Healthcare workers at Pelican Pointe Post Acute Nursing & Rehabilitation, located at 3809 Bayshore Road in North Cape May, have voted unanimously to authorize a strike, sending a clear message to their employer that they are prepared to take action.

The workers, represented by United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 152, provide short-term rehabilitation, sub-acute, and long-term care to residents and patients every day. Despite their commitment to the facility and the community, workers have faced repeated delays at the bargaining table and what the Union believes is a pattern of bad-faith bargaining by the employer.

“Our members have remained patient, professional, and committed to the residents they serve. They have shown up every day and done their jobs, and they deserve to be treated with respect by their employer,” Daniel Ross, Jr., President of UFCW Local 152, said.

“This strike authorization is not something our members take lightly. It is intended to send a very clear message to Pelican Pointe that now is the time to provide a meaningful agreement that reflects the current labor market and economic climate.”

The company’s last proposal would provide for only 1 percent yearly wage increases, reduce the scheduled workweek by two and one-half hours per week for many current employees, and significantly underfund their health benefits.

“This is a classic example of an employer putting profits over working people,” President Ross said. “These folks are looking for an agreement that protects their families and rewards their hard work — not a fight. But they will not be ignored any longer, and we can not allow unnecessary delays and bad-faith bargaining tactics to continue.”

UFCW Local 152 has also filed numerous unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) concerning alleged unlawful conduct by Pelican Pointe.

In the coming days, the Union intends to serve Pelican Pointe and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) with the required 10-day written notice of its intention to strike, consistent with the notice requirements under the National Labor Relations Act.

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