SEIU 1199 members protest lack of Bellefaire JCB recognition

LORAIN — A handful of union members and their supporters gathered Wednesday evening along North Ridge Road. As snow fell and cars drove past on the slush-covered roadway, the small group chanted pro-worker slogans and waved the Service Employees International Union's signature purple and white signs in demand of union representation at nearby Bellefaire JCB. Wednesday's protest was a coordinated effort at all Northeast Ohio Bellefaire JCB locations in an effort to have the counseling center continue to recognize SEIU 1199 and negotiate a fair contract for its more than 300 Bellefaire workers, including the 15 to 20 at its Lorain office. Michael Wood, lead administrative organizer for the union, said the coordinated picket hoped to bring awareness that Bellefaire continues to refused to recognize the union. The decision to no longer recognize the union was effective Oct. 1 after federal courts and the National Labor Relations Regional Director ruled religious nonprofits are not compelled to recognize or enter into contacts with a union. Bellefaire JCB's staff has been part of the West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky-based service workers union since the 1990s and was in the middle of renegotiating a new contract when the workers were informed they would no longer be recognized by the nonprofit. Beth Cohen Pollack, chief advancement officer for Wingspan Care Group, which includes Bellefaire JCB, said in an email on Wednesday that the organization had not changed its stance on the issue. She previously told The Chronicle-Telegram in a statement that the nonprofit has kept benefits and working conditions the same without the union and increased wages. "We believe a direct relationship with our employees will result in a stronger workplace as we continue to support the children and families in our community," Cohen Pollack said in a statement in response to a November protest. Bellefaire JCB's roots stem from the Cleveland Jewish Orphan Asylum, founded in 1868 in Cleveland, later renamed Bellefaire Jewish Children's Bureau and now Bellefaire JCB. The organization, according to its website, does not limit its services to the Jewish community. Wood said without union representation, Bellefaire's staff have no rights on their job and they are "beholden to management for everything." SEIU 1199 has disputed Bellefaire JCB's characterization of its organization with the National Labor Relations Board, but has yet to have a hearing date. "The work they do is vital to their community — they work with schools, children, vulnerable populations," Wood said. "The work they do is vital and these workers are vital. … They deserve a voice in their workplace." This is SEIU 1199's third protest regarding its contract and standing with Bellefaire JCB this year. Contact Carissa Woytach at (440) 329-7245 or cwoytach@chroniclet.com.