Workers at Mercer County Children and Youth Services have threatened to strike on Wednesday, April 9, citing stalled contract negotiations and a dispute over healthcare benefits.

The workers, represented by SEIU Local 668, include caseworkers, clerks, and fiscal staff. They say the county has threatened an indefinite lockout if they proceed with the one-day strike.

Shelley Dorfi, chief shop steward, said the workers are fighting to maintain existing contract language that gives them a role in healthcare decisions.

"A strong motivating factor for workers to stay at the agency is having a quality healthcare plan with affordable co-pays that allows them to utilize the doctors and specialists they are comfortable with," Dorfi said in a statement released by the union.

The union said negotiations for a new contract have been ongoing for nine months. They allege that the county's chief negotiator, outside legal counsel Stephanie Fera, demanded the workers relinquish their existing healthcare bargaining rights.

The union also accused the county of threatening to terminate workers' healthcare and said the lockout threat puts children at risk and could lead to violations of state and federal child safety regulations.

"We are always told by our County how appreciated we are for our work," Dorfi said. "But the County first proposed to eliminate our existing right to negotiate our healthcare, then threatened our jobs and healthcare, which has left employees deeply unappreciated and frustrated."

The union highlighted recruitment and retention challenges at the agency, saying high caseloads, stress, burnout and turnover endanger the children they serve.

In response, the Mercer County Board of Commissioners released a statement acknowledging the strike threat.

"The Mercer County Board of Commissioners acknowledges the one-day strike by the union representing our dedicated Children & Youth Service workers," said Ann Coleman, chair of the board, in a statement.

The county said it remains committed to "good-faith negotiations" and ensuring essential services are not disrupted.

"Our priority is to continue good-faith negotiations with the union to reach a fair and sustainable agreement that balances the needs of employees, the financial responsibility of the county, and—most importantly—the well-being of the children and families who depend on these critical services," Coleman said.

The county said it is open to continued dialogue with union leadership.

When asked for comment on the accusation of a lockout threat, Coleman provided an additional statement to 21 News.

 “The Mercer County Board of Commissioners  remains committed to taking care of vulnerable children and their families. The strike threat/notice originated with the union. The lockout threat is inaccurate,” it read.

Workers plan to picket at the Mercer County Courthouse, 125 S Diamond St., Mercer, Pa., beginning Wednesday morning.