Montreal and Laval Paramedics reach agreement in principle with Urgences-Santé

After 15 consecutive days of "intense negotiation" 900 paramedics in Laval and Montreal have reached a tentative contract deal with the government.

The paramedics have been on strike since February 5, 2017 and have been working without a contract since their collective agreement expired on March 31, 2015.

The pre-hospital care union, part of the Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN), ratified a tentative agreement with Urgences-Santé Thursday and said it was was pleased with the outcome.

"The government has made a proposal for a defined benefit pension plan for the entire pre-hospital sector," it said in a statement.

However, the CSN said the pension plan remains subject to change.

• Urgences-Santé's delayed response points to larger problems, union says

The agreement does not officially end the strike, which is expected to continue until the next meeting general assembly, where union members will vote on the agreement in principle.

"The time-out of some paramedics and the picketing in front of the [headquarters] cease immediately. The union and its members agree not to put stickers on the employer's properties any more," said the union.