On April 22, nearly 200 workers at Aspen Hills Healthcare Center and Buttonwood Behavioral Health Hospital in Pemberton, N.J., joined UFCW Local 152. The unit consists of licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, psychiatric aides, activity aides, unit clerks, receptionists, and workers in the dining service, recreation, housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance divisions at the rehabilitation center and psychiatric hospital.
These workers approached UFCW Local 152 in March, expressing an interest in joining our union. After visiting and listening to some of the employees, UFCW Local 152’s Organizing Department helped guide these essential workers through the organizing process.
In a tremendous display of solidarity, Aspen Hills and Buttonwood workers quickly united; it was clear that union representation was something most workers deeply wanted. They quickly signed the petition declaring their interest in union representation.
UFCW Local 152 President Daniel Ross, Jr., alerted the company to the petition and demanded recognition of the union in the two facilities. A week later, on April 22, the petition was confidentially reviewed by an independent third-party mediator, who confirmed that a majority of workers signed the petition. With this information, management at Aspen Hills Healthcare Center and Buttonwood Behavioral Health Hospital agreed to voluntarily recognize the union.
“I wanted to become a union member because I want a voice in my workplace, annual raises, and a contract,” said Desiree, an activities aide at Aspen Hills Healthcare Center.
“Workers deserve fairness, respect, dignity, and better benefits,” said Jean, a cook at Aspen Hills Healthcare Center.
“They were prepared, united, and ready to go—and because of that, they won,” said UFCW Local 152 Organizing Director Mike Thompson. “It’s been an honor to support their fight and witness their worker power in action. Their victory is not just a win for their workplace, but a reminder of what’s possible when health care workers stand together. As the health care industry continues to grow and face new challenges, expanding our efforts to organize these essential workers is more important than ever. Their voices on the job mean safer staffing, better care for patients, and dignity for those who care for our communities every day.”
In the coming weeks, UFCW Local 152 staff will meet with the workers to establish a negotiations committee, which will include a group of workers from the two facilities, formulate contract proposal surveys, and work on other preparations for negotiations.