Lorain County JFS strike heads into second month as mediation looms
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Illustration: Shoshana Gordon/Axios
A strike by Lorain County Job and Family Services workers has entered its second month.
Why it matters: Roughly 120 frontline workers who administer SNAP benefits, Medicaid and child care assistance are off the job, raising concerns about service delays for some of Lorain County's most vulnerable residents.
Catch up quick: Members of UAW Local 2192 walked out in February after contract talks with county commissioners broke down over wages and short staffing.
- Workers say they're underpaid compared to neighboring counties and facing burnout from high turnover. County leaders say their latest offer is fair and fiscally responsible.
- The county has offered a standard pattern of raises over three years, but workers want a $1 per hour raise to supplement their base pay.
What they're saying: "They're not even entertaining it," the Local's chairperson, Gina Jones, tells Axios. "Their last, best and final offer was their only offer."
- "It's a disservice to the community, it's a disservice to the taxpayers, and it's a disservice to the residents who need these services."
What's next: The workers and county officials will meet Wednesday for a state-mandated mediation related to two unfair labor practice charges filed last month.
- It's the first time the county has met with workers since the strike began.
Reality check: County Commissioner David Moore, who did not respond to an Axios request for comment, has been adamant that a mediation will not change the county's position.
- "Nothing is going to come of it," he told the Lorain Chronicle. "The strike is going to continue."
The big picture: The strike lands amid broader turmoil in Lorain County, including a recent default on payments that nearly resulted in the repossession of police vehicles and community backlash over a proposed "megasite" development.
The bottom line: The public comment portion of recent county commissioners meetings has been spicy.
- Tuesday's should be no different.