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Union County clerical and social workers represented by Communications Workers of America union Local 1080 are demanding better pay and working conditions. About 40 members attended the Union County Board of Commissioners meeting on Thursday, August 27, 2026, in Elizabeth to speak about their contract demands.

Jennifer Colon, an employee with the Union County Division of Social Services and a fourth generation resident of Roselle, described the financial struggles workers face. "The cost of living keeps rising and sometimes with even working full time, there is still a struggle to make ends meet," Colon said. She noted that expenses such as food, rent, mortgages and gas continue to rise, and asked commissioners for fair raises for clerical workers.

Rev. Jimmy Brooks also spoke during the August 27 meeting, stating, "You are here to serve the people. A lot of these people work for the county in clerical jobs or as social workers."

Union County Manager Ed Oatman said county officials do not discuss contract negotiations in public. However, Commissioner Stanley Neron responded to the workers, saying, "We hear your voice and we hear your concerns. Thank you for all of your service for the years you committed. As commissioners, we have got to work diligently to make sure conditions for employees who work for us are what they are supposed to be."

The commissioners indicated they will explore ways to make contracts fairer and more equitable for employees.

Union County Life covers labor issues and municipal government in Union County. Find more Union County news on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: What union represents County workers?
A: Communications Workers of America Local 1080 represents clerical staff, social workers, communications, and public services employees in Union County.

Q: When did workers present their demands?
A: About 40 union members attended the Union County Board of Commissioners meeting on Thursday, August 27, 2026, to present contract demands.

Q: What are the main contract demands?
A: Workers are demanding better pay and improved working conditions to address rising costs of living including food, rent, mortgages, and gas expenses.

Q: Who spoke on behalf of the workers?
A: Jennifer Colon, an employee with the Union County Division of Social Services and fourth generation Roselle resident, spoke about financial struggles. Rev. Jimmy Brooks also spoke in support of the workers.

Q: What did Jennifer Colon say?
A: Colon stated that the cost of living keeps rising and workers struggle to make ends meet even while working full time, and asked commissioners for fair raises.

Q: How did commissioners respond?
A: Commissioner Stanley Neron acknowledged the workers, thanked them for their service, and committed to working diligently to ensure better employment conditions.

Q: Will the county discuss contract terms publicly?
A: No. Union County Manager Ed Oatman stated that county officials do not discuss contract negotiations in public.

Q: What happens next?
A: Commissioners indicated they will explore ways to make contracts fairer and more equitable for county employees.

Q: How many workers attended the meeting?
A: About 40 members of CWA Local 1080 attended the August 27 commissioners meeting.

Q: Where does the Division of Social Services employ workers?
A: The Division of Social Services is part of Union County government and employs clerical and social work staff represented by CWA Local 1080.