Director of Recreation William Masci filed a complaint against the town with the Connecticut Board of Labor Relations last week, claiming the town violated the Municipal Employee Relations Act by dealing directly with union personnel, transferring work away from Masci and intimidating union members.
The United Public Service Employees Union filed the complaint on Feb. 18 on behalf of Masci.
According to the complaint, “the Town of Southington has transferred work which has been exclusively performed by the Director of Recreation to non-bargaining unit personnel.”
In the complaint, Masci accuses the town manager of “direct dealing with bargaining unit personnel regarding overtime/compensating time issues.”
He also accuses the Southington Board of Finance with “harassment and intimidation” during public meetings.
Town council members disclosed the complaint, which is a public record, at the beginning of their Feb. 23 meeting.
“I just want to express my personal belief that the town should do everything possible to fight this complaint,” said Chairman John Barry.
Town Manager John Weichsel said the complaint relates to town efforts to reduce overtime.
“Yes, we will vigorously defend against this complaint,” he added.
Barry said he was disappointed that an employee with 25 years experience working for the town would need to file a labor complaint.
“I think this complaint is very unfortunate,” he said.
Barry said the recreation director is claiming a “right to overtime.”
“Most town employees have been very receptive to try to help out,” Barry said, referring to their cooperation in cost-saving measures, including overtime reduction.
“Some of these charges are pretty outrageous,” Vice Chairman Anthony D’Angelo said.
Councilman Michael Riccio suggested the board of finance could use some “reining in by their chairman.” Riccio and Councilman John Carmody expressed concern that other employees had suffered similar treatment before the board.
The complaint requests a cease and desist order halting the town’s alleged violations as a remedy.
According to the complaint, Masci will seek an order “to reinstate all duties and responsibilities to the director of recreation and make him whole for any losses.” He also wants an order ending harassment at board of finance meetings and one requiring the town manager to stop “direct dealing with bargaining members and he apologize to the entire body.”
The complaint also seeks costs incurred by the union, including attorney fees.
The board of labor relations has scheduled a preliminary conference for 10 a.m. April 6 at town hall.