Bucks County workers from SEIU Local 668 go on strike

Hundreds of Bucks County workers went on strike Friday after nine months of working without a contract.

Their union, SEIU Local 668, represents about 500 Bucks County workers, including 911, youth services and the county’s IT department. Of those, 300 have the right to strike. The local union has been negotiating a modern contract for more than a year.

Union members picketed outside the Bucks County Administration Building in Doylestown on Friday and plan to remain on the picket line until 6 p.m.

“This is the first time these workers have gone on strike,” said Steve Catanese, president of SEIU Local 668. “We are hopeful that a one-day strike will work, but all options are on the table, including a longer strike and other actions.”

The union’s decision to strike is notable because it comes at a time when the Bucks County Board of Commissioners is controlled by Democrats, who often count on the support of SEIU and other unions for turnout.

Bucks County spokesman James T. O’Malley said county officials “arranged for supervisors to replace striking employees to ensure immediate service to the public.”

“This administration stands ready to continue negotiations to achieve a fair pay and benefits package for our valued employees and looks forward to welcoming them back to work on Monday,” O’Malley added.

Bucks County’s recent proposal this summer included cuts to health care and pension benefits, according to the trade union.

“Bucks County’s essential public sector workers deserve a fair contract that protects our health care, not a cut to our hard-fought benefits,” said Edward Berger, who has worked for Bucks County for 24 years and serves on the bargaining team.

Workers voted to strike earlier this summer, with 99 percent voting “yes.” They informed Bucks County of their intention to strike during the final contract negotiation session on Sept. 11, according to the union.

Of the 500 Bucks County workers represented by Local 668, about 200 are legally barred from participating in the strike. They include supervisors, probationers and parolees, and youth center workers, Catanese said.