Clerical workers at the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office in Cape May County, New Jersey, have chosen UFCW Local 152 to be their voice on the job!

A New Beginning

Recently, the clerical workers at the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office reached out to UFCW Local 152 organizers to learn more about the process of organizing their workplace to see if it could help make positive change. Most of these workers have decades of experience and sought fair treatment and a voice in the changes occurring at their workplace.

In New Jersey, unionizing public workers is more straightforward than unionizing a private company. Public sector workers like the staff at the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office need a majority of workers to sign authorization cards. These cards show the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC), the government body overseeing unions in the public sector, that there is sufficient interest in organizing among employees. After a majority is reached, a “card check” is conducted. Card checking removes the extended period before a secret ballot election when companies often use intimidation and scare tactics to prevent the workers from unionizing. The process also allows workers to move directly into negotiating a contract.

Negotiations will begin soon, focusing on improving working conditions and protecting and enhancing wages and benefits.

Congratulations to the workers at the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office! We look forward to welcoming you to UFCW Local 152! Finally, congratulations to Director of Organizing Mike Thompson and Organizer Alley Snow for helping these members walk through the process of organizing.

Why not you?

Are you interested in learning more about how UFCW Local 152 can help you and your coworkers? Learn how to start a union or email Director of Organizing Mike Thompson at mthompson@ufcwlocal152.org today!