Parish of Lumberton, NJ –

Lumberton, New Jersey – A recovering addict is so grateful for the help he received from the team at Union firsthe left a glowing five-star review on Google.

“Union First saved my life, real talk,” wrote Ron, who has been struggling with addiction to the prescription pain reliever oxycodone. “I was severely addicted to oxygen and about to lose my career. The Union First team secured my job and got me the help I desperately needed. Thanks very much!”

Union First is an employee assistance program for union members, government employees and their families. It helps members get the treatment they need for drug use and behavioral disorders without fear of reprisals from their employers. Comprehensive services include referral to the most appropriate treatment program – alcohol or drug addiction treatment, mental health counseling or a combination of both. Its specialists can place members in programs that offer the full spectrum of treatment: medical detoxification, inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab, and dual diagnostic treatment to heal the root causes of addiction.

A number of laws and regulations such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) are designed to protect workers from losing their jobs if they seek help for themselves or have to leave work temporarily to to take care of her for a family member. FMLA grants employees 12 weeks time off for illness, the birth or adoption of a child, or caring for a sick family member. ADA protects against discrimination, including dismissal, against people with disabilities, including mental health disorders and substance abuse disorders.

When they return to work, they must be given back their old job or be offered an equivalent one. Health and safety laws also cover work schedules, pay, benefits and other employment conditions.

Employee support programs like Union First help members navigate the often confusing maze of states and states…