Vulgarity No More at Council 94
Apparently there was a “vulgarity” problem at Council 94 and J. Michael Downey ain’t gonna take it anymore (h/t).
In an internal memo obtained by The Journal, Council 94 President J. Michael Downey tells staff that he will be “fully involved in the decision-making process” of union leadership following the departure of former executive director Dennis Grilli.
“As president of this council, it is my obligation to ensure that the members’ hard earned dues dollars are put to the very best use on their behalf,” Downey wrote in the Nov. 20 memo. “In this regard, it is my observation that some staff need significant improvement. Let me be clear. I expect that all of you (sic) to give full measure to the job you have been assigned.”
He continued: “In addition, this council will not tolerate any form of disrespect or use of vulgar language and gestures — either toward the members or to your fellow staff.”
….There wasn’t a specific incident that prompted the warning, he said, but rather a culture inside the union’s Charles Street headquarters in which staff members regularly swear at each other or other union members. He also cited regular use of vulgar hand gestures.
“We don’t want that here,” Downey said. “If they don’t work on the things I outlined, we will have a problem…. We’re not talking about layoffs; we’re talking about progressive discipline.”
I just want to know if there’s any relationship between Downey’s statement and Grilli’s departure.
Any moron can F-bomb or let the finger fly. In the places I’ve worked, we’ve expressed these types of sentiments in much more creative and humorous ways.
What’s next? No spitting?
In all seriousness, kudos to Mr. Downey. It’s just a little surprising that something had to be said.
Rhody-why are you so mysterious about what you do for a living?
Joe, ix-nay. Don’t be driving away one of our token lefties with highly intrusive questions!
Joe, I get more kicks than I should about your speculation.
I will say I earn my living in the private sector.
Monique-I really would not want to drive Rhody away-things get too easy when your ideas are unchallenged,and it becomes preaching to the choir
Rhody-my speculation is based on the fact that you seem to deal in ideas as opposed to a product-like a consultant-that’s about as far as it goes-you could call it idle curiosity-as a matter of fact I’ve wondered what quite a few people here do-Justin tells us,so no guessing there-when you go back and forth over issues,it seems relevant where the person you are exchanging thoughts with may have gotten their point of view-of course,it may be totally unrelated to their work.