On Thursday, April 2, CWA members at Bergen’s Promise voted unanimously to ratify a new Union contract. Negotiations had been ongoing since late 2025, and workers had been operating under an expired contract since January 1.

The new contract includes wage increases in each year, a second telework day, lower healthcare contribution percentages, and more. View the contract summary HERE.

A top priority for workers was assuring management could not have the right to force workers to work on weekends when they weren’t scheduled to.

“Working in the mental health field, we know as well as anyone how important it is to prioritize our weekends and know in advance when we can decompress. That was a non-negotiable in this process,” said Nigera Minkins, Shop Steward and Care Manager. “It was a long fight, but worth it. It’s not a race, it’s a marathon, and our members being so engaged all the way made us feel like we can win this and not have to just accept the first offer management made.”

Before voting began, well over half of the members were assembled in the room, excited to cast a vote. A supermajority of the members—over 100—voted, with zero No votes.

“Keeping our members updated and being so transparent powered what you see today, with almost all of our members in line to vote right away,” said Stephanie Nieto, Shop Steward and Care Manager. “Members really stood strong, together, and we wouldn’t have won this contract without that solidarity and organization.”

The newest Steward at Bergen’s Promise, Stephanie experienced a trial by fire during the nearly 10 bargaining sessions with management, and credits the collaboration of her fellow Stewards with the successful outcome. The new contract assures members as many Stewards as is necessary to fulfill their responsibilities to their fellow Unionized workers.

The contract will be retroactively effective from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2028.