Union County Clerical and Social Workers Demand Better Contracts

Union County workers represented by Communications Workers of America union, CWA Local 1080, attended the Union County Board of Commissioners meeting on August 27 to demand better pay and more equitable contracts. Approximately 40 members appeared despite torrential rain to voice their demands to county leadership.

CWA Local 1080 represents people in communications, information, and public services industries across Union County. Workers join the union to ensure they receive job security, fair pay, and respect.

Jennifer Colon, an employee with the Union County Division of Social Services and a fourth-generation Roselle resident, testified about financial hardship faced by county 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.

Colon pointed out that cost of living expenses such as food, rent, mortgages, and gas keep rising. "I'm asking that the people who work hard every day to serve this county also have a fair opportunity to live, provide for their families and move forward. When you consider raises for clerks, a fair raise would make a meaningful difference in my life," Colon told commissioners.

Rev. Jimmy Brooks also addressed the commissioners, 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 stated that county officials do not discuss contract negotiations in public. However, Commissioner Stanley Neron responded to the workers' presence at the meeting. "We hear your voice and we hear your concerns. Thank you for all of your service for the years you have 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," Neron said.

The labor action reflects ongoing negotiations between county management and CWA Local 1080 representing county clerical staff and social workers across the county.

Union County Life covers Union County government and labor issues affecting residents and county workers. Stay informed about Union County news and county government decisions on Union County Life.

FAQ

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

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

Q: What are the main issues workers are raising?
A: Workers are demanding better pay and more equitable contracts. They cite rising costs of living for food, rent, mortgages, and gas as reasons fair raises are necessary.

Q: Who testified at the meeting?
A: Jennifer Colon, an employee with the Union County Division of Social Services and a fourth-generation Roselle resident, testified about financial hardship. Rev. Jimmy Brooks also addressed the commissioners.

Q: What did Jennifer Colon say?
A: Colon stated, "The cost of living keeps rising and sometimes with even working full time, there is still a struggle to make ends meet." She asked that county workers "have a fair opportunity to live, provide for their families and move forward."

Q: How did commissioners respond?
A: Commissioner Stanley Neron responded, "We hear your voice and we hear your concerns. Thank you for all of your service for the years you have 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."

Q: Does the county discuss contracts publicly?
A: Union County Manager Ed Oatman stated that county officials do not discuss contract negotiations in public.

Q: What industries does CWA Local 1080 represent?
A: CWA Local 1080 represents people in communications, information, and public services industries.

Q: Why do workers join the union?
A: Workers join the union to ensure they receive job security, fair pay, and respect.

Q: Are negotiations ongoing?
A: Yes. Contract negotiations between county management and CWA Local 1080 are ongoing.