On Friday, March 15, nearly fifty members at Spring Oak of Berlin, an assisted living community in Berlin, New Jersey, voted to ratify a new union contract.

The three-year agreement improves the lives of our members in various ways. First, all members receive wage increases annually, with CMAs now receiving at least a $1.00 premium. All full-time members will now accrue sick days to be used in accordance with the New Jersey Earned Sick Law. Senior members will now receive up to four additional PTO days.

A member voting at the Spring Oak of Berlin ratification, March 2024.

The new contract introduces two programs: the Lead Program and the Preceptor Program. Spring Oak of Berlin will appoint a “Lead” in select departments based on skill and ability. The Lead will receive an additional $1.50/hour. To reward members who train new hires, the Preceptor Program compensates those designated as Preceptors with a $50 bonus for training that week.

Finally, members can voluntarily contribute to the Bryan D. Ross Foundation directly from their pay. The Bryan D. Ross Foundation is UFCW Local 152’s charity organization that directly assists Local 152 members suffering from financial hardship due to catastrophic illness or injury.

Congratulations to our members and the unwavering union negotiating committee! This included Assistant Director of Collective Bargaining Lisa Sanders, Director of Field Services Peggy Kelly, Union Representative Chad Brooks, Shop Steward Lloyd Anglin, and Tamir Linder.

UFCW Local 152 proudly represents nearly fifty members at Spring Oak of Berlin, which offers assisted living and memory care in Berlin, New Jersey. Our members work as nursing aides and in dietary, activities, maintenance, and more.

Are you interested in learning more about becoming a union member? Start by learning more about What Unions Do or fill out our Union Interest Form to be contacted.