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Nova Scotia paramedics reach tentative deal

June 10, 2013, Halifax – A potential strike this week by paramedics in Nova Scotia has been averted.

The union representing about 800 paramedics reached a tentative deal Saturday with their employer, Emergency Medical Care.

Union spokesman Terry Chapman says the deal offers workers a defined benefit pension plan.

He says that puts the workers in line with other health-care workers in the province.

The union's membership has 15 days to vote on the tentative agreement.

Stacey Brown, a spokeswoman for Emergency Medical Care, says she's hopeful the deal will be ratified.

A strike deadline had been set for tomorrow while a mediator worked to find a solution to the contract dispute.

Paramedics in Nova Scotia aren't covered by essential services legislation that requires some staff to remain on duty.

Chapman says the paramedics never wanted to put any members of the public in harm's way.

But he says the workers have the right to push for a better contact.