MRDD contracts will expire

AUSTINTOWN — Work agreements between the Mahoning County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities and its employee unions expire Friday, but strikes are not imminent.

Neither the Mahoning Education Association for Developmental Disabilities, which represents some 140 agency employees; nor American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 1143, which represents about 88 employees; has issued intent-to-strike notices, said Larry Duck, MRDD superintendent.

The education association represents teachers, adult services professionals, nurses, counselors, workshop specialists, case workers and secretaries.

Local 1143 represents bus drivers and aides, custodians, mechanics and cooks.

Duck said the employees will continue to work under the terms of the current contracts while negotiations continue.