FitzGerald stressed the collaborative process that took place between the county and AFSCME.

Cuyahoga County employees agree to new health care plan 

CLEVELAND — Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald announced today an extensive contract agreement with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 1746, the largest bargaining unit within the county government.

“It was a tough set of negotiations, especially in light of the cuts the state has made and will continue to make,” said FitzGerald.  “Like many families across Cuyahoga County, we have made tough economic choices, but have been able to make those tough choices along with our bargaining units.”

The County’s 1,210 AFSCME Local 1746 employees agreed to the reduction of their health benefits under the new contract.

FitzGerald stressed the collaborative process that took place between the county and AFSCME.  “Collective bargaining works because we have made the necessary sacrifices while dealing with fewer resources,” FitzGerald said.  “Having the workers at the table with the needed expertise on both sides was essential to our success as we navigated through these tough decisions.  This is a compromise that benefits both the workers and the taxpayers. “