Copper Country Mental Health workers score multiple wins in new contract

Members of Local 7798-1 at Copper Country Mental Health in Houghton, Mich., won wage increases along with solidified workplace violence language in their latest three-year collective bargaining agreement. 

The essential care workers will immediately receive a 4.5 percent wage increase, and the contract also includes an annual wage opener.

The workers are also proud that the workplace violence language they fought so hard to obtain in their 2019 agreement has now officially been added to the CBA. This agreement committed the employer to appoint a committee, including two members of the local, to draft a workplace violence policy. The guideline also includes the definition of aggression and an outline of procedures, all of which will be reviewed yearly.

Another big win includes a commitment from new administration to reduce the amount of “24-hour eyes on residents” in group homes where only one member is working. Members with 15+ years of service will also now receive an extra week of vacation.

The members ratified the agreement unanimously on Monday, Nov. 14.