Marion County Workers: Strike Vote – Vote by Sept. 4! 

Marion County gave us notice today that it intends to implement its Last, Best and Final Offer on September 13th. 

We are now at a critical point in this bargaining fight. Because the County has made this announcement, we are now pivoting from a strike pledge to a strike vote.  

Now we need every member to make the decision. 

This vote is not whether you like the idea of a strike. It is a vote on whether you are willing to accept Marion County’s Last, Best and Final Offer, or whether you are willing to strike to demand a better agreement. 

The County’s Last, Best and Final Offer includes: 

• 2% COLA in the first year with no retroactivity to July 1st 
• 2% COLA  on July 1st, 2027 
• $50 toward premium increases for the 2026 plan year 
• $204 toward premium increases for the 2027 plan year (with the insurance rate increases this will mean no out of pocket increases to the employee’s cost in 2027 – employee costs will remain about the same) 
• $150 toward premium increases for the 2028 plan year (Based on the projected increases we’ve been discussing, workers could see their monthly health insurance costs increase by roughly $100–$150 even with the increase to the employer’s portion).  
• Approximately 3-4 additional vacation days per year (depending on tier)
• Choice between the Day after Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve as a paid day off
• Longevity protections that would start 01/2028 

What Does The County’s Healthcare Offer Look Like? 

We don’t know how much health insurance costs will rise, however, we did an analysis of what would the increase be in 2028 IF rates go up as much as for 2027. 

Under the county’s current offer, here is how premium shares could change over the next two years.  

The number in () is the increase/decrease over the previous year or previous amount. 

At first glance, a 2% COLA sounds like a raise. But by the third year, projected healthcare increases could consume most or even all of that increase. We’ve already seen this happen; the last COLA was eaten up by rising healthcare costs in January 2026. We cannot keep falling behind. 

For months, we have stood together, packing Board meetings, speaking directly to Commissioners, holding informational pickets, rallying downtown, and organizing across worksites. Our actions have made a difference. Now the decision is in our hands. 

The County says it will implement its offer on September 13th. Now we have to decide what we are willing to do. 

A strike is a serious decision, which is why every represented worker needs to vote. If you believe the County’s offer is good enough, vote to accept it. If you believe we deserve a better contract with meaningful wage increases and protection from rising healthcare costs, vote to reject the offer and authorize a strike. 

Whatever your position, we need to hear from YOU. 

We must decide quickly because of legal timelines, and we know you may have questions about strike pay, your job, healthcare, and how a strike could affect those who rely on you. Please review the FAQ, watch for upcoming announcements about Strike School and stay up to date by visiting the Marion County Bargaining info page.  

Cast your strike vote

Watch your email for a strike ballot later today.

Please complete your strike vote by Friday, September 4th at 5:00 PM. 

This is the moment when we decide what happens next. 

The choice is ours. The power is ours. Every vote matters. 

In solidarity, 

Your MCEA Bargaining Team