THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 20, 1996 TAG: 9610180205
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letters
LENGTH: 119 lines
Last January, I was asked to serve on a three-member city grievance panel to determine if a purchasing department employee had been terminated wrongfully by the supervisor.
We met with the assistant city attorney and the lawyer involved to be briefed on our responsibilities. After the hearing, the panel was to make a decision based on the evidence. We were told that we would be given necessary documents to study before the date of the first hearing. When we arrived for the hearing, it was canceled because we had not received the information.
On the second attempt, we arrived for what we were told would be a three-hour hearing. But after three hours, we had barely scratched the surface of the case. Another date had to be scheduled. Even at this point, things did not look good for the city.
On the second day of the hearing, it was determined by the panel that the City of Suffolk had ``messed up,'' and we found in favor of the person filing the grievance. The panel met again and formulated a letter to the personnel director and city manager, outlining our findings and our recommendations.
What a joke! I don't know why we wasted our valuable time hearing the case. The city manager took it upon himself to make his own recommendation with ultimatums: The city employee was instructed to sign the city manager's recommendation by a specific date and time and agree never to discuss the case. The employee would get no restitution.
I fail to see why the city has a grievance procedure and grievance panel if the city manager is the almighty power who will make the final decision. If this is the case, why doesn't the city manager take it upon himself to hear the case instead of having a grievance panel hear it, apparently for no reason?
On several occasions during this process, the chairman requested a meeting with the city manager, to no avail. Members of this panel took our responsibilities very seriously, but it appears that we took seriously something that was a joke!
Someone or some group needs to investigate the grievance procedure and make some major changes in the way the city handles the grievance process. With the procedure presently being used, there is no need for a grievance panel or grievance process.
I truly feel sorry for all city employees forced to work under the present process. As city employees, they need to unite to make sure their rights are protected, as they should be, by a grievance process.
Talmadge Darden
Bennett's Pasture Road
Suffolk Absent courtesy, patient plans to look elsewhere
Courtesy is the key to both a happy work environment and pleasant phone manners.
This was not what I encountered when I called the Lakeview Medical Center. The voice that greeted me, upon reaching the Internal Medicine Department, was anything but pleasant or helpful.
I have been sick all summer and was inquiring about some tests after having had an appointment with an internist. I was told by the receptionist that Lakeview did not keep an X-ray technician there and not to call back to find out the results; they would call me or let me know at my next appointment, scheduled for a month away. I was informed not to call back; they didn't have time to answer the phone for people who weren't sick.
What a statement from someone who has no idea of my health history!
If I remember correctly from my years of working with the public, receptionists are supposed to answer with a smile and a helpful, friendly attitude.
I won't be going back to Lakeview. I am sure I can find everything I need elsewhere. I don't mind driving the distance out of town just to encounter a friendly office.
After being informed through the administrative offices that steps would be taken to look into this matter, I sincerely hope some changes will occur in this department and any other that seems to have this problem.
Barbara Parker
Rosewood Drive
Suffolk Thanks to citizens, drainage is improved
In August, Allied Colloids representatives were invited to a meeting held by City Councilman Leroy Bennett at Canaan Baptist Church on Nansemond Parkway. We responded to questions about the products we make and how they are transported to and from our site on Wilroy Road.
Ms. Linda Reynolds of the Wonderland Forest neighborhood asked if we could do something about the ditch that runs alongside the railroad line. She said it was neglected, clogged with weeds and debris, and she was afraid that it wouldn't be able to contain any spillage or run-off if a railway accident occurred.
Since then, we have contacted Commonwealth Railroad, and it has rectified the situation, using a backhoe to clean out and re-dig the ditch.
We thank Ms. Reynolds for bringing this to our attention and invite all citizens of the area to contact us at 538-2745 if there are any questions or concerns about our products or our safety practices.
We are committed to the Chemical Manufacturers Association codes of product stewardship that protect the interests of our employees, our neighbors and our environment.
Leslie Peterfeso
Communications Administrator
Allied Colloids
Suffolk Reading made fun
The Isle of Wight County Library/Smithfield Branch experienced an onslaught of children who are avid readers for the 1996 Summer Reading Program. For the eight-week program, 409 children registered and participated in the weekly events at the library.
A program of this magnitude could not be successful without the support of the community. I would like to express a special thank you to businesses, civic groups and individuals who supported the program with monetary donations and businesses and people who donated items or their time.
I would also like to commend not only the children who participated, but the parents/grandparents/caregivers who saw the value of a program that keeps the children in touch with books and who took the necessary steps to allow these children to participate in this beneficial program. To the teen volunteers, adult volunteers and library staff, you did a great job and thanks so much for your dedication!
Emma Jean Brady
Branch Manager
Isle of Wight County Library
Smithfield Branch by CNB