COMMITTEE ON LABOR
MINUTES, MAY 24, 2004 – 4:30 pm
MEMBERS: Chair, George Latimer; Legislators: R. Wishnie, J. Maisano, L. Mosiello
IN ATTENDANCE: County Executive’s Office: William Randolph, Michael Trinchi; GUEST: Jack McPhillips, Head of CSEA
Chair Latimer called the meeting to order at 4:45 P.M.
CSEA 9200 PESH COMPLAINTS/STATUS
Mr. Latimer asked Mr. McPhillips to describe the process to identify the complaints. Mr. McPhillips stated these were complaints they filed with PESH (Public Employees Safety and Health), which is a department under the Department of Labor in New York State. Through various channels they went to PESH to either confirm or deny their allegations. He said that about 80% of their complaints were legitimate. Some were rectified, others were sustained but not rectified. The FTA failed to abate – the County did not address the situation satisfactory to PESH. CSEA does not want the County fined, they just want to get the issues resolved and give the workers better health and safety working environment.
CSEA came to the Board about a year ago to pass a Resolution on worker safety which was approved. He said Mr. Rogowsky wanted to know why a Resolution was needed to insure the safety of their workers. Mr. McPhillips said the list of complaints shows that the County hasn’t resolved these issues without pressure. One example he gave was that they needed eye wash stations in the fleet management garages throughout the County which was a $500 item but DPW denied the request because they “didn’t have the money”. Funds were spent on other things that weren’t a necessity. Mr. Latimer stated for the record that none of these complaints fall within the direct authority of the Board of Legislators and Mr. McPhillips agreed. Mr. Latimer asked if the items listed as “pulled” have been withdrawn as complaints and Mr. McPhillips said that they were either addressed, corrected or were a non-issue once investigated. Mr. Latimer asked Mr. McPhillips to give Sue Mauro an updated version of the report and to highlight the complaint numbers that are still unresolved or unresolved in part.
Mr. Wishnie suggested to pursue with the Administration, the matter of a County safety and health officer. He said improvements are needed to protect the County and employees. Mr. Latimer asked Mr. Randolph to convey this to the appropriate people and would like a representative from the Executive branch to attend the next meeting.
Mr. Latimer had a meeting with representatives from a number of different unions and has put together an agenda of issues that he will bring to the committee. At the next meeting, the committee will decide which issues they will focus on.
On motion by Mr. Wishnie, seconded by Mr. Maisano, meeting adjourned at 5:25.
Text: 
Print:
