Mercer County Workers Threaten Strike Over Healthcare Dispute

MERCER, Pa. (AP) — Workers at Mercer County Children and Youth Services are threatening to strike on April 9 in response to stalled contract negotiations and healthcare benefit disputes. This comes after nine months of ongoing discussions with the county that have yielded no resolution.

The employees, represented by SEIU Local 668, include caseworkers, clerks, and fiscal staff. Shelley Dorfi, the chief shop steward, noted that the workers are determined to maintain their current contract language that allows them to participate in healthcare decisions.

“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,” Dorfi said in a statement.

In recent developments, the union alleged that the county’s chief negotiator, attorney Stephanie Fera, has demanded that employees relinquish their rights regarding healthcare bargaining. They also claimed the county has threatened to terminate healthcare benefits, raising concerns that this could jeopardize the care of vulnerable children and potentially violate state and federal regulations.

“We are always told by our County how appreciated we are for our work,” Dorfi expressed. “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.”

According to the union, challenges with recruitment and retention have become increasingly prevalent at the agency. High caseloads, stress, burnout, and staff turnover are cited as factors that could compromise the welfare of the children under their care.

In response to the strike threat, Ann Coleman, chair of the Mercer County Board of Commissioners, acknowledged the one-day strike planned by the union. The Board stated it remains committed to engaging in “good-faith negotiations” and ensuring that essential services continue without disruption.

“Our priority is to reach a fair and sustainable agreement that balances employee needs, the county’s financial responsibilities, and, most importantly, the well-being of the children and families who depend on these critical services,” Coleman emphasized.

Additionally, Coleman rejected the claims of a potential lockout, asserting that the county is dedicated to maintaining the care of vulnerable children and their families. “The strike threat originated with the union. The lockout threat is inaccurate,” she stated.

The workers intend to picket at the Mercer County Courthouse located at 125 S Diamond St., starting Wednesday morning.