October 13, 2009
Bruce Nigro, Director
Essex County Division of Welfare
18 Rector Street, Floor 9
Newark, NJ, 07102
Re: Step II Class Action Contractual Grievance
Gigantic Roaches Infest Military Park Office
Article I. Purpose
Article VII. Discipline
Article XXV. Non-Discrimination
Article XLIX. Safety of Staff
Dear Mr. Nigro:
CWA Local 1081 submits this Step II Class Action Contractual Grievance on behalf of our members assigned to work within the Military Park Citizen Services Center office, located within the privately-owned 18 Rector Street, Newark building, to protest the infestation of that site by enormous roaches. Attached, please find a scan of an actual inch-long roach retrieved by CWA Local 1081 member from the Military Park office.
Cockroach disease can affect humans. Cockroaches are known to carry diseases like dysentery, typhoid and poliomyelitis, as well as gastroenteritis. Not only can people get sick from the diseases with which cockroaches contaminate human living space, many humans are allergic to cockroach feces. Of course, while no one exposes themselves to cockroach disease and feces on purpose it can happen by inhaling particles of dust in the air that has been left behind by the cockroach. Food can also be contaminated with the smell of cockroaches, which is very distinct. Food can have particles of feces, salivary gland secretions, as well as dead insects if it has not been stored properly.
The resolution CWA Local 1081 respectfully demands to this grievance is for the County to immediately remediate this dangerous and disgusting dilemma.
We seek a hearing, in this regard.
Sincerely,
David H. Weiner, President
CWA Local 1081