Landmark Pact Brings Raises, Grievance Rights to NJ Child Care Workers

More than 6,000 New Jersey child care workers – members of the Child Care Workers Union – won a landmark first contract that provides for pay raises, a first-in-the-nation grievance procedure and a real union voice, among other benefits.

The child care workers organized by CWA Local 1037 provide child care for New Jersey parents who are receiving public assistance. 

Under the contract, a worker earning $533 a month now for one child will be earning $654 by July 1, 2009. By the same date, a worker caring for five children will earn $7,200 more annually. Raises are scheduled for Oct. 1 and July of 2008 and 2009, in addition to a 3 percent cost-of-living increase the legislature approved for all state employees in January 2008.

CWA President Larry Cohen praised the activists and leaders of Local 1037 who went door to door for months with union supporters, meeting with potential members and building the organization. "This is an amazing, ground-breaking contract that puts New Jersey child care workers first," he said.

The contract includes a dispute resolution process with arbitration rights and other legal and regulatory protections, said Local 1037 President Hetty Rosenstein. Child care worker contracts negotiated by other unions in Illinois and Oregon don't have grievance arbitration, she noted. "I am confident that this is the best child care contract in the country," she said.

CCWU will be able to meet with newly hired child care workers during their orientation and training. Seniority dates will now be kept and be part of the referral information given to parents.

The state also has agreed to survey child care workers regarding their health care status and offer enrollment in the state's reduced-cost Family Care program to eligible workers. Data will be shared with the union, which is setting up a health care committee to address health coverage for members.

Rosenstein said ratification will likely be completed by the end of October.