Vineland Nurses Ratify 3-Year Union Contract

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Following more than a year of negotiations, nurses at Bishop McCarthy Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare in Vineland, New Jersey, have unanimously approved a new three-year union contract. The agreement includes a 3% wage increase for 2025 applied retroactively, as well as additional 2.25% raises in 2026 and 2027. The contract also addresses pay disparities, expands paid time off, and was reached with the assistance of a mediator.

Why it matters

This contract represents a significant win for the nursing staff at Bishop McCarthy Center, who were able to secure better pay and benefits through collective bargaining. The agreement helps bring nurses' salaries more in line with market rates in the region, which is crucial for retaining experienced staff and attracting new talent to the facility.

The details

The new three-year contract covers approximately 20 Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) represented by JNESO District Council 1, IUOE AFL-CIO. In addition to the retroactive and future pay raises, the agreement adjusts base salaries for all nurses to match the higher rates paid to newly hired staff. It also provides an extra vacation day for nurses with 6-10 years of service, and an additional day for those with more than 11 years of tenure at the facility.

• The negotiations began in the winter of 2024.
• The contract was ratified on February 9, 2026.
• The first year of the contract is applied retroactively to 2025.
• The 2.25% pay increases take effect in January 2026 and January 2027.

What they’re saying