Artesia Councilmember May Seek to Prevent Employees from Reporting Discrimination, Harassment Involving City Manager


Councilmember Ali Sajjad Taj
Councilmember Ali Sajjad Taj

Artesia, California - At the next regular council meeting on June 14, Artesia Councilmember Ali Taj may be looking to alter a harassment and discrimination policy adopted last year, to the detriment of employees.

In November 2020, the City Council discussed for seven full minutes an updated discrimination and harassment policy. There were two main updates: 1) language that includes additional protected groups (I.e. transgender, religious creeds, veteran status, etc) , and 2) an update to the reporting requirements. During that meeting, Councilmember Melissa Ramoso talked about the importance of having a portal for staff to report discrimination or harassment anonymously. Previously, the City’s policy only had Human Resources and the City Manager as individuals whom employees can lodge a complaint.  The updated policy includes the City Attorney’s office, in the event employees want to lodge a complaint anonymously or against upper management, and specifically the City Manager.



City Council Agenda Item 25
The agenda report that discusses Councilmember Ali Taj’s plans to revise the policy.


Artesia’s Union President Andrew Perry (AFSCME Local 1520) is concerned about Taj’s intentions if the policy is revised.


“Here’s the logic behind that policy - it serves as checks and balances,” Perry said. “The City has employees who are not protected by a union. Who can they go to if, for example, it’s the City Manager who is harassing or discriminating? Human Resources is under the City Manager, and can’t talk to anyone without first going through the City Manager. This creates a problem. And of course, the affected employee can’t complain to the City Manager. That’s why the City Attorney’s office is offered as the third option. The attorneys don’t work for the City Manager. They work for the City Council. It’s actually really smart that the City Council approved this last year”


Perry explained, ”This provision protects employees. In effect, if the Council removes it, employees will be prevented from being able to report legitimate discrimination or harassment cases, or even illegal activity, coming from someone high up.”


However, it is still possible for employees to file anonymous tips to the State’s Department of Fair Employment and Housing, or the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This could result in a giant public scandal if that ever happened. “I wonder whose name is already out there in public as trying to dismantle this check and balance?” asked Perry, rhetorically.


“Why do I care if unrepresented employees are experiencing a hostile work environment?” asked Perry.  “It affects the morale of the represented employees who work under them, and whom I represent.  And to be honest, I would like to see those unrepresented employees enjoy the relative peace of mind that comes with knowing that they have protections.  And that they can speak up about discrimination, harassment, or workplace bullying without fear of retaliation.”


Perry is asking for people to share their opinions and support of City employees to the City Council before the June 14 meeting.  Email publiccomments@cityofartesia.us, or leave a voicemail at (562) 865-6262 ext. 200. 


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Democratize Your Workplace: Organize!


Location: Artesia, CA, USA

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