Approximately 165 caregivers from two nursing homes owned by NuVision Management, Inc. in New Jersey have accepted a settlement reached between management and the union representatives. The settlement affects caregivers at Clark Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (Clark, NJ) and Burnt Tavern Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.

The proposed settlement, which reached between management and union representatives late last week, was unanimously accepted and ratified by caregivers April 4. The agreement, which included significant wage increases, represents a major victory for members who negotiated its terms with management during a course of more than six months. The settlement comes at a time when many non-union workers across the state are accepting wage freezes. 1199 SEIU caregivers were also able to win additional contributions needed to protect their health and pension funds, which have faced challenges from rising health care costs and pension asset losses following the financial crisis.

As part of the settlement, caregivers will receive wage increases of 6% over the course of the three-year agreement. Management also agreed to absorb a 15.5% increase to the rate contributed by the employer for employee health benefit costs without additional contributions from employees.

All of the workers are really happy with this settlement,” said Marie Saint Germain, a Certified Nursing Assistant at Clark Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. “When you’re working in the medical field, you’re exposed to sickness. You might even bring it home to your family, you never know. So, our health insurance is so important for everyone and their families. And it’s why we fought so hard to keep it!”

As a part of the negotiated settlement, the caregivers will also continue to have access to training and education opportunities funded by the employer, which are designed to promote professional development and technical skills training.

“This is a huge victory for our members. Over 150 caregivers at Clark and Burnt Tavern are now getting more of what they need to support themselves and their loved ones at home, while being enabled to take better care of their residents while on the job,” said Clauvice St Hilaire, Acting Executive Vice President of 1199 SEIU in New Jersey.

While Brick and Clark caregivers have won their battle, between 3,000 and 4,000 are still fighting to keep health benefits from being discontinued by their employers across the state of New Jersey.