On Saturday, May 1st, nearly one hundred members at Puratos Corporation in Pennsauken, NJ overwhelming voted to ratify a new five-year union contract!

Strong New Contract

First, all members will receive an across-the-board wage increase, including a substantial raise for members already at the top rate. Members will continue to receive 100% employer-paid union healthcare for the life of this agreement! As the rising costs of medical coverage continues, this was a huge achievement for the union’s bargaining committee. The new contract now offers members an enhanced, 100% match on contributions to the company 401(k) savings plan. This addition will help our members plan for a more comfortable retirement.

Language was added to establish terms for the New Jersey Sick Leave Law. All members will now receive five paid sick days at hire and yearly thereafter on their anniversary date. Additional compliance language was bargained as well as a payout for unused sick days.

Finally, the contract now permits union representatives or shop stewards time to meet new hires, allowing representatives to properly introduce themselves and welcome new members into UFCW Local 152. Since many new members have never worked in union positions before, this opportunity to teach new workers about the union difference — the ins and outs of their collective bargaining agreement, the benefits of their contract, and what union representation means — is very important.

Union Strong

Congratulations to our members and the Negotiating Committee, including Director of Collective Bargaining Dan Ross, Union Representative Matte Kane, Shop Stewards Mick Dively and Roy Washel, and committee member Charles Coleman. Great job!

UFCW Local 152 proudly represents about one hundred members at Puratos Corporation in Pennsauken, New Jersey, a company offering a full range of cutting-edge services and ingredients to customers in the bakery, patisserie, and chocolate industry worldwide. Our members work primarily in production.

Below are photos of members attending the ratification on May 1st, 2022.