Sturgis Ambulance Workers Celebrate First Union Contract Ratification with Teamsters Local 120

Teamsters at Sturgis Ambulance Celebrate First Union Contract

In a historic step for emergency health workers, the employees at Sturgis Ambulance represented by Teamsters Local 120 have ratified their inaugural collective bargaining agreement. The two-year agreement, finalized in January 2026, marks a significant milestone in the union's efforts to ensure fair working conditions and robust protections for its members.

This new agreement encompasses crucial provisions including just cause for discipline, a grievance procedure, pay raises, personal days, uniform stipends, and access to the Teamsters Joint Council 32 health insurance plan. The ratification was a collective victory for paramedics, EMTs, and other emergency personnel associated with the City of Sturgis.

"As a newly unionized EMS workforce, we are proud to stand together as Teamsters," stated Casey Baker, a paramedic at Sturgis Ambulance. "This agreement secures vital healthcare benefits, amplifies our voices, and paves the way for a brighter future for both our professionals and the patients we serve."

Organizing efforts commenced in April 2025, culminating in this successful ratification. Fellow paramedic Marissa Rathert expressed her enthusiasm, saying, "Joining Teamsters Local 120 has provided us with our first-ever union contract, granting us a stronger voice at work and the opportunity to access Teamsters health insurance, ensuring stability, protection, and reliable benefits."

The collective effort of the Sturgis Ambulance team has not gone unnoticed within the union. James Heeren, a business agent at Local 120, conveyed his pride in the organization’s newfound solidarity: "I’m incredibly proud of our new Teamsters brothers and sisters at Sturgis Ambulance. Their unwavering commitment to organizing and securing their first contract is truly inspiring. These are exciting times, and we are just getting started."

Teamsters Local 120 represents over 15,000 workers across states including Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The union’s commitment to the welfare of its members continues to strengthen their bargaining power in the workplace.

The significance of this agreement extends beyond mere benefits; it symbolizes a collective declaration of solidarity and a commitment to the rights of workers in emergency medical services. As Sturgis Ambulance employees embark on this new chapter, they exemplify the importance of unity in fighting for just and equitable workplace conditions.

In conclusion, the ratification of this first union contract marks a pivotal achievement for the Sturgis Ambulance workforce. It reflects the broader trend within labor movements advocating for worker's rights, ensuring that health professionals are appropriately compensated and supported. As they step forward, it is clear that the impact of their unity will resonate throughout their profession.