Unions Demand Fair Compensation in Camden County
Background of the Unions
CWA Local 1084 represents 375 public employees working under the Camden County Board of Social Services, which administers programs like SNAP and Medicaid. Another sister union, Local 1014, represents 1,500 local and county workers. These unions represent non-supervisory employees across local and county agencies.Members of Local 1084 have been without a contract since January 1, and negotiations have failed to reach an agreement. The last negotiations meeting on November 21 saw management offer a 2.25% pay increase, which was flatly declined by the union.The Impact of Inflation
The union emphasizes that pay has not kept pace with inflation or the rising costs of healthcare over the past several contracts. Tammy Carr, vice president of CWA Local 1084, points out that members pay $12,000 a year in premiums for family healthcare.Inflation took off in 2021 due to global supply chain issues following COVID-19 quarantines. While the inflation rate has fallen since 2022, it remains higher than pre-pandemic levels. Locally, the cost of goods in the Philadelphia region, including Camden County, increased by 3.4% annually through October.Healthcare Premium Issues
Issues with healthcare premiums date back to 2011 when former Gov. Chris Christie signed Chapter 78 into law. This recalculated public employees' pension contributions and the administration of the State Health Benefits Program.The union is now asking for higher pay to offset the increased insurance premiums and the impact of inflation over the past decade.Pay Equity Concerns
A presentation to be shared at Thursday’s commissioners meeting highlights a wide gap in employee salaries based on when they started working. In some cases, employees with the same title can make up to $30,000 less than their peers.This pay disparity has led to serious recruitment and retention issues. According to an internal survey, 57% of employees considered leaving their jobs in the past year for reasons other than retirement, and 87% reported low morale and burnout.The union's workforce has decreased by 4%, while overtime expenditures to cover increasing case loads have risen exponentially. In 2019, the agency spent just under $200,000 in overtime, but in 2023, it spent over $868,000.The Union's Perspective
The union believes that Camden County Social Service workers love their work and want to provide high-quality support. However, low and unequal pay and a burdensome workload have throttled morale among union members.Stephen Johnson, president of CWA Local 1084, states that newer employees are paid so little that they can't afford to live independently and often have multiple jobs.The union presentation includes other data points from the internal survey that illustrate the impact of these issues on union members.CEO's Perspective
CEO Jeremy Kiley emphasized the preparedness of Dove Healthcare. He stated that the organization is fully equipped with resources, supplies, and an adequate staffing level to ensure the continuous care for both Spooner and Rice Lake residents at Dove Healthcare – Spooner. Kiley expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering support received from the Rice Lake area community and the dedicated Dove Healthcare team. The response on December 7 and the subsequent days was truly remarkable.Renovation Process Details
The renovation work is expected to be a comprehensive endeavor. It will involve a thorough assessment of the damaged areas and the implementation of appropriate repair and improvement measures. The contractors are working diligently to ensure that the renovation is carried out with the highest quality standards. This includes using top-notch materials and employing skilled workers. The process is likely to be a phased approach to minimize disruptions to the daily lives of the residents.Impact on the Community
The water pipe burst had a significant impact on the Rice Lake area community. However, the swift response and support from various sources have helped to alleviate some of the difficulties. Dove Healthcare has played a crucial role in providing continuous care during this challenging time. The community has come together to offer assistance and support, demonstrating the strength and unity of the local population.Lessons Learned and Future Preparedness
This incident has served as a valuable lesson for both Dove Healthcare and the community. It has highlighted the importance of having proper infrastructure and emergency response plans in place. Going forward, Dove Healthcare plans to conduct regular inspections and maintenance of their facilities to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. The community also plans to collaborate with local authorities and organizations to enhance their emergency preparedness capabilities."Quench Your Thirst and Save the Reef with XXXX Tropical Lager"
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