Public Employee Press

Investigator in Sanitation Department gets uniform money owed since 2007

Investigator Angelica Ragusa got $1,600 when DC37 won her the uniform allowance she had been denied since 2007.

"I am so happy I can't believe it!" said the Local 1113 member. "I was told I was not entitled to the allowance, but I do the same job as my co-workers and they all received checks for their uniforms while I got nothing. I felt singled out."

Council Rep Madonna Knight proved to the Sanitation Dept. that Ragusa deserved the uniform money under an agreement negotiated in 2009, retroactive to 2007, and the city Office of Labor Relations confirmed that Investigators assigned to Sanitation's Medical Compliance Unit are all entitled to the $336 annual uniform allowance.

The issue was resolved quickly without a formal grievance. Ragusa got more than $1,600 for five years of uniform allowances, going back to 2007, and in May she received her annual allowance.

Most Investigators do not wear uniforms, but in Sanitation, where they have to go to people's homes, "They wear uniforms and carry badges for their own safety," said Knight. Ragusa had being paying out-of-pocket for her uniforms. "I went to a lot of people, but I didn't try the union until a co-worker suggested it," she said. "I called the White Collar Division at DC 37, and I am really grateful for the work of the union and Ms. Knight."

"This is a good win for our members," said Local President Deborah Pitts. "Members should come to the union first to get problems resolved a lot faster."