On March 15, nearly 50 members of UFCW Local 152 who work at the Spring Oak of Berlin assisted living community in Berlin, N.J., ratified a new contract that strengthens wages and benefits.
The three-year agreement includes annual wage increases, with certified medical assistants now receiving at least a $1.00 premium. All full-time members will now accrue sick days to be used in accordance with the New Jersey Earned Sick Law. Senior members will now receive up to four additional paid time off days.
The new contract introduces two programs: the Lead Program and the Preceptor Program. Spring Oak of Berlin will appoint a “Lead” in select departments based on skill and ability. The Lead will receive an additional $1.50/hour. To reward members who train new hires, the Preceptor Program compensates those designated as Preceptors with a $50 bonus for training that week.
The contract also allows members to voluntarily contribute to the Bryan D. Ross Foundation directly from their pay. The Bryan D. Ross Foundation is UFCW Local 152’s charity organization that directly assists UFCW Local 152 members suffering from financial hardship due to a catastrophic illness or injury.
