Workers at Lucas County Children’s Services in Toledo, Ohio, who support vulnerable youth, overwhelmingly won their hard-fought election last month to join UFCW Local 75.
The 20 staffers at the state-supported agency, which provides essential services for children at risk of abuse and neglect, include coordinators and facilitators who organize and deliver programs and services, as well as quality assurance monitors who ensure the programs meet agency standards and requirements.
The workers faced several obstacles in their bid for union representation, including misinformation from management and a reclassification of the bargaining unit that removed several roles from eligibility. Despite these roadblocks, the group remained steadfast in their desire for union representation and to be treated fairly in the workplace.
“These workers stood together for more than a year to win the dignity and respect they deserve at work. That kind of commitment doesn’t come easily. This is what solidarity looks like in action,” said Cedric Burroughs, UFCW Local 75 field organizer.
Bill Benner, director of organizing at UFCW Local 75, congratulated the whole organizing team on the win. ” While much of the credit goes to the workers themselves for standing in solidarity with one another, I’d like to also commend our organizers, who showed tremendous effort and skill in keeping workers motivated while building trust and solidarity throughout a long and difficult process. Their persistence and commitment ultimately helped bring this group across the finish line.”
Organizers expect contact negotiations to begin later this fall.