UAW Local 2192 Prepares to Strike Amid Lorain County Contract Standoff

UAW Prepares for Strike Amid Lorain County Negotiations Standoff

With just days remaining before a pivotal February 18 deadline, the leadership of the United Auto Workers (UAW) joined members of UAW Local 2192 at Lorain County Jobs and Family Services (JFS) to discuss potential strike actions. UAW President Shawn Fain and Region 2B Director David Green were present at the gathering, emphasizing their readiness to proceed with a walkout on Wednesday morning if county officials do not agree to the terms of a fair contract.

UAW President Shawn Fain highlighted the broader implications of the dispute, stating, “The workforce crisis at Lorain County Jobs and Family Services is a public service crisis. Today, the UAW is standing up for strong public services that Lorain County residents depend on. An agency that can’t keep staff because they can’t afford to eat lunch or have their children on their healthcare plan – that’s an agency in crisis.”

Approximately 150 members of UAW Local 2192 are engaged in delivering essential public services, including child welfare support and public benefits administration, to the most vulnerable populations in the county. Despite the critical nature of these roles, economic challenges and staffing shortages persist. JFS management and the Lorain County Commissioners have yet to propose an acceptable contract after prolonged discussions.

Turnover rates at JFS have escalated significantly over the past five years. Concurrently, the County Commissions have imposed a substantial 50% increase in healthcare costs for the employees, while salaries lag behind those in comparable positions elsewhere in Ohio, compounding the financial strain on workers.

UAW Region 2B Director Dave Green remarked, “UAW Local 2192 has been ready and remains ready to negotiate and settle this contract immediately. But right now, the County is giving workers – and the public – zero options. Resolving this crisis matters to every family in Lorain County because when workers can’t afford to stay on staff to do the critical work at Jobs and Family Services, public services simply can’t function.”

The current situation has left many JFS employees facing severe financial hardship, compounded by the county's addition of numerous high-salary administrative positions. UAW Local 2192 Chairperson Gina Jones expressed concern, saying, “We are prepared to reach a fair agreement that stabilizes our workforce at Lorain County Jobs and Family Services and protects critical public services. But right now, we have JFS workers putting their children on Medicaid, skipping meals, or relying on food banks because they can’t afford the County’s health plan – the same people who administer public assistance programs to others in need. That’s why UAW Local 2192 members are unified and ready to strike on February 18 unless the County changes its position.”

Despite the stalemate, UAW Local 2192 members at JFS are prepared to continue negotiations in good faith to finalize a fair agreement that meets the needs of Lorain County. However, absent a viable proposal or demonstrated willingness from the County to address issues such as turnover, retention, and service sustainability, the strike is scheduled to commence on February 18. Workers plan to establish picket lines outside the JFS facility at 42485 North Ridge Road starting at 6:30 a.m.