While many of us across UAW Region 9 are indoors riding out the snowstorms hitting our areas, let’s take a moment to recognize the members who don’t have that option.

A huge thank you to the hardworking members of UAW Local 204, 1612, 2326, and 2327 who are out in the elements—clearing roads, keeping essential services moving, and protecting our communities.

This is solidarity in action. This is what union strength looks like. Stay safe and know that Region 9 stands with you.

Thank you to our UAW family across the state who have been out there working long hours to clear the roads and keep our communities moving.
Your hard work—often done in tough, dangerous conditions—helps make travel safer for everyone, including our brothers and sisters across UAW Region 1-D.

UAW TOP Wheel Navy Blue and White

Nearly 140 union workers from Lorain County Job and Family Services went on strike Wednesday morning after months of negotiation with county management failed to produce a new contract. Please see Dave O’Brien, February 18, 2026, article in the Chronicle “Lorain County JFS workers strike over wages, costs of healthcare, staffing” for more information.

 

 

UAW member picketing in winter attire, holding winter coats, protesting.

WORKERS AT LORAIN COUNTY JOBS AND FAMILY SERVICES SET FEBRUARY 18 STRIKE DEADLINE AFTER COUNTY FAILS TO OFFER FAIR DEAL

After authorizing a strike earlier this year by 86%, on Tuesday, UAW Local 2192 members at Lorain County Job and Family Services announced a February 18 strike deadline for the County to agree to a fair deal for the 144 workers. Workers who administer Ohio Works First, SNAP, Medicaid, childcare assistance, child support referrals, and other essential public services are demanding fairer wages that bring their pay up to the County average that would address staffing shortages, recruitment and excessively high turnover challenges.

“Lorain County has misplaced priorities,” said Candace MacIntosh, a JFS Investigator. “They’re bringing in six-figure salaried positions while claiming to have no funds for fair wages at our agency — an agency our community depends on.  I just came back from maternity leave and have to keep my newborn son off the County healthcare because it’s far too expensive. Instead, he is on Medicaid, the same program we administer. We’re authorizing benefits for other people while struggling ourselves.”

During the current union contract, workers like Candace MacIntosh saw a 50% increase in health care premiums. JFS workers are also paid less than other county agencies – as the County claims there’s not enough funding for the employees to earn a livable wage. Meanwhile, they have enough money in the budget to increase the number of six-figure salary management positions by 142% over five years – from 65 upper management positions to 157 roles making over $100,000. In the same period, the workforce has experienced 65% turnover due to being underpaid and overworked.

“Lorain County Commissioners are letting JFS workers fall behind,” said UAW Region 2B Director Dave Green. “Workers are skipping their bills and dropping their health care — it ain’t right. Meanwhile, the County is hiring dozens of upper management positions and giving them six figure salaries. So where are Lorain County’s priorities? They’re in the toilet. All we’ve heard are crickets from their side. They aren’t bringing anything back to the table and are forcing our hand. So, we’re gonna play that hand — and we are gonna win, because we’re stronger together.”

Lorain County JFS employees have been working with an expired union contract since September 2025. UAW Local 2192 members have met with the County over several bargaining sessions until reaching an impasse in December, when a fact-finding hearing was conducted by a neutral, state-mandated dispute resolution process.

In January, the County voted down the fact-finder report’s findings. By rejecting the fact-finding process – which is uncommon – and failing to offer a new proposal in return, the County is leaving county workers with no option but to strike by February 18 as a last resort.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1DizP4PW7U/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Ratification flyer, red background with white, black and yellow writing

Congratulations to the members and leadership of UAW Local 889 on the ratification of your new local agreement.

UAW Members picketing, wearing winter attire, holding signs, in front of county building,

UAW Region 2B Director Dave Green rallies Local 2192 workers outside of Lorain County Jobs and Family Services.