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Mediation Begins as Akron Caseworkers Return to Work
After ending a five-month work stoppage, CWA-represented child welfare workers in Akron, Ohio, have begun the process of mediating their dispute with Summit County Children's Services.
Picket lines came down at the agency on Dec. 16, after CWA Local 4546 and the county reached a late-night agreement in a marathon session to mediate and, if necessary, arbitrate issues of caseloads and other working conditions. About 270 social workers and support staff had been on the picket line since July 14. Mediation sessions through the State Employment Relations Board were held Jan. 14-15 and are to resume Feb. 6.
The union's key issue is protecting the county's children by ensuring that caseworkers aren't spread too thin.
The local has submitted its "Child Protection Clause" to the mediator, which includes language about a caseload limit, addresses staffing levels and calls for a prohibition on allowing college students to be assigned caseworkers' duties.
The union had strong public support on the picket line, with fellow unions, radio talk shows, elected leaders and newspaper editorials expressing concern about the agency and its high volume of cases per worker.
Another huge success was the local's unity. "I am so proud of our members," Local 4546 President Robin Schenault said. "For the entire five months, not one person went back to work. They stuck together so solidly, and that's what unions are all about."
Picket lines came down at the agency on Dec. 16, after CWA Local 4546 and the county reached a late-night agreement in a marathon session to mediate and, if necessary, arbitrate issues of caseloads and other working conditions. About 270 social workers and support staff had been on the picket line since July 14. Mediation sessions through the State Employment Relations Board were held Jan. 14-15 and are to resume Feb. 6.
The union's key issue is protecting the county's children by ensuring that caseworkers aren't spread too thin.
The local has submitted its "Child Protection Clause" to the mediator, which includes language about a caseload limit, addresses staffing levels and calls for a prohibition on allowing college students to be assigned caseworkers' duties.
The union had strong public support on the picket line, with fellow unions, radio talk shows, elected leaders and newspaper editorials expressing concern about the agency and its high volume of cases per worker.
Another huge success was the local's unity. "I am so proud of our members," Local 4546 President Robin Schenault said. "For the entire five months, not one person went back to work. They stuck together so solidly, and that's what unions are all about."