Montgomery County has rejected an offer from the Children’s Services workers’ union as its strike continues for a third day. Workers with the Professionals Guild of Ohio (PGO) walked out for a second time this year on Monday. An earlier attempt to strike this summer was halted by a judge. That strike restraint ended last Friday.
The PGO's most-recent offer to Montgomery County included a 4 percent increase to workers’ current wage rates. It also included a lump-sum strike settlement payout of $250 per employee. PGO union members also wanted increases to the current wage range. That demand has been a sticking point for the county in past negotiations.
Now, a spokesperson for Montgomery County says officials have rejected PGO’s latest offer.
County officials say the deal would be too costly for taxpayers, calling PGO’s offer “fiscally irresponsible,” but, they say they’re open to negotiating a quote “fair and reasonable” wage increase.
The PGO is also asking the county take no punitive actions against any striking employees, and say they will not engage in reprisals for any employees who did not participate in the strike. The county previously reported around 60 employees crossed the picket line to continue working during the strike.
No further contract talks have yet been scheduled.
