News release

Changes Announced to Overtime Wages for Paramedics

Labour (to Sept. 2000)

Paramedics now have the same rights to overtime pay and call-in pay as other workers in Nova Scotia. Minister of Labour Ron Russell announced today that the government was moving ahead with the amendments to the Minimum Wage Order promised to paramedics in October.

"These changes really reflect what is fair and equitable, and demonstrate government's commitment to improving wages and benefits for Nova Scotia paramedics," said Mr. Russell. "The old regulations reflected a time when many ambulance drivers had little training and were not required to work the hours that are now expected of paramedics."

The new regulations remove an exemption that allowed ambulance drivers to be paid straight minimum wages for any hours worked in excess of 48 hours per week. In addition, ambulance drivers were not required to be paid for a minimum of three hours if they were called in to do additional work.

"Put simply, these regulation changes create a level playing field. Paramedics will now be extended the same benefits that are extended to the majority of Nova Scotia workers," said Mr. Russell. "In other occupations, if you work more than 48 hours a week, you receive overtime pay at minimum wage and a half. If you are called in to work outside your normal scheduled hours, employers are required to pay you the minimum wage for a minimum of three hours of work."