Taking care: Pictured from left: Janis Tipton, UFCW Local 27 representative; Aziz Walker, floor technician; Susan Montague, housekeeper; Luis Ortega, maintenance mechanic and shop steward; Rose Elliott, certified nursing assistant and shop steward; and Nelson Hill, UFCW Local 27 lead negotiator, vice president, and executive assistant to the president.
The 75 UFCW Local 27 members provide essential care and services at Kentmere Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing in Wilmington, Del. The nonprofit facility offers rehabilitation, short-term sub-acute skilled nursing, long-term care, Alzheimer’s and dementia care.
Their three-year collective bargaining agreement, finalized last month, delivers significant increases in wages, benefits, and uniform allowances, as well as additional paid time off, including an added paid holiday for Juneteenth. The agreement also strengthens leave language for members who need to take time off for personal reasons.
“This new agreement represents an important investment in the hardworking men and women who provide essential care and services at Kentmere Skilled Nursing. The improvements demonstrate what workers can accomplish when they stand together and bargain collectively,” said UFCW Local 27 President Jason Chorpenning.
Negotiators commended the members for their patience during the lengthy bargaining process. “Our committee was motivated and very focused about what they wanted to achieve in these negotiations, and despite some contentious moments at the bargaining table, they remained strong,” said Nelson Hill, UFCW Local 27 lead negotiator, vice president, and executive assistant to the president.
“This contract is well deserved and has been a long time coming, and we are proud to be members of UFCW Local 27,” said Rose Elliott, shop steward.