by Samantha Brown

Created on: July 17, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

April 28,2008 at approximately 6:52 am, upon returning to work after a minor surgical procedure. As the Fleet Operations Supervisor arrived, late as usual. I gave her time to settle in. I approach the fleet office to speak with her at her desk. She requested that we leave the office, for a private location to talk. That's when I received it, the suspension letter dated April 22,2008 advising me of my suspension without pay,pending a pre-termination hearing. I smiled, told her thank you and walked away. What's the point to all this! It started on March 15,2007 at a School Board Meeting. I forgot to mention, I was employed as a paraprofessional. A group of co-workers got together to air our grievances before the Board oF Commissioners. After that, the nightmare began. The management name us the chosen 5, through second hand information we where targeted for elimination. Termination! Simply put,for the most part. We exposed some real unsavory practices with management.

The Board OF Commissioners responded, with a mocked investigation. The systems investigator, did everything humanly possible to discredit the facts. But the chosen 5 was time enough for him. It was a 2 month investigation. On May 18,2007 he concludes there is no sign of nepotism.
We laughed at him, because we had documentation to support our allegations.
The chosen 5 consist of 3 men and 2 women, we didn't stop there. Some of the employees whom still wanted to talk with us, said clearly watch your backs. All of us knew we where in for the fight of our lives. That didn't matter, because we where prepared for the fight. Now let's not forget we all belonged to Unions. The chosen 5, where in separate unions and that didnt make a difference our causes where the same. Hostile work environment, intimidation, unsafe equipment. Even unfair disciplinary actions against employees. In fact 2 members of the chosen 5, were union representatives. Of course we had to go by any means necessary, including unethical means. I was one of the representatives, so being a female and challenging an all management team didnt sit well with the boys.

Because the outgoing rep, didnt give them any beef over what they did to employees. I question ever disciplinary action, 90% of them went in favor of the paraprofessionals. They're way of managing is intimidation, threatening you with termination. Situations included forced overtime, I'll step right in,inform them under our contract it's voluntary. The para's were'nt obligated to

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