District Council 37 reaches tentative contract agreement for two locals:
Local 2507 Uniformed EMTs and Paramedics
and Local 3621 Uniformed EMS Officers

District Council 37, the city's largest public employee union, announced today that it had reached a tentative contract agreement with the City for two of its locals - Local 2507 Uniformed EMTs and Paramedics and Local 3621 Uniformed EMS Officers.

"We are pleased to have concluded this agreement, which was one of our highest priorities," said DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts.

About 2,800 Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics, Lieutenants and Captains are covered by the agreement. They will get retroactive pay increases totaling 8.2 percent plus a one-time $1,000 lump sum cash payment for full-time employees payable upon ratification of the contract.

The term of the agreement is from July 1, 2002 through June 30, 2006. Upon ratification, members will receive a 3% compounded general wage increase effective July 1, 2003, another 2% effective July 1, 2004, and 3% effective July 1, 2005.

The agreement is consistent with the economic terms of the City economic agreement.

Also included in the agreement:

• New longevity differentials at 7, 15 and 20 years effective April 1, 2006.
• New hire rates for EMTs and Paramedics.
• Modified approved annual leave schedule effective April 1, 2006.
• Agreement that both the union and the City will jointly support legislation that will enable the FDNY to create a five-year certification program for EMTs and Paramedics.

Patrick Bahnken, President of Local 2507, said, "This was a long and difficult negotiation. We always want more for our members. While this isn't everything we wanted, we cannot ignore the fact that our members have been without a contract for 4 years. This agreement will help to alleviate some of the economic concerns our members now have."

"My members perform a very valuable service for the people of New York," said Thomas Eppinger, President of Local 3621. "Our needs should be recognized by the City. This contract is a step in the right direction, but all members of the EMS and the Fire Department deserve more."

The contract agreement must now be voted on by the membership.



[If requested, the terms of the agreement will be faxed to you.]