On January 9, 2025, workers at Genesis HealthCare “Millville Center,” an assisted living facility in Millville, New Jersey, voted to ratify their first union contract, giving them a voice on the job and securing wages and benefits! Congratulations!

The newest members of UFCW Local 152, who work as certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) voted unanimously to accept their three-year agreement.

“These employees at Genesis HealthCare wanted their terms of employment guaranteed in writing,” President Daniel Ross, Jr., said. “Together, we secured that with a strong first contract that includes much-needed wage increases.”

This historic moment culminated after about seven months of hard bargaining. Genesis HealthCare workers workers voted UFCW Local 152 for representation in May 2024.

Foundational Success

First contracts set the groundwork for all future negotiations. They require much time, effort, and resources to achieve — but they are worth every minute.

With the implementation of the new contract, Genesis HealthCare workers now have basic protections established. These protections include:

• union members are no longer “at-will” employees, meaning the employer must have a legitimate reason to terminate;
• a three-step grievance and arbitration process, which is a formal procedure for employees to raise concerns or complaints about their employer or working conditions;
• seniority provisions, recognizing senior members with more time, experience, and dedication to the company;
• clear and fair job postings so all qualified and interested members are considered for a promotional position;
• union orientation language, allowing new employees to learn about their union membership and the benefits of being a union member.

The contract also defines holidays, vacations, sick pay, and bereavement usage. Finally, wage increases were secured for each year of the contract, including shift and weekend differentials, with additional longevity increases available based on years of service.

“Longevity increases are useful in addressing wage compression, which can contribute to lower workplace morale in the industry,” Ross said. “Our negotiating committee was successful in bargaining additional compensation based on length of service to incentivize retention and reward dedicated staff members.”

Committee

Congratulations to our newest UFCW Local 152 members and the tireless union negotiating committee! Thank you for your hard work and commitment to making Genesis HealthCare in Millville a better place to work. 

The committee included VP/Collective Bargaining Representative Chad Brooks, Director of Field Services Peggy Kelly, Union Representative William Pitts, and workers Amber Martin, Evelyn Oyola, Kimberly Wing, and Adelaida Figueroa.

“These workers should be proud of themselves for organizing and staying united through the bargaining process,” Ross said. “They have now gained an effective voice on the job, and I welcome them to the Local 152 family.”

Are you interested in joining UFCW Local 152? Start by learning more about how to start a union at your workplace.