Mar 29 2008
Cook County Corruption Chronicles. . . . Part 20
Excerpts from the second semi-annual report by Shakman Compliance Administrator (CA) Julia M. Nowicki:
J. Union Involvement and Issues
Several claims describe how the unions are affected by patronage issues. One claimant sought a promotion that was given to the claimant’s co-worker. The co-worker was alleged to be backed by political sponsorship. Claimant states that pursuant to union rules, he should have gotten the promotion since he had two years of seniority over his co-worker. According to the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the position should have been filled by seniority. Claimant informed his union steward and business agent that he wanted to file a grievance but they informed him the union would not pursue his grievance because they did not want to get involved in claims involving politics.
Another claim was brought by a 20-year employee of the County. For approximately 2 1/2 years ofhis tenure, he performed duties outside of his Job and Grade without being promoted to the position and without receiving any additional compensation. Ultimately, another person who was said to be politically connected was given the position permanently over claimant. Documentation shows claimant was harassed during this change-over and that his then -supervisor was aware of the harassment. Claimant stated that he did not feel he could complain to his union because his supervisor was also his union representative and had allowed the politically tinged harassment to continue.
To be continued…
You can read the full Shakman report here.
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