Hundreds of Bucks County social service workers go on 1-day strike following nearly a year of contract negotiations

DOYLESTOWN, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — About 500 workers in the Bucks County Administration Building joined the picket line on Friday for a one-day strike because their union still does not have a contract after nearly a year of negotiations.

SEIU Local 668 represents the 911 workers in the building as well as employees in the IT and child services departments. The union has been negotiating with the county since November 2023.

Union spokesperson Jeremy Shutts said they are striking to show the county that their work is vital.

“This is meant to send a message,” he said. “We’re willing to go back to the table at any point in time if the county is willing to work with us on the health care benefits. We’re also looking for fair wages as well. That’s also really important to these members.”

Shutts said they are “not willing to bend” on health care — and he said it seems the county isn’t either. “That’s why we’re out here.”

The union claims the county is trying to make large cuts to their health benefits.

“It’s time for us to stand up for us and our families,” added Diane Meyer, a program specialist for the Children and Youth Social Services Agency. “Workers are out there every day — missing things with their own families, putting themselves on the line. And they’re not getting the respect back. This contract does not meet our needs.”

A Bucks County spokesperson said supervisors are filling in for striking staff, and county leadership stands ready to continue negotiations to reach a fair salary and benefits package.