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For
Release: Immediate
March 27, 2007
Nursing Home Workers Approve Groundbreaking First Contract Agreement
Members of UFCW (United Food and Commercial
Workers) Local 951 who work at the Orchard
Grove Extended Care facility in Benton Harbor,
Michigan have approved a first contract by
a margin of 50 to 2. The ratification vote
took place on Friday, March 23. The three-year
contract covers 63 workers. The Orchard Grove
Extended Care facility is owned and operated
by Northpoint Senior Services.
“This is a great day for us, for the
patients and for our employer. The Union means
being treated with respect and with this contract,
we know that if we have a problem, the Union
will be there to help. That’s good for
everyone,” said Orchard Grove worker
Peg Dixon.
“This first contract is not just an
accomplishment for Orchard Grove workers,” added
UFCW 951 President Marv Russow. “It is
also significant because it was achieved with
the help and support of many leaders and citizens
of the Benton Harbor area who realize that
good working conditions contribute to good
patient care and to a stronger economy.”
“These negotiations were tough,” Russow
continued, “but we appreciate the responsible
and respectful approach that was ultimately
taken by management. We think this contract
sets the foundation for excellent care for
patients and growth for the business. We urge
those in need of long term care to put Orchard
Grove at the top of their list.”
Terms of the new
agreement include wage increase for full
and part time workers in each year of the
agreement. Eligible workers will receive
wage increases retroactive to last August. The
contract also clarifies overtime rules and
procedures, establishes a grievance procedure
and a steward system for worker representation.
It defines clear rules on seniority and provides
for the union and the employer to pursue improved
health care benefit options. The agreement
defines rights to sick pay, paid vacation,
holiday pay and paid bereavement leaves It
provides for a 401(k) savings plan and education
tuition reimbursement.
“I am very happy. I think I speak for
all of us because this contract gives the workers
a voice,” said UFCW 951 member and Orchard
Grove worker, Shannon Carter.
UFCW 951 represents
31,000 members who work across the state
of Michigan at Meijer, Harding’s,
Plumb’s, Polly’s, Kroger, Kessel,
Rite Aid, Knouse Foods, Fry Krisp, and Dowagiac
Nursing Home. UFCW 951 has two offices: a headquarters
at 3270 Evergreen Drive in Grand Rapids opened
in 2005 and a satellite office in New Hudson,
Michigan.
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