Nearly 300 members of UFCW Local 152 who work at 151 Foods in Bellmawr, N.J., ratified a new contract on March 2 that raises wages and improves benefits. These members work in production, maintenance, warehousing, and more at the Bellmawr facility, and produce rolls, bagels and breads.
The five-year contract includes substantial wage increases, followed by additional increases yearly for the five-year term. Maintenance workers will now receive an annual clothing allowance. New provisions were added to the contract for job postings, which allows further expansion of seniority rights for our members.
The contract now permits union representatives to attend new hire orientations, allowing representatives to properly introduce themselves and welcome new members into UFCW Local 152. Since many new members have never worked union positions before, this opportunity will allow new workers to learn about the union difference, including the benefits of their contract and what union representation means. The contract also includes language to establish terms for the New Jersey Sick Leave Law, and funeral leave was expanded.
Members of the Negotiating Committee included Director of Collective Bargaining Dan Ross; Union Representative Jose Echevarria; and Shop Stewards Drake Bressler and Nilsa Lopez.