The members of the Ohio Association of Public School Employees Local 170 have voted overwhelmingly to file a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board, charging unfair labor practices against the Ironton-Lawrence County Community Action Organization.

OAPSE Field Representative Karen Kuehne said CAO officials have reduced child care workers' work hours by 25 percent, and cut bus drivers' work hours by 20-50 percent. Because of this, both groups of workers totaling nearly 40 people have lost health care coverage altogether.

Kuehne said while this comes at a time when state funding for such programs has been cut, it is important to note that non-union workers have faced no such cuts, and still pay only 5 percent toward their health insurance costs.

"My understanding is that two, possible three employees were either receiving from or seeking treatment for cancer and several have children," Kuehne said. "It is difficult for me to reconcile the fact that an employer who prides itself on giving a helping hand to the needy in this community would feel the need to do this to their own employees. All we want is fair treatment, the same as non-bargained employees. That's all we're asking for."

Local 170 has 116 members and includes bus drivers, child care workers, service team leaders, teachers, cooks, maintenance and custodial workers.

Meanwhile, the contract between the CAO and the union expires Dec. 31. The two sides were scheduled to meet Monday night and Wednesday for bargaining sessions.

CAO representatives were unavailable for comment.