Social services workers end strike in Ohio county

HAMILTON, Ohio (AP) — Social services workers have ended a strike of about three weeks and returned to their jobs at a children services agency in southwestern Ohio.

The union president says about 45 workers returned to work at the Butler County Children Services agency on today without a contract agreement. That ended a strike that began Aug. 18 over wages.

Union president Rebecca Palmer says workers decided to return to serve the families that need their services.

But Palmer says they still hope a mutually agreeable contract can be worked out.

County Administrator Charles Young says the county is pleased workers returned. He says the county cannot afford salary increases but continues to offer $550 lump sum payments to workers over three years.

Young says the county will continue to negotiate with employees.