On Tuesday, February 12, five hundred union members at Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional in Cape May Court House, New Jersey, ratified a new union contract!

This was the first contract Local 152 has negotiated with Cooper University Healthcare since their merger with Cape Regional.

The three-year agreement provides for many improvements to the existing contract. All members received immediate across-the-board wage increases as well as guaranteed yearly increases for the duration. Additionally, all members will receive a longevity-based ratification bonus to reward seniority. With healthcare coverage always a priority, the committee was able to maintain affordable quality health care — now with a much larger network of providers.

Because safe, quality patient care remains a cornerstone concern for all, the union negotiating committee fought hard to establish a “Staffing Committee” to review staffing data, reports, and unit- or department-specific staffing concerns. The soon-to-be-established committee intends to meet quarterly to echo safe patient staffing as a top priority.

As in all contract negotiations, it’s not just the union “WINS” but it’s also the “concessions” that are fought back at the bargaining table. This committee also successfully fought against several substantial company proposals that did not end up in their contract!

Congratulations to our members on achieving a new contract! We would also like to recognize our union negotiating committee, which included President Ross, Director of Field Services Peggy Kelly, Bargaining Representative Chad Brooks, and Shop Stewards Audrey Brown, Amanda Molino, Kristy Pollard, and Chris Reitenauer.

UFCW Local 152 proudly represents the healthcare workers at Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional.

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