Sturgis EMS Workers Secure Union Contract with Teamsters Local 120

Teamsters Local 120 Secures First Contract for Sturgis Ambulance Workers

In a significant development for emergency healthcare professionals in South Dakota, the employees at Sturgis Ambulance, now part of Teamsters Local 120, have successfully ratified their first collective bargaining agreement. This new agreement spans two years and offers vital protections such as just cause and a grievance procedure, while also providing for pay raises, personal days, uniform allowances, and access to the Teamsters Joint Council 32 health insurance plan.

Casey Baker, a paramedic with Sturgis Ambulance, expressed the collective pride of the workforce, stating, “As a newly unionized EMS workforce, we are proud to stand together as Teamsters — securing strong health care, a unified voice, and a better future for our professionals and the patients we serve.”

April 2025 marked the organization of these paramedics, EMTs, and other emergency health professionals under Local 120. Marissa Rathert, another paramedic at Sturgis Ambulance, pointed out the benefits of joining the union. “Joining Teamsters Local 120 gives us our first-time union contract, a stronger voice at work, and the option to access Teamsters health insurance, providing stability, protection, and benefits you can count on,” she noted.

James Heeren, a business agent at Local 120, praised the determination and dedication of the new members, saying, “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’re just getting started.”

Teamsters Local 120 represents over 15,000 workers across several states including Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota. For more information, visit teamsterslocal120.org.