Truck drivers at ECM Transport LLC in three locations in New Jersey voted overwhelmingly to be represented by UFCW Local 152 on August 24 in their fight for workplace improvements.

A total of 26 truck drivers at the Cinnaminson, Hamilton and Piscataway terminals of ECM Transport, LLC, joined the union following an election at an NLRB-approved offsite location. These workers transport all types of cargo throughout the region as part of ECM’s more than 2,500 combined tractors and trailers active in the mid-Atlantic region.

Workers at the company approached the union in June after their repeated requests for changes at the workplace were not fully addressed by management. Now, with union representation, they will be strengthened in their quest for improvements to paid time off, benefits, overtime scheduling and more. UFCW Local 152 will now organize meetings with the drivers to draft contract proposals and schedule bargaining dates with the company.

“The support of our union will enable these workers to get the respect on the job they deserve,” said UFCW Local 152 President Brian String. “We look forward to bargaining a first contract that recognizes their hard work and the role they have played in their company’s success.”

“There is excitement among these workers about what Local 152 can do to help change their workplace,” String added. “We share that excitement and we’re ready to get started creating this new chapter with them.”

Seventeen new UFCW Local 7 members from the Chase House TGTHR facility in Boulder, Colo., ratified their first union contract on August 25.

Chase House is a Colorado state-licensed Qualified Residential Treatment Program serving youth ages 12 to 18. TGTHR’s Chase House employees work to provide a safe, home-like atmosphere for youth who have been placed by the state due to family disruption. The employees help youth with their schooling, coaching services, life-skills development, mental and physical wellness support.

The employees of TGTHR decided to unionize after finding that their dedication to TGTHR’s mission and clients was not matched with a commitment from the company to take care of the workers. Staff were frequently working without sufficient support and many part-time staff were not offered competitive wages or other benefits.

They contacted UFCW Local 7 after witnessing how strong and united the local was during the 2022 King Soopers (Kroger) strike in Colorado and wanted to be a part of the union.

“We are excited to have the employees of Chase House in Boulder ratify their first union contract,” said UFCW Local 7 President Kim Cordova,. “Their noble work to prevent our state’s youth from aging out of the foster care system into youth homelessness should be respected, not exploited. Now they have a union and a contract to support and protect these heroes in our community.”

The Chase House TGTHR facility in Boulder is the first youth service facility represented by UFCW Local 7.