Social services workers in Ohio approve proposed contract

HAMILTON, Ohio (AP) — Social service workers who were in contract negotiations with a southwest Ohio county over wages for nearly two years have approved a tentative agreement.

The Butler County Children Services Union said today that the majority of the union’s remaining 61 members voted for the contract.

Union president Rebecca Palmer says members remain concerned over the merit pay portion of the contract and believe the agency will continue to have problems retaining employees. But she says the union believes ratification was in the best interest of employees and the families they serve.

County commissioners say they are pleased with today’s vote and expect to approve the contract next week. Contract details weren’t released.

The union went on strike about three weeks last summer, picketing outside the children services’ agency in Hamilton.