Phoebe Ministries, union workers reach 2-year labor deal

Jan. 08--ALLENTOWN -- About 400 union workers at two Phoebe Ministries' locations, including its largest facility in west Allentown, have reached a new labor agreement.

Phoebe spokesman Adam Marles said Thursday that the workers, who are members of SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania, overwhelmingly ratified a two-year contract Wednesday. About 17 hours of negotiations Monday produced a tentative deal late Monday night, said SEIU spokeswoman Karen Gownley, leading to the union vote and heading off a possible strike.

Neither Marles nor union officials released specific terms of the deal or the vote total.

In a news release, SEIU said the agreement includes a letter of "Labor-Management Collaboration Initiative" that expresses a commitment to improve communication, transparency and operational efficiencies at the two nursing homes. The union said workers and management will design the letter.

Longtime Phoebe Allentown worker Rachel Herczeg said the negotiations required employees to make some hard decisions. "But we maintained good jobs and quality care, and look forward to working with management to ensure a strong future for our residents and our community," she said.

Workers publicized their conflicts with management, holding information sessions and a rally Nov. 10 in Allentown. They had claimed Phoebe management was seeking wage cuts of up to $4.14 an hour, a hike in some health insurance premiums, and changes to overtime, short-term disability and holiday pay.

Workers also were angered by Phoebe management's efforts at hiring possible replacement workers as a contingency in case the union employees walked off the job.

A planned one-day strike scheduled for Dec. 30 was called off after a labor mediator called back both sides to resume bargaining. Phoebe Ministries has not had a work stoppage in recent years.

"The new contract provides our employees competitive wages and benefits while allowing Phoebe to both deliver the compassionate care for which we are known and invest in the future," said Marles, who is Phoebe's vice president of advancement, marketing and strategic development. "Phoebe Ministries values its employees and their unwavering commitment to the residents we serve each and every day.

"With this agreement in place, we look forward to a collaborative and beneficial future for the Phoebe family."

The 400 workers at Phoebe's West Turner Street location and a facility in Wernersville, Berks County, include licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, housekeepers and laundry workers. Phoebe provides various levels of senior housing and health care for thousands of mostly elderly clients.

Overall, Phoebe Ministries employs 1,250 people at four continuing care retirement communities. Besides Allentown and Wernersville, Phoebe runs facilities in Richlandtown, Bucks County, and Wyncote, Montgomery County. Phoebe's corporate headquarters are on the Allentown campus.

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