SCANDAL: City Manager Bill Rawlings Lashes Out By Firing Whistleblowers, Unionizing Employees


Artesia, California - While the walls crumble around disgruntled City Manager Bill Rawlings, he is lashing out, but embattled employees catch a glimpse of blue sky.

As lawsuits, unionizing efforts, investigations, and general mistrust mire three councilmembers' attempts to cover up several serious allegations against Rawlings, he is directing a subordinate to fire or attempt to fire employees for whistle blowing and for engaging in protected union activity, both of which are protected under state law.

Despite this, employees are galvanized by outcries of support from residents, businesses, and outside agencies who are monitoring the situation.

One Employee Fired Already

An HR Manager, who was involved in unionizing efforts, was fired over a week ago.  The official reason: "services no longer needed". This particular HR Manager had glowing reviews for years, up until he bravely reported several serious allegations of harassment and misconduct involving the City Manager. 

After the majority of the City Council decided not to investigate these charges (which leaves three council members criminally liable), this HR Manager and almost all of the manager team realized that the only way to protect themselves was to unionize.

Their petition to unionize was legally filed and delivered to the City on August 10. 

On September 20, the HR Manager was suspiciously fired, almost a month and a half after the petition was filed.  

"That's clearly retaliation for union organizing and also whistleblowing," said Andrew Perry, who is the President of the existing union in the City, AFSCME Local 1520 - Artesia Employees.

Multiple Outspoken Employees Targeted for Firing

It doesn't stop at the HR Manager, though.  The City Manager is apparently targeting other high ranking employees who are instrumental in unionization efforts.

Like the HR Manager, other high ranking employees blew the whistle and tried to report it to the City Council, but three council members made sure that this matter would not be investigated.

Union President Andrew Perry has also been a target of retaliation, for his efforts at letting the public know about what's going on.  

Residents and Businesses Organize Against City Manager

One silver lining about City Manager Bill Rawlings is that he is apparently very good at getting people to band together against him.

For example, during Artesia’s International Street Fair & Diversity Festival on October 2, a flyer was passed out (see picture) that seems to use wording from the Eye on Pioneer. Whoever you are, thank you for that, by the way, and please comment below on where this petition is.

Clearly, the message is out there. Eye on Pioneer is trying to determine where these petitions are, but when we find out we’ll be sure to let you know.

Further, the Eye on Pioneer has received over 100 comments and messages of support from Artesia residents.  Thank you for that, and please continue to like, share, and most importantly - organize!

"Only a fool would try to deprive working men and working women of the right to join the union of their choice." - Dwight D. Eisenhower, US President



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