PEP, June 2006: EMS locals voting on new pact

A tentative contract for the two DC 37 locals in the Emergency Medical Service provides for retroactive pay increases totaling 8.2 percent in addition to a one-time lump sum payment of $1,000.

DC 37 announced April 24 that it had reached the agreement with the Bloomberg administration on behalf of the 2,800 members of Uniformed Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics Local 2507 and Uniformed EMS Officers Local 3621.

“We are pleased to have concluded this settlement, which was one of our highest priorities,” said DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts. To take effect, the pact must be ratified by the members of the locals, who were voting as PEP went to press.

Upon ratification of the four-year agreement (July 1, 2002, through June 30, 2006) members would get a 3 percent general wage increase retroactive to July 1, 2003; another 2 percent, compounded, retroactive to July 1, 2004; 3 percent retroactive to July 1, 2005, and the $1,000. Also included in the pact are longevity differentials beginning at 7, 15, and 20 years, new hire rates and a modified annual leave schedule, all effective April 1, 2006. The city and DC 37 will jointly support legislation to enable the FDNY to create a five-year certification program for its EMTs and Paramedics.

“This was a long and difficult negotiation,” said Local 2507 President Patrick Bahnken. “While this isn’t everything we wanted, we cannot ignore the fact that our members have been without a contract for four years. This agreement will help to alleviate some of the economic concerns our members now have.”

“My members perform a critical service for the people of New York, and the city should recognize our needs,” said Local 3621 President Thomas Eppinger. “This agreement is a step in the right direction, but all members of the EMS and the Fire Department deserve more.”