MEA and Cal-OSHA Work Together to Hold the City Accountable

Supervising Labor Representative, Nancy Roberts recently filed a complaint with the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal-OSHA) on behalf of MEA members in the City Clerk’s Office. Nancy contacted Cal-OSHA when she was notified that a leak was draining into the women’s restroom on the second floor of the City Administration Building.

To address the water (or possible sewage) leak that was originating from a nearby utility room, the City simply placed plastic buckets inside the restroom to collect the run-off. Once the buckets were full, the contents were being disposed of into the sink of the women’s restroom.

According to building maintenance staff, the City was unwilling to make any long term repairs due to the estimated $15,000 cost associated with fixing the problem. In addition to the general public, there are approximately 47 employees who regularly utilize this restroom.

After Cal-OSHA was contacted by Nancy, a notice was soon posted in the women’s restroom that the leak(s) would be repaired by the following week. Both Nancy and the second floor bathroom patrons are happy to report that the repairs were indeed made and no water (or possible sewage) has been reported since.