UAW Local 2192 Strike at Lorain County JFS Reaches One-Month Mark

The strike by UAW Local 2192 members at Lorain County Job and Family Services (JFS) reached its one-month mark on Wednesday, March 18. This action was initiated in response to the Lorain County Commissioners’ refusal to engage in fair negotiations after dismissing a neutral fact-finder’s report, jeopardizing essential public services.

A state-mandated mediation is scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, marking the first meeting between the workers and the County Commissioners since the strike began. This mediation is prompted by unfair labor practice charges filed by the union against the Commissioners for their illegal refusal to negotiate.

Gina Jones, Chairperson of UAW Local 2192 and a caseworker at Lorain County JFS, emphasized the union's primary objective: "We are entering March 25’s mediation with one goal: to get back to the table for the residents that rely on our vital services. This is an opportunity for the County Commission to settle this crisis. JFS workers want to be back at work serving the people of Lorain County, but they can’t do that if they can’t even afford to feed their own families. All we’re asking for is a one dollar per hour raise."

Since February 18, a group of 140 workers responsible for critical tasks such as elder abuse investigations, home daycare inspections, and SNAP and Medicaid support, have maintained daily picket lines in front of the JFS building. Additional demonstrations have been staged outside the County Administration Building, as the Commissioners continue to avoid returning to the negotiation table, despite workers actively voicing their concerns at County Commissioner Board meetings.

On February 24, workers filed Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charges against the County for not bargaining in good faith, an obligation under Ohio law meant to resolve differences and ensure the continuation of public services. The union has continuously advocated for this objective, countering the County's persistent resistance.

The primary demand from the workers is a one dollar per hour wage increase to align their pay more closely with peers in other Ohio counties. The funding for JFS operations primarily comes from state and federal sources, which means the proposed wage increase would not impact the County’s General Fund.

The refusal by County Commissioners to negotiate, coupled with their misplaced priorities, risks not only a workforce crisis but also a broader public service crisis for Lorain County. The average wages for Lorain JFS workers are among the lowest in Ohio, and Commissioners have added to the burden by increasing healthcare costs by 50%. This has contributed to significant turnover, with 90 of the 140 positions at JFS experiencing employee exits over the last five years.

Adding to the County's difficulties are several missteps, including near repossession of police vehicles and accusations of retaliation against the County Auditor for resisting illegal requests. There is also widespread local opposition to the Commissioners’ controversial “megasite” development plan.

Despite these challenges, County Commissioners have increased six-figure management roles by 142% over the same period, growing from 65 to 157 positions with salaries exceeding $100,000, while denying JFS workers a fair contract that addresses critical staffing issues, recruitment, and the high turnover rate.