Bucks County workers return to work after 1-day strike

🔵County social workers have been working without a contract for 9 months

🔵Their union says the county's offer cuts their healthcare benefits

🔵Workers will be back on the job Monday

Bucks County workers are back on the job after a one day strike Friday over lack of progress on a new contract after nine months.

Members of SEIU 668 and their families marched and chanted outside the Bucks County Courthouse in Doylestown Borough, Pa. as both sides remain far apart on the issue of healthcare benefits. The striking workers come from social services offices Children and Youth Services, the Area Agency on Aging, IT, Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Support, Early Intervention, and Developmental Programs.

According to the union its members rejected the last offer and authorized its leadership to call a strike. Union negotiator Edward Berger said that the county wants to make "massive" cuts to healthcare benefits.

"Union members worked with the county in our 2020 contract negotiations and accepted small wage increases due to the urgency of pandemic conditions," Berger said in a statement.

More strikes?

Catanese told 6 ABC Action News that another longer strike is possible if an agreement is not reached.

The union in a statement to LevittowNow.com said the county arranged for coverage by supervisors during the walkout

"This administration stands ready to continue negotiating to reach a fair salary and benefits package for our valued employees," the statement read.

Union president Steve Catanese told the Bucks County Courier Times that he plans to file a "direct dealing" complaint with the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board after County Commissioner Diane Ellis-Marseglia asked union members to email her directly.

No new talks are scheduled.

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