Clarion County Says CYS Contract Almost Done; UMW Thinks There’s a Failure to Communicate

Ron Wilshire

Ron Wilshire

Published August 15, 2018 4:24 am
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CLARION, Pa. (EYT) — Following a year of negotiations, there is still no contract between Clarion County Commissioners and Children and Youth Services (CYS) caseworkers represented by the United Mine Workers of America (UMW).

Commissioners Ted Tharan, Wayne Brosius, and Ed Heasley on July 24 unanimously rejected a contract, with Tharan stating at the July meeting that the county was working with the union of finishing touches and tweaking the contract and only a little work needed to be done before it is approved.

Nick Lonetti, a UMW representative attending Wednesday morning’s public meeting, sees it differently and has received no dates for meetings since the contract was turned down on July 24.

“I talked with Chris yesterday, and he says he owes you a document or something like that, and he said he was going to have it to you very shortly,” said Tharan. (Chris Gabriel is the Clarion County Solicitor.)

“I want to sit down face-to-face, and he will not do that,” replied Lonetti. “Bargaining works best when it’s face to face. We’re not getting anywhere, and it’s been over a year.”

Tharan emphasized that he thought the contract would be approved with a few changes.

“I’ll let you know in advance,” said Lonetti. “He’s (the solicitor) blaming you, and you’re blaming him. These people work hard, and they’re getting ready to go back to school and take care of these kids. We need to get something done here.”

Last year Clarion County Commissioners voted to hire Justice Works Family of Services for assistance in hiring caseworkers for CYS because, under Pennsylvania law, Clarion County is required to hire using an approved Civil Service list based on standard tests for the positions. Clarion County faced a problem of having no one on the list or a limited pool. Justice Works hires its employees, and although it is not required to use Civil Service lists, their employees must still meet other qualifications such as having a college degree.

Justice Works is a private company that independently hires caseworkers for Clarion County and other counties.  Since it is a private company, they can also hire the caseworkers at a higher rate and pay reduced or no benefits.  They can also hire part-time workers and not pay any benefits.

Lonetti also is asking for information on Clarion County’s expenditures for Justice Works. He claims that Clarion County only contracted with the company after the caseworker announced their intention to unionize.

“Beginning October 24 last year when the county originally decided they were going to start subcontracting the workforce of the CYS, I made a bargaining request for what that was going to cost the taxpayers,” continued Lonetti. “The plan was executed with Justice Works.  I’ve made that request four times, and I’ve received none of the information, and it’s currently pending legislation with the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board. I’ve talked with Mr. Gabriel through various emails and messages.  I need this information for — number one, to bargain and — number two, I guess I’m here to ask publically why it has been over a year (and) I’ve seen none of that information?”

“What I’d really like to get is a contract. I need information to get a contract.  I think from October to August is enough time to provide a simple information request on the outsourcing of jobs within the county. I’ve put forth various proposals to put this behind us, and it’s gone unnoticed. Either the litigation will move forward, or you’ll give me the information I have requested.”

“I know you’re working on it, but your side has to come to the table. I’m willing to meet at any time, and I get no response.  All I can do is come here and publically ask. If the people I represent don’t return e-mails or calls, they are disciplined, and I’ve watched them get disciplined over and over again.”

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