Lorain County JFS Workers Set Strike Date Over Wage Dispute, Staffing Issues

UAW Local 2192 Sets Strike Deadline Amid Dispute with Lorain County

After receiving an 86% approval earlier this year for strike action, UAW Local 2192, representing workers at Lorain County Job and Family Services (JFS), has announced February 18 as the deadline for reaching a fair agreement with the County. The union, which represents 144 employees involved in administering crucial public services such as Ohio Works First, SNAP, Medicaid, and child support referrals, is demanding wage increases to match the county average, a measure they argue is necessary to tackle staffing issues, recruitment challenges, and high turnover rates.

Candace MacIntosh, a JFS Investigator, voiced concerns over the County's financial priorities: “Lorain County has misplaced priorities,” she said. MacIntosh highlighted the contrast between the increasing number of high-salary management positions and the lack of funds for fair wages in her department. She shared her personal experience of not affording County healthcare for her newborn son, who is enrolled in Medicaid—ironically, one of the programs she helps administer.

Employees have reported a 50% rise in healthcare premiums under the current union contract. Despite these rising costs, JFS worker salaries remain below other county agencies. Lorain County has expanded its high-earning management team by 142% over five years, increasing from 65 to 157 positions earning over $100,000, while JFS faces a significant 65% turnover rate due to low wages and high workloads.

UAW Region 2B Director Dave Green criticized the County's handling of the situation: “Lorain County Commissioners are letting JFS workers fall behind,” he stated. Green stressed the financial burdens JFS workers face, noting their struggles to pay bills and afford healthcare, while the County seems focused on expanding its upper management. “They aren’t bringing anything back to the table and are forcing our hand. So, we’re gonna play that hand — and we are gonna win, because we’re stronger together.”

JFS employees have been operating under an expired union contract since September 2025. Despite several negotiation sessions, talks stalled in December, leading to a fact-finding hearing as part of a state-mandated dispute resolution process.

In an unusual move, the County rejected the findings from the fact-finder's report in January and has not proposed any alternatives since. This decision leaves JFS workers with the strike option by February 18 as their ultimate recourse.