On Thursday, June 4th, over one hundred and forty workers at Aspen Hills Healthcare Center and Buttonwood Behavioral Health Hospital in Pemberton, New Jersey, ratified their first union contract, giving workers a voice on the job and securing wages and benefits. Congratulations to all!

The union consists of licensed practical nurses (LPNs), certified nursing assistants (CNAs), psychiatric aides, activity aides, recreation, housekeeping, laundry, maintenance, unit clerks, and receptionists at the rehabilitation center and psychiatric hospital in Burlington County.

Road to First Contract

In March 2025, workers contacted UFCW Local 152’s organizing department and expressed interest in organizing at the facilities. After meeting the workers, the organizing department helped guide these essential workers through the process of organizing their union. By late April, the union was formally recognized by the Company and shortly thereafter, contract negotiations began.

First contracts require much time, effort, and resources to achieve because they set the groundwork for all future negotiations.

All of the workers at Aspen Hills and Buttonwood will receive an immediate, across-the-board wage increase. These new members are also guaranteed wage increases annually for the duration of the three-year contract. License renewals for licensed positions such as certified nursing assistants and care employees shall now be paid by the employer. Furthermore, uniforms are guaranteed in the new contract.

With the newly ratified contract, all workers will now receive ancillary benefits including vision, life insurance, and prepaid legal benefits — three items they never had before — at no cost to our members! Paid Time Off (PTO) was increased significantly.

Finally, the Company agreed to the creation of a “Labor/Management Committee,” which will be a small group consisting of union members and management. The committee will meet up to twice per year to discuss any pertinent issues at the facility, giving our members a clear path to directly raise any concerns at the facility.

“Essential workers at Aspen Hills and Buttonwood took an important step forward by joining UFCW Local 152,” said President Ross. “At its core, union membership is about having a voice, standing up for one another, and building a better future for our families. I am proud to welcome our newest members and look forward to standing with them every step of the way. Together, we are stronger.”

Committee

Congratulations to our newest UFCW Local 152 members! We are thrilled to have you join us.

Our tireless union negotiating committee consisted of Bargaining Representative Chad Brooks, Director of Field Services Peggy Kelly, Union Representative Dana Belton, and committee members Sharon Hicks, Jaimiesse Martinez, Brittany McBroom, and Christal Parks. Thank you all for your hard work during this process.

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!