July 28, 2008
Bruce Nigro, Director
Essex County Division of Welfare
18 Rector Street, Floor 9
Newark, NJ, 07102
Re: Step II Class Action Contractual Grievance
Ineffective Intercom System
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 all of our members assigned to work within the Military Park Citizen Services Center to protest the fact that despite all of the taxpayers’ hard-earned monies expended reconfiguring that office to accommodate the City of Newark’s General Assistance Program, the original non-upgraded intercom system still existing within the second floor reception area produces insufficient volume for clients to hear their names being called by their workers.
The regrettable result of the myopic and miserly managerial planning and implementation of the Military Park office upgrade that did not include the purchase and installation of a more powerful intercom system has resulted in our adversely affected members (and their respective clients) having to suffer the indignity of having to open the security door of the reception area and shout their clients’ names. In addition to the ignominy of this circumstance, such involuntary induced insensitive worker-client communication lends itself to possible negative interaction.
As the resolution to this grievance, CWA Local 1081 respectfully demands the County expeditiously purchase and have installed within the Military Park second floor reception area a new intercom system with adequate amperage. We seek a hearing, in this regard.
Sincerely,
David H. Weiner, President, CWA Local 1081