Message sent to OPEIU Local 8 members at YouthCare on March 16, 2026
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We stand by the youth, and it is well past time for YouthCare to stand by us.
We’ve been bargaining with management since October. Too often, management comes to the table unable to respond to our proposals, dragging negotiations out even longer. While we’ve made some progress, management refuses to move on wages for 2026.
Management has asked us to give up our retirement contributions in exchange for considering a 3% wage increase this year. But the numbers don’t add up.
They now say they are only willing to offer a 1% increase, despite the cost of living that continues to rise rapidly. Meanwhile, our programs are understaffed, and many of us are facing a difficult choice: leave or stay with YouthCare and sacrifice our wellbeing. We should not have to choose.
Join us on Tuesday, March 17, at 6:30 pm via Zoom to discuss our next steps. Check your email or contact Hogarth (hogarth@opeiu8.org) for the Zoom link to join.
“We deserve more than what management is willing to pay. We sacrifice so much for this agency, we need them to stand by us too.” – Eric Rabb
Our Bargaining Team:
Eric Rabb, Youth Advocate, Orion
Mandy Ginsberg, Engagement Specialist, Isis