Job and Family Services Strike and Contract Dispute

Urged commissioners to support JFS workers by offering livable wages and fair healthcare to maintain the social infrastructure of the county.

Reported that phone lines for Adult Protective Services have been down for over a week, preventing vulnerable citizens from getting help.

A 28-year JFS employee criticized the board for sending hardline negotiators and refusing to offer a genuine contract to striking workers.

Condemned the board for offering a meager one-dollar raise while attempting to claw back sick and personal time after workers served as essential staff through the pandemic.

Highlighted that the JFS strike has reached seven weeks and noted that county medical plan hikes make health insurance unaffordable for workers.

Reiterated that striking JFS workers are standing strong after seven weeks because their base pay is below a living wage.

Argued that commissioners refuse to do low-paying JFS jobs themselves and highlighted how soaring inflation and housing costs outpace wages.

Shared how free clinic patients are losing prescription coverage and experiencing major delays due to JFS backlogs.

Shared firsthand accounts of severe service disruptions and calls from professionals regarding vulnerable adults during the strike.

Called out county spending on projects while JFS workers lack pay parity, urging commissioners to return to bargaining.

Criticized public statements made about JFS employees and urged commissioners to offer a living wage.

Stressed the essential nature of JFS work and urged commissioners to sit down at the bargaining table.

Shared personal experience as a long-term JFS trainer making low wages and warned that retention problems harm clients.

Detailed specific operational errors and phone line closures at JFS affecting public assistance and food stamps.

Urged commissioners to return to the bargaining table to negotiate a fair labor agreement for JFS workers.

Asked commissioners to support local workers, improve job opportunities, and negotiate a fair contract.

Warned that wage inversions from hiring new staff at higher rates will worsen turnover and service failures at JFS.

A JFS intake worker criticized county leadership for misleading videos and lack of respect during the strike, highlighting processing delays and questioning administrative spending.

A nursing home business office manager and former JFS worker explained how delayed Medicaid processing due to the strike is forcing vulnerable families and healthcare facilities into severe financial distress.

A JFS worker urged commissioners to return to negotiations so employees can return to work.

A JFS worker criticized board game-playing remarks and pointed out that funds appear available for raises and overtime for non-striking staff, urging fair compensation.

A lifelong county resident pleaded with commissioners to show compassion and transparency, noting that workers make below median salaries and struggle to provide for their families.

An employee of Lorain County JFS with nearly 29 years of service testified about dangerous and unsanitary conditions faced by Adult Protective Services workers making low wages, noting that retention is abysmal and workers qualify for public assistance.