NEW AND IMPROVED FINAL OFFER IS CONDITIONED
UPON RATIFICATION BY THIS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22

Since our session on November 21st Crozer and the Union have exchanged and discussed proposed language for a new labor agreement.  Everyone agrees we must move this contract to closure, as soon as possible.

On Saturday, we sent the Union an improved final offer. This was to be conditioned on ratification no later than Wednesday.  Today, however, the Union asked and we agreed to extend the deadline to Thursday, December 22^nd.  If the offer is not ratified by then, it will be revoked.  The offer includes:

• Improved Wage Increases—Crozer raised its offer to annual increases of 0%, 2% and 2.5%.  During the first year, current employees will continue to receive step increases, as appropriate.
• PFC and FTO Classifications—If a Paramedic meets the requirements designated by EMS (including National Registry), he or she will become a PFC and receive a 3% differential.  FTOs, who are already PFCs, get an additional $.50 for all hours worked as an FTO.  This only occurs if there is a ratified contract.

The Union requested and we agreed to a side letter that no changes would be made in the PFC job description for at least one year, so current employees could qualify under the existing criteria. Thereafter, if new requirements are added, those who have become PFCs will remain in the position subject to meeting the new requirements within a reasonable time.

• Health Insurance—EMS staff will enter the New Choices Benefit plan effective January 1, 2012. We will attempt to schedule a special open enrollment next week.
• Pensions—Current employees continue to get the Defined Benefit Pension Plan, subject to the same one year freeze on benefit accruals accepted by PASNAP RNs.  New hires go into the Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.
• New Hire Scale—New hires will be hired into the new hire scale as proposed by EMS.
• Education—Crozer will reimburse employees for their out-of-pocket costs for National Registry and Critical Care certification and recertification.
• Health and Safety-Crozer will invest more than $100,000 in power stretchers to improve safety.
• Hours and Overtime—Crozer accepted most of the Union’s proposed language and dropped its proposal to cancel scheduled shifts to avoid OT.  The scheduling coordinator continues to receive 8 hours pay per month.

We have strongly encouraged the Union to accept and achieve ratification of this final offer by Thursday, December 22.  We will not make any further improvements to it.  If it is not ratified by the deadline, the improved wage proposal is off the table.   If you have any questions regarding the new offer, please speak to the Union or ask the Chief or an Assistant Chief.