Guidelines

I am one member of a five person board. The opinions I express on this forum are mine only, and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Escambia County Staff, Administrators, Employees, or anyone else associated with Escambia County Florida. I am interested in establishing this blog as a means of additional transparency to the public, outreach to the community, and information dissemination to all who choose to look. Feedback is welcome, but because public participation is equally encouraged, appropriate language and decorum is mandatory. Although this is not my campaign site for re-election--sometimes campaign related information will be discussed, therefore in an abundance of caution I add the following :








Tuesday, January 4, 2022

The Process Works

ECAT Employee and Union President Michael Lowery's termination has been overturned by an arbitratror.

The process works.

It isn't always pretty, it certainly isn't perfect, and it definitely isn't timely--- but it works.

The process of employee discipline, together with rules, ordinances, state and federal law-- combined with processes and procedures outlined in collective bargaining agreements for covered employees to appeal such discipline---- can all blend together and become opaque and circuitous.

Case in point:  Mike Lowery.

He was terminated by administration many, many months ago and he has fought this termination ever since.  Through various stages of appeals--he has stayed the course.

Now--whether or not we believe he was right or wrong--the arbitrator has spoken--and he will be reinstated.

From an evening email received by the board yesterday:

Commissioners,

 Please be aware the Arbitrator in the Lowery matter concluded there was just cause to discipline, but due to the lack of previous/progressive discipline, the termination was reduced to a 3-day suspension without pay.  Lowery must be reinstated and made whole for lost wages/benefits.  The Arbitrator will retain jurisdiction for 60 days for implementation of the remedy.

 Current ECAT management and HR are aware.  Please don’t reply all.

 Alison 

No comments: