The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners and the International Association of EMTs and Paramedics Local R5-325 agreed upon a new three-year contract that received board approval on May 7, 2020. The previous three-year contract expired September 30, 2019.
"We are extremely pleased with the positive outcome of the contract negotiation with the EMT and Paramedic Union," said County Administrator Janice Gilley. "These men and women dedicate their lives to our health and safety each and every day. Their commitment and service is greatly appreciated by the Board of County Commissioners. I personally thank the members of the negotiating teams on both sides for the professional way in which the negotiations took place.”
As part of the negotiations, the county conducted an analysis of regional and state pay for EMTs and paramedics. The new contract separates the classifications of EMTs and paramedics, allowing for the base wage rate to reflect the training and certifications required for each position. Effective May 9, 2020, the hourly base wage rate for employees hired on or after the effective date is $13.75 for full-time and relief EMTs and $17.96 for full-time and relief paramedics. Existing members will receive a pay increase of $1.26 for full-time and relief EMTs and $1.96 for full-time and relief paramedics. Paramedics assigned to the Escambia County Jail will be paid an additional $1.83 per hour of supplemental pay.
"On behalf of our members, the IAEP Local R5-325 would like to thank the Board of County Commissioners, and especially Mrs. Gilley and her team for their hard work and attention to detail during our recent contract negotiations," said International Association of EMTs and Paramedics Local R5-325 President Humberto “Bert” Chacon. "Open communication and a positive dialogue were maintained throughout the process of negotiation of the new Union Contract, and we feel that Mrs. Gilley and her team had the best interests of all parties involved with this contract in mind at all times during the negotiation process. No detail was overlooked, by Mrs. Gilley and her staff, and negotiations were a pleasant experience. The IAEP Local R5-325 looks forward to continuing to work with Mrs. Gilley in the future, and especially in future negotiations."
