Lorain County Job and Family Services workers say their strike has now entered its seventh week, with no agreement reached and growing frustration over what they describe as stalled negotiations.
Multiple employees and union members spoke during a recent Lorain County Commissioners meeting, urging officials to return to the bargaining table and address concerns over wages, healthcare costs, and working conditions.
Workers said the strike began after contract talks broke down and claim there has been little to no movement since.
“This week marks seven weeks that JFS has been on strike,” said one speaker. “The very people who ensure this county is being supported have been unsupported by their county officials.”
Several speakers described financial strain, saying some employees are struggling to afford basic expenses such as groceries, gas, and housing. Others raised concerns about rising healthcare costs, including what they said was a recent increase in premiums.
“We’re not asking to be rich,” one worker said. “We’re asking to make sure our heads are above water.”
Union members also claimed that the county has not presented a new offer since negotiations began, saying the same proposal has remained in place from the start.
“Your last, best, and final offer is the exact same offer as your original offer,” another speaker said during the meeting. “Come back to the bargaining table.”
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Some employees pointed to retention issues, saying coworkers have already left their positions since the strike began, while others warned that ongoing conditions could lead to further staffing challenges.
“There are people who’ve been there for 20 years and still don’t make what’s considered a good salary,” one speaker said.
Workers also raised concerns about workload and long-term sustainability, saying many employees feel undervalued despite years of service.
At times, the comments grew more heated, with speakers criticizing leadership and warning that the situation could carry political consequences if unresolved.
Despite the repeated calls for renewed negotiations, commissioners did not respond to the comments during the meeting.
Lorain County has previously stated that Job and Family Services operations remain open during the strike and that services are continuing, though workers have disputed how effectively the agency is functioning under current conditions.
No timeline for further negotiations or a potential resolution was discussed during the meeting.
The strike remains ongoing.