County workers to strike March 15
On Friday, county employees announced their intent to strike March 15 after negotiations for wage increases have extended for months.
The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 668 said they notified Butler County Commissioners of their planned strike in an effort to receive a fair contract.
According to Eric Dodd, chair of the chapter, which includes Butler County workers, the human services and maintenance workers who will be striking worked diligently during the pandemic and were there when the community needed them most.
"We deserve a fair contract with living wages and increases that reflect the rising cost of living due to inflation. Since Butler County representatives are unwilling to address the reality of our needs and concerns, we have decided to strike,“ he said.
More than 97 percent of votes cast by the Butler members authorized the strike, which could affect offices like Children and Youth Services and the Area Agency on Aging. Dodd said more than 200 people are members of the Butler group.
County officials were made aware of a potential strike earlier this week, according to Chris Gabriel, the county’s chief negotiator. A tentative meeting with union representatives has been scheduled for next week, he said.
