentioned that the union is ready to meet anytime.
“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 noted that the union aims to keep up with market rates across Ontario. He pointed out that failing to do so could hurt recruiting new paramedics and worsen issues around Code Blacks in their 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.”
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