Commissioners: Contract offer is fair

Social service workers on strike

A contract offer to striking county social service workers is a fair offer, said the Lorain County Commission.

Lorain County Commissioners Lori Kokoski, Ted Kalo and Matt Lundy on Sept. 26 published a 900word statement on the talks for a new collective bargaining agreement for about 170 to 180 workers at the Lorain County Department of Job and Family Services. The county workers are represented by the United Auto Workers Local 2192 and they went on strike starting Sept. 25.

The commissioners said the only issue in dispute is spousal health care coverage. They published their statement on the Lorain County Ohio Government page of Facebook.

“The Lorain County Board of Commissioners believes that the wages and benefits that have already been agreed to by the parties are indicative of its fairness,” the commissioners said. “The Board must continue to act responsibly and balance the interests of the members of Local 2192 and the interests and welfare of the public.”

The commissioners outlined the proposed contract provisions, including information about the workers’ pay.

In a three-year contract, the commissioners agreed to raises of 2.3 percent the first year, 1.7 percent the second year and 2 percent for the third year. Over the contract term, the workers would gain about $4,180 in gross wages, according to the commissioners.

The commissioners’ statement addressed health insurance costs, life insurance benefits and time off work.

Kelly Fields, chairperson for UAW Local 2192 representing job and family services members, was not available for comment on the commissioners’ statement.