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3`` WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS 13. Letter from Local 715, Service Employees International Union re safety of street workers Bud Dougherty, Field Representative, Local 715, Service Employees International Union, commented concerning two incidents involving City street workers and citizens. He noted that in one case the street worker, Eugene Rushing, had been fired for his part in an altercation, which Mr. Dougherty suggested indicated lack of management support for workers. He suggested street workers require protection from citizen abuse. Mary Dolezal, Meter Enforcement Deputy, reported an incident of abuse involving a citizen who objected to a citation and who rocked her vehicle and attempted to turn it over with her inside. In response to questions, Mrs. Dolezal acknowledged that she has a radio to the Police Department in her vehicle and that she did not call the police at the time nor report later the incident described. She urged increased safety precautions for street workers. Chuck O'Conner, 1661 Carleton Court, Gardener and Caretaker reported the hazards involving motorists in connection with his work on the Woodside Road median strip and suggested improved education of those setting up the cones and barricades indicating street work is in progress. Dave Larsen, 2317 Roosevelt, Street and Sewer Maintenance Worker, urged better protection of workers in difficult .�, traffic situations. He reported the services of a Police Officer had been denied when requested because of lack of approval of overtime pay and described an incident involving a driver who appeared about to drive through the street barricades around the job. He commented also concerning the incident involving Mr. Rushing. Bud Dougherty suggested public attitude is part of the problem and that street workers would like to have the support of City Council and City management. He said Local 715 has a committee which could meet with the City Manager and Director of Public Works to discuss best ways to protect workers, noting that private contractors often pay for police protection. Mr. Dougherty urged the presumption should be that the City worker is not guilty and that his union hopes for resolution of the safety problem here rather than report it to Cal OSHA. Discussion followed and Mr. Dougherty replied to questions and commented concerning his knowledge of a City Safety Committee; whether it is active; whether any contract grievance is involved; and the appropriate relationship between management and employees in the City. City Manager Fales stated for the record that with regard to comments concerning former street worker Eugene Rushing that Mr. Rushing and the other party in the incident were both arrested; that the incident is now pending in the criminal process; and that it is not proper to discuss the case at this time. rra OMIO Reg.Mtg. 5/4/81 Page 4