MEADD Picketing by union was illegal, county officials say

YOUNGSTOWN -- Mahoning County will probably file an unfair labor practice complaint today against a union that picketed Tuesday afternoon outside the county courthouse and administration building.
About 100 members of the Mahoning Education Association of Developmental Disabilities conducted informational picketing, seeking public support for resolution of their labor dispute.
The pickets carried signs saying "Settle Now" and "MEADD Stands United." The union members postponed a strike that was to have begun Sept. 1, and have been working without a contract on a day-to-day basis since then.
Connie Pierce, county human resources director, said the union did not file a notice with the city of its intent to picket, which is required by law. For that reason, the county will most likely file the unfair labor practice complaint with the State Employment Relations Board.
"They certainly have a right to picket and I have no problem with them being there," Pierce said. "All I ask is that they do it legally."
MEADD, the 185-member union representing teachers, workshop and rehabilitation specialists, case managers, nurses and therapists at the county board of mental retardation and developmental disabilities, will be negotiating with the board all day today and Thursday.
A large group of union members and their supporters also appeared at Monday's meeting of the MRDD board.
"We want the taxpayers of Mahoning County to help us settle this contract," said Mary Jo Nagy, union vice president.