Mercer County Children and Youth Services employees, represented by SEIU Local 668, are preparing to go on strike on Wednesday, April 9. 

“We’re fighting to keep the existing language in our contract that gives us a say in our healthcare,” says Shelley Dorfi, Chief Shop Steward. “A strong motivating factor for workers to stay at the agency is having a quality healthcare plan with affordable co-pays that allows them to utilize the doctors and specialists they are comfortable with.”

Children and Youth Services employees, such as clerks, caseworkers, case aids, and fiscal staff, have been bargaining for a new contract for nine months.

Despite bargaining efforts, employees say the County's chief negotiator, outside legal counsel, Stephanie Fera, demanded they surrender existing contractual language that ensured they had a voice in their healthcare. 

The workers authorized a one day strike in response. Following the authorization of the strike, employees say the County allegedly threatened to not only terminate workers' healthcare but also threatened an indefinite lockout. 

Employees say if the intimidation tactic is enacted, it will put children at risk. According to employees, not only does this show a complete lack of respect for the workforce, but it shows how little the County prioritizes the safety of children. 

Additionally, employees say the County faces real risks of falling out of compliance with state and federal regulations around child safety. 

“We are always told by our County how appreciated we are for our work,” says Dorfi. “But the County first proposed to eliminate our existing right to negotiate our healthcare, then threatened our jobs and healthcare, which has left employees deeply unappreciated and frustrated.”

Beginning Wednesday morning, striking workers will picket at the Mercer County Courthouse.