Tick, Tock: UAW Puts Lorain County Commissioners on Notice in Statement on Six Months Milestone for Job and Family Services Strike

ELYRIA, OH -- Six months ago today, UAW Local 2192 members at Lorain County Job and Family Services walked out on strike. Lorain County Job and Family Services is now the site of the longest public sector strike in the history of Ohio. But UAW Local 2192 members knew what they were taking on by choosing to go on strike. They also knew that they did not have any other choice if they wanted to solve the retention crisis and maintain quality services for Lorain County residents. Now, they are putting the Commissioners on notice of a significant escalation if the Union's calls for talks continue to be ignored.

Background
After months of negotiations -- and working under an expired contract -- County Commissioners showed no interest in bargaining in good faith. UAW Local 2192 members were done living a life in which they had to skip meals and enroll their own children in programs they helped administer for other families in need. Their collective frustrations built a powerful foundation to take on a staffing crisis, a retention crisis, and a leadership crisis affecting more than their jobs in Lorain County.

Since then, the Commissioners have chosen to disregard the state's fact-finding process and fight their own workforce instead of solving the problem, and their inaction has forced residents to pay the price as critical service failures mount. Nevertheless, the Union has repeatedly called for good-faith negotiations and compromise between the parties for the good of Lorain County.

What's at Stake
Six months later, JFS workers remain steadfast in their resolve, but the community’s frustration with the County Commissioners has only intensified—particularly since the strike started on February 18—whether over the JFS strike or the broader chaos at the County.

Many County residents are in limbo trying to fill needed prescriptions. Nursing home residents are not getting reimbursements processed. The county health system is under strain, and elder abuse investigations are falling behind.

What's Next
What the County Commissioners seemed to have failed to consider themselves is the resilience of this UAW Local in Ohio. But it is right there in the name: U-A-W.

UAW Local 2192’s fight has the full backing of the International UAW, from its organizing and bargaining strategies department to its political arm, all the way to the President's office.

JFS workers hear their clients' pleas for a settlement, even if the Commissioners pretend not to.

On Tuesday, August 25, Local 2192 members will hold a rally at the Lorain County Administration Building in Elyria to announce their next steps in their campaign for a better life.

WHO:  UAW Local 2192 members at Lorain County Job and Family Services
WHAT:  Rally to announce next steps in JFS strike
WHERE: Lorain County Administration Building, 226 Middle Ave, Elyria, OH 44035
WHEN:  Tuesday, August 25 at 1:30 p.m.

Tick, tock: the clock is now ticking on Lorain County Commissioners. One way or another, the working people of Lorain County will have their voices heard. The Union and the community want a fair settlement. It is up to the County Commissioners to resolve this crisis before the next steps.

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