New Contract Hikes Pay, Protects Benefits at Two New Jersey Health Care Facilities (9/26/07)

RWDSU Local 262 members employed at two New Jersey health care facilities -- Fresenius Medical Care Irvington and Fresenius Medical Care of North Newark/PineBrook – have ratified a three year contract that protects benefits and provides a 9 percent pay hike over the life of the agreement. Effective September 1, 2007, the agreement covers 45 patient care technicians, dialysis assistants, ward clerks and secretaries.

The contract also increases a salary cap by $1-$1.50 for a majority of the employees, protects the employees’ medical benefits, makes both the RWDSU and company dental plans available to union employees, holds the line on vacation, holiday and personal time and clears up ambiguous contract language strengthening the union’s ability to protect the workers.

The Negotiating Committee -- Renee Hughes, Christopher Roberts and Darlene C. Williams, along with RWDSU Local 262 Secretary-Treasurer Pat Sperduto – also secured a $500 signing bonus for employees with 15 or more years of service.