Essex workers file grievance against county for not giving snow day during blizzard conditions

By Sharon Adarlo/The Star-Ledger
February 10, 2010, 7:36PM

ESSEX -- The union representing Essex County workers filed a grievance against county officials because they did not shutdown offices and give employees a day off because of the treacherous snow storm, a union official said.

"The conditions are so bad that both employees and the public can’t get to work," said David Weiner, president of the CWA Local 1081, the union representing county workers. "Why couldn’t the county government be shut down. So little could have been gotten done anyway. It puts our members and pubic at risk."

Weiner also noted a holiday is required in a contract between the union and the county when Gov. Chris Christie decides to close state offices.

Joseph DiVincenzo Jr., county executive, dismissed Weiner’s concerns and said there is a long-standing policy in place of not shutting offices.

"It’s going to cost close to a $1 million for cleanup," said DiVincenzo about snow removal. If they declared a holiday for people, the county would have to pay overtime to essential employees such as the law enforcement on top of snow removal costs.

"It’s too costly," he said. "More than ever before, county government can no longer afford it."

When it snows heavily, DiVincenzo said his 3,500 employees have an option to take a vacation or sick day. He did not know how many had taken off today, he said.