Local 134 Urges Okaloosa County Commissioners to Accept Contract

The IAEP implores the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners to accept the contract recommendations put forth by a Special Magistrate following a hearing conducted in August.

“The Board can assure the County’s EMS system continues to provide the best possible prehospital care for patients and providers alike by simply agreeing to these recommendations,” said IAEP National Representative Michael Marasco.

IAEP Local R5-134, which is comprised of the members of Okaloosa County EMS, and the County brought their contract to the Special Magistrate hearing months ago to make a recommendation on how the two parties should move forward. After reviewing the open issues in the contract, the magistrate issued his recommendations; it is now up to the Union and County to accept his ruling.

The Union is in favor of the recommendations and is waiting for a County response.

The magistrate’s main recommendations were that the EMS employees receive a four percent wage increase to be paid as of October 1, 2024. This is the same percentage increase that all other County employees received in October.

There was also a recommendation that long-tenured employees receive an additional percentage increase based on their years of service— which would affect less than 15 employees.

“Okaloosa County EMS professionals are a beacon of strength and support in their communities as they deliver lifesaving care in the face of accidents, disasters, emergencies and tragedies,” continued Marasco. “We’re asking the Board to make a decision that shows them the same level of commitment and dedication.”

Now, the Board has 20 days to accept or reject the magistrate’s recommendations. It is the IAEP’s hope that the county will abide by the recommendation from this neutral party picked by both sides.

The IAEP firmly believes that this joint effort will allow Okaloosa County EMS to be the safe, efficient and prosperous EMS system that both patients and providers deserve.