Strike Averted at AristaCare Nursing Homes in Plainfield, South Plainfield

PLAINFIELD, NJ — With less than 48 hours before a strike, 300 nursing home caregivers of 1199SEIU reached a settlement with AristaCare Health Services at Cedar Oaks in South Plainfield and Norwood Terrace in Plainfield. With little movement at the bargaining table, union members had voted overwhelmingly for a 24-hour strike that was slated to begin Wednesday morning.

The tentative agreement provides immediate and yearly wage increases for all employees, protects workers’ pensions, and secures high-quality health insurance.

“We’re thrilled to win a contract that will help us keep our families healthy and be able to provide good care to our residents,” said Ruby Waller, a certified nursing assistant and member of the Union’s bargaining committee. “I’m proud that members were united and ready to go on strike but thankful that we were able to resolve the contract beforehand. It shows what we can accomplish when we all work together.”

“This contract settlement is the result of 1199SEIU members’ spirit and determination to preserve stable healthcare jobs in their communities,” said Milly Silva, Executive Vice President of 1199SEIU. “We are very pleased to reach this agreement and look forward to building a constructive relationship with AristaCare to protect quality nursing home care in New Jersey.”

— By Bryn Lloyd-Bollard

(Image via Shutterstock)

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