As Job and Family Services Continue Months-Long Strike, UAW Local 2192 Members at Lorain County Children Services Ratify New Contract, Breaking County “Pattern”

Today, as Lorain County Job and Family Services workers remain on strike going over two months, County Commissioners voted to accept a new contract agreement with members of the same UAW Local – UAW Local 2192 at Lorain County Children Services (LCCS) – in a deal that surpasses the Commissioners’ standard “pattern.”

“This is a victory that demonstrates what workers can achieve when they stand strong at the bargaining table,” said UAW Region 2B Director David Green. “Unfortunately, their siblings at Job and Family Services can’t get a fair deal. County Commissioners like Jeff Riddell are refusing to even come to the table and bargain in good faith with UAW Local 2192 members at JFS.”

On April 20, UAW Local 2192 members at LCCS who investigate reports of child abuse, neglect, and dependency to ensure the safety and well-being of Lorain County’s most vulnerable children, voted to ratify the three-year deal, which runs retroactive to January 1, 2026.

County Commissioners attempted to force a “pattern” regarding the General Wage Increases (GWI), which would have held raises to a predetermined 4.5%/3.5%/4% over the course of the contract. But with the County having shifted healthcare costs onto the workers amid historic inflation, UAW Local 2192 members held strong to secure GWI of 4.5%/5.5%/2% — a better deal that puts more money in workers’ pockets now when they need it most.

“When we stand strong, we negotiate from a position of strength,” added Director Green. “When we hold the line, we win.”

In addition to having wage increases front-loaded in the course of the contract, workers secured other gains such as an extra personal day off. To help offset the hazards that caseworkers face using personal vehicles in the field, the new contract includes $400 more in health and safety auto costs. And, in recognition of the dedication and institutional knowledge of long-tenured employees, support staff with ten or more years will receive another 2% retention supplement.

UAW Local 2192 members at JFS will continue to hold the line until the County decides to come back to the table to negotiate a fair deal as they did for their counterparts at Children Services.