Mayor de Blasio Announces Tentative Contract Agreement with Emergency Medical Service Workers, Bringing Over 97 Percent of Workforce Under Contract

June 15, 2016

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.

“These employees are often our first responders in moments of greatest need, helping ensure New Yorkers get the care they need in times of crisis. This agreement means they’ll get the fair wages they deserve for their tireless work, while protecting New York City taxpayers,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “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.”

"Our city's EMS and fire workers are second to none. We thank Mayor de Blasio for the leadership that made this agreement possible. It provides our approximately 3,700 FDNY members, including EMTs, Paramedics, EMS Officers, and Fire Protection Inspectors the raises they deserve as they perform the priceless work of saving lives,” said DC 37 Executive Director Henry Garrido.

"After months of negotiations, I'm pleased that the city has reached agreement with EMS Locals 2507 and 3621 on a new contract that provides for well-deserved raises and some potential productivity improvements for our hard working EMS personnel and Fire Prevention Inspectors," said Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro.

"I would like to thank our Mayor and everyone who participated in this process," said Local 2507 President Israel Miranda.

"Thank you to Mayor de Blasio, Commissioner Linn, DC37 Executive Director Henry Garrido, Attorney Steven Sykes, DC37 Negotiator Maria Elena Cortez, DC37 Representative Tracey Ziemba and our Local 3621 negotiation's team," said Local 3621 President Vincent Variale. "We are pleased to finally reach an agreement that addresses and resolves issues such as a pay restructure for members who will now receive a pay raise when they are promoted and additional income opportunities when working 12 hour tours." 

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.

Fair Wages

The tentative contract agreement is consistent with the established city pattern. Wage increases will constitute 10 percent over seven years and seven months:

March 6, 2015 – 1.50%

March 6, 2016 – 2.50%

March 6, 2017 – 3.00%

September 5, 2017 – 3.03%

Affordable Costs

The cost of today’s tentative agreement across the Financial Plan (through FY2020) is consistent with the city pattern and already reflected in the labor reserve:

Gross Cost: $120.4 million

Health Savings and Stabilization Fund: ($76.1 million)

Net Cost: $44.3 million