On April 22, more than 400 members of UFCW Local 152 who work at four United Methodist Communities (UMC) senior living facilities in New Jersey ratified a new union contract.
These members are employed as certified medical assistants, certified nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses, receptionists, maintenance, housekeeping, cooks, and more, and the UMC senior living communities are located at Bristol Glen in Newton; Collingswood Manor in Collingswood; Pitman Manor in Pitman; and The Shores in Ocean City. This is the first time members at all four UMC locations will be under a single master contract.
The three-year contract includes an immediate, across-the-board wage increase for all members, as well as annual wage increases each year for the life of the agreement. In addition to general wage increases, the longevity increase to base salary for senior employees was also increased, the weekend incentive program was memorialized, and the shift differential for second shift was doubled. Affordable health benefits were also maintained.
Two new programs were introduced with this contract: the Preceptor Program, a training program available to licensed practical nurses and the Lead Certified Medication Aide, which is available to certified medical assistants. Both programs give members in these departments an opportunity to earn more through their leadership and expertise. In addition to these programs, the employer agreed to provide tuition reimbursement for members pursuing a degree.
Finally, language was added for members to voluntarily make weekly contributions to UFCW Local 152’s Active Ballot Club and the Bryan D. Ross Foundation, the local’s charity organization helping members defray the cost of catastrophic injury or illness. Bereavement leave was also expanded.
“Through joint bargaining and inclusion into a master agreement, our members have secured a stronger voice, better protections, and the power that comes with unity,” said UFCW Local 152 President Daniel Ross Jr. “This is what can be achieved when everyone is committed to moving forward together.”