BEAVER COUNTY, Pa. — After failing to reach an agreement Monday, dozens of Beaver County workers, including many at the courthouse, went on strike Tuesday morning.
Many courthouse workers, clerical workers and other union members of the Beaver County Commissioners Residual Unit went on strike at 7:30 a.m.
The strikers said they are fighting for better wages and healthcare benefits.
"We thought we wouldn't be at this point but unfortunately the commissioners left us no choice," SEIU business agent Al Smith said.
Members feel that the public has been very supportive of their cause.
"We're very impressed with the turnout from our union being here today and I think we've gotten a great response from the public in general with the horn-honking and response from the people coming by," SEIU member Bob Henry said.
According to members, they say a Beaver County Commissioner nearly hit some of them with a vehicle about an hour into the strike, but no one was injured.
"He was close. He went right through us. I don't know how fast he was going but I know he didn't hesitate or slow down at all," Henry said.
County commissioners told Channel 11 about their final offer to the union, which they said is fair and includes an 8.5 percent pay increase over three years.
The union said they are prepared to fight for the long-term.
"Our intent is to figure out a way to get this contract settled. But we are going to do whatever we have to do to get a contract," Smith said.