Nearly two hundred workers at Aspen Hills Healthcare Center and Buttonwood Behavioral Health Hospital in Pemberton, New Jersey, have chosen UFCW Local 152 to be their voice on the job!

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

A New Beginning

A call was made to UFCW Local 152 in March, expressing an interest in organizing at the facilities. After visiting and listening to some of the employees, the organizing department helped guide these essential workers through the process of organizing their union.

“I wanted to become a union member because I want a voice in my workplace, annual raises, and a contract,” said Desiree, an activities aide at Aspen Hills Healthcare.

In a tremendous display of solidarity, Aspen Hills and Buttonwood workers quickly united; it was clear that union representation was something most workers deeply wanted. They quickly signed the petition declaring their interest in union representation.

“Workers deserve fairness, respect, dignity, and better benefits,” said Jean, a cook at Aspen Hills Healthcare.

UFCW Local 152 President Daniel Ross, Jr., alerted the company to the petition and demanded recognition of the union in the two facilities.

A week later, on April 22nd, the petition was confidentially reviewed by an independent third-party mediator, who confirmed that a majority of workers signed the petition. With this information, Aspen Hills Healthcare and Buttonwood Behavioral Health Hospital graciously agreed to voluntarily recognize the union!

Voluntary recognition is always an option for employers, yet most choose to force workers to undergo the lengthy election process. We applaud these employers for choosing a path that puts their workers first.

Looking Ahead

In the coming weeks, UFCW Local 152 will meet with the workers of Aspen Hills and Buttonwood to establish a negotiations committee, which includes a group of workers from the two facilities, formulate contract proposal surveys, and other preparations for negotiations.

Congratulations to Aspen Hills Healthcare Center and Buttonwood Behavioral Health Hospital workers, especially those on the organizing committee! Your hard work has paid off, and we look forward to welcoming you to the Local 152 family!

Finally, congratulations to Director of Organizing Mike Thompson and Organizers Tony Melendez-Mott, Carilisse Lopez, and Dana Belton for empowering these workers!

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!