Lorain County JFS seeks temporary workers as strike continues into third month

Two months into a strike by unionized workers, Lorain County Job and Family Services is seeking temporary help. Four posts that went up April 16 on the agency's Facebook page said applications are being taken through May 1 for positions including child care eligibility specialist, jobs eligibility specialist, call center worker and intake specialist. Messages seeking comment on the posts were left for county JFS Director Chris Cabot. County commissioners "are so desperate they are gambling on temporary staffing for jobs that take months of training and experience, in roles that directly impact people's lives," United Auto Workers Local 2192 JFS unit chairperson Gina Jones said in a statement provided to The Chronicle-Telegram. "That's not a serious plan to deliver quality services, it's exploiting short-term workers with almost no rights, in an impossible position." A three-year contract between UAW Local 2192 and the county expired in September. New contract negotiations failed and more than 100 union workers at JFS walked out on Feb. 18. The strike entered its third month on Saturday. "What's frustrating is this is all avoidable," Jones wrote. "The county has blown up the budget on six-figure administrative salaries, but won't resolve a strike with the front-line workers who actually deliver services. The fastest way to restore stability and quality is to settle a fair contract and bring experienced workers back to the job." JFS workers manage Medicaid and SNAP benefits, investigate elder abuse, inspect home day cares and administer social welfare programs in Lorain County. Workers are asking for better pay, staffing and health care considerations. The county said it is in a budget crunch and can't afford to pay what the workers are demanding. Commissioners Marty Gallagher, David Moore and Jeff Riddell, all Republicans, rejected a neutral fact-finder's reporter in January. They said they made the last, best and final contract offer to the union in February and that it was up to the union to accept it. The union and the county last sat down with each other on March 25 for a state-ordered mediation conference. Moore said Wednesday that "nothing really" came of the mediation. He also said there was nothing new to report on the county's end when it came to contract negotiations. Union members and officials said Lorain County JFS workers are among the lowest-paid county workers and among the lowest-paid JFS workers statewide. Workers have said they make so little money that they qualify for the programs they administer to other county residents. Union officials and members said they are only asking for $1 more per hour, and that county officials are exaggerating or lying about what they are asking for. The county has alleged on Facebook that the union's request would cost taxpayers $4.9 million during an ongoing budget crisis. Both sides have filed unfair labor practices against each other. Both have denied the other's allegations. The union accused the county of refusing to bargain in good faith. The county accused the union of trying to bypass its chosen negotiators. Union workers who remained on the job were paid a $250 bonus last month, union and county officials confirmed. Striking workers are picketing JFS headquarters on North Ridge Road in Elyria Township and the County Administration Building in downtown Elyria. Workers at the Administration Building have been using chalk to draw pro-union messages on the sidewalk. County maintenance workers have been using high-pressure hoses to wash the messages away. Multiple elected officials, Democratic candidates for local, state and national office and regional and national union leaders have visited picket lines to support striking workers. UAW Local 2192 also represents workers at Lorain County Children Services, who have been without a contract since March 2025. Contact Dave O'Brien at (440) 329-7129 or dobrien@chroniclet.com.