Union County Clerical and Social Workers Demand Better Contracts

Union County clerical and social workers representing Communications Workers of America union Local 1080 demanded better pay and working conditions at the Union County Board of Commissioners meeting on Thursday, August 27, 2026, in Elizabeth. About 40 members attended despite torrential rain.

Jennifer Colon, an employee with the Union County Division of Social Services and a fourth-generation resident of Roselle, spoke about financial struggles facing workers. "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 called for fair raises for clerks to help workers "live, provide for their families and move forward."

Rev. Jimmy Brooks also addressed commissioners, saying "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 stated that county officials do not discuss contract negotiations in public. However, Commissioner Stanley Neron responded: "We hear your voice and we hear your concerns. Thank you for all of your service for the years you've committed. As commissioners, we've got to work diligently to make sure conditions for employees who work for us are what they're supposed to be."

The commissioners indicated they would examine ways to make contracts fairer and more equitable for both employees and the county.

This article was produced with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy against official sources.

Produced with AI assistance and reviewed against source records.