Medford, Ore. — Jackson County employees are entering mediation as they seek raises in a new contract. Jackson County employees represented by SEIU are currently working without a contract.
They’ve been negotiating with the county for a while. Now, they’re in mediation, trying to find a way to avoid a strike.
The union is asking for a cost of living adjustment and a fair health adjustment to keep up with the increasing costs for insurance premiums. The union and the county are still in negotiations and a mediator was brought in to help resolve the issue.
The two groups had their first meeting a few weeks ago. That lasted ten hours. The next meeting will be October 10th.
Employees represented by the union include airport staff, roads and parks, public health and human services, and animal care control.
SEIU’s representative said they are avoiding a strike at all costs.
NBC5 also reached out to county leaders on Thursday. They said they can’t speak without giving the union 24 hours notice. SEIU met on Thursday at Cobblestone Village to discuss options for a strike and community activities over the next month.
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