Please see attached response to the grievance below. Now our affected members can work in comfort. Our Union will take the same position regarding the provision of adequate heat in the winter.
DHW
July 17, 2008
Bruce Nigro, Director
Essex County Division of Welfare
18 Rector Street, Floor 9
Newark, NJ, 07102
Re: Step II Class Action Contractual Grievance
Unsafe Saturday Extended Hours Conditions
Article I. Purpose
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 the extended hours’ program held on Saturdays within the privately-owned 18 Rector Street/10 Park Place site, to protest the fact there appears to be provided no air conditioning during these non-traditional working hours. This withholding of air conditioning has resulted in not only discomfort for all of our adversely affected members so assigned, but has particularly so for those of our adversely affected members with preexisting medical conditions that would be exacerbated by excessively high air temperatures such as those members suffering respiratory illnesses and pregnant women.
The resolution CWA Local 1081 respectfully demands to this grievance is for the County to ensure the landlord of the privately-owned 18 Rector Street/10 Park Place site henceforth provide air quality on Saturdays commensurate with the comfort considerations of our members and the statutes of the State of New Jersey and the City of Newark.
Our Union seeks a hearing, in this regard.
Sincerely,
David H. Weiner, President, CWA Local 1081
***RESPONSE***
COUNTY OF ESSEX DEPARTMENT OF CITIZEN SERVICES DIVISION OF WELFARE - ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES 18 Rector Street- 9th Floor- Newark, New Jersey 07102 973-733-3326 ---- 973-504-9316 (Fax)
Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.
Essex County Executive
Anibal Ramos, Jr. Department Director
August 11, 2008
Bruce Nigro Division Director
David Weiner. President CWA Local 1081
60 Park Place, Suite 1105 Newark, NJ 07102
Re: Step II Class Action Grievance -Saturday Extended Hours - Temperature
Dear Mr. Weiner:
This will acknowledge your grievance concerning the temperature at 18 Rector St, 1 st floor office and your complaint that the landlord has not maintained air conditioning for Saturday hours. Please note that under state law the landlord is required to maintain temperatures between a range and the issue is whether or not the office temperature exceeded the maximum under the law.
In the absence of any specific information concerning the temperature, it is difficult to rule on your grievance. However, we have contacted the landlord and he has agreed to ensure when necessary that the air conditioning will be on for Saturdays.
Sincerely
BN:w
Cc: Mr. Ramos, Jr.
Ms. Davis
Mr. Pilchman
Mr. Berger