On Wednesday, June 11th, nine clerical workers at the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office in Cape May Court House, New Jersey, ratified their first union contract! The ratification was accepted by the Board of County Commissioners on June 24th, officially giving the workers a voice on the job and securing wages and benefits. Congratulations!

The nine clerical workers perform essential duties for the office to run. In October 2024, they collectively contacted the UFCW Local 152 organizing department to learn how forming a union at their workplace could benefit the office. Unionizing public sector entities is a straightforward process. All nine workers stood together and unanimously signed authorization cards to demonstrate “sufficient interest” required by the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) and went straight to negotiating their first contract.

First contracts require much time, effort, and resources to achieve because they set the groundwork for all future negotiations. With the implementation of the new three-year agreement, these workers now have:

• a grievance procedure, 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;

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 the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office a better place to work. 

The union negotiating committee included Director of Organizing Mike Thompson, Communications Representative Alley Snow, and workers Linda McGann and Kate Schuhl.

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!