Quebec paramedics reject contract offer; pressure tactics resume immediately
Members of unions representing 3,300 paramedics voted down a tentative deal on Thursday, with 71.6% rejecting the agreement. Talks centred on wages, bonuses and staffing.
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Paramedics represented by unions affiliated with the FSSS (part of the CSN) have rejected the tentative collective-bargaining agreement reached after intensive negotiations in late July. Thursday's vote showed 71.6% opposed the deal across approximately 3,300 members, including paramedics and emergency medical technicians at Urgences-santé, which serves Montreal and Laval.
The dispute centres primarily on wages. The union also cites disagreements over bonuses, part-time work arrangements, and retirement benefits. These collective agreements expired on March 31, 2023.
With the rejection, all pressure tactics resume immediately. The strike remains largely invisible to the public since most paramedic tasks are classified as essential services — the tactics adopted involve actions like supervision of trainees rather than full work stoppages. Earlier this month, members of another paramedic union affiliated with CUPE and the FTQ also rejected their tentative agreement by 92%.
What specific wage increase are paramedics seeking versus what the government offered?
Are there discussions underway for a return to the bargaining table?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
What percentage of Quebec paramedics rejected the contract offer?
71.6% of the approximately 3,300 paramedics and emergency medical technicians represented by unions affiliated with the FSSS voted against the tentative agreement on Thursday, August 20, 2026.
What are the main issues in the paramedics' dispute?
The dispute centres on wages, with disagreements also over bonuses, part-time work arrangements, and retirement benefits.
When did these collective agreements expire?
The collective agreements for Quebec paramedics expired on March 31, 2023.
What services do the paramedics covered by this vote provide?
Paramedics and emergency medical technicians at Urgences-santé, which serves Montreal and Laval, are among the union members who voted on the agreement.
