In a significant move to enhance the working conditions of emergency medical services (EMS) personnel, the South Kingstown Town Council approved a new collective bargaining agreement during their meeting on October 28, 2024. This contract addresses long-standing compensation issues, recognizing that local EMS workers were among the lowest paid in the region despite holding the highest certification levels as paramedics.

Town officials highlighted the urgent need for fair compensation, noting that over the past 30 years, only one EMS employee has reached retirement, indicating a troubling turnover rate. Many trained personnel have left for better-paying positions in neighboring municipalities, which has raised concerns about recruitment and retention within the department.

The new contract, which took six months to negotiate, includes substantial salary increases aimed at aligning pay with regional standards. According to the town manager, South Kingstown's paramedics were found to be underpaid by approximately $5,000 to $6,000 compared to similar roles in other towns. The agreement also reflects compliance with updated Fair Labor Standards Act regulations, which necessitated adjustments to overtime pay structures for EMS personnel.

The contract's approval is seen as a crucial step in supporting the town's growing EMS department, especially with a new station set to open soon. The council's commitment to fair compensation is expected to improve employee morale and service delivery, ultimately benefiting the community.

In addition to the EMS contract, the meeting included discussions on various other topics, but the focus remained on the importance of adequately compensating those who serve the community in emergency situations. The council's actions align with broader goals of enhancing public safety and ensuring that South Kingstown remains a competitive employer in the field of emergency services.