| REPORT: |
Chairwoman Cohen Higgins provided a brief overview of the discussion item, noting that it concerned the working conditions of employees at MIA, and specifically those employed by AGI.
Mr. Cutie advised that his department had been approached approximately one and a half weeks earlier by the SEIU regarding safety concerns raised by employees. He explained that his team, together with the administration, had met to hear those concerns directly from the employees who spoke that morning.
Mr. Cutie emphasized that he and the administration took the claims very seriously and confirmed that the department was in the process of scheduling a meeting with AGI to address the concerns, several of which involved OSHA matters requiring immediate attention. He concluded by confirming that the administration had been informed and by expressing the airport's full support for the SEIU's position going forward.
Chairwoman Cohen Higgins expressed concerns for the affected employees and advised that she would bring back a follow-up discussion item in approximately three (3) months to assess the progress of the discussions with AGI. She raised the case of former AGI employee Mr. Fermenta, referenced earlier by Ms. O'Brien, and requested that, should he remain unemployed and still be seeking work, the administration work with him toward reinstatement.
Mr. Cutie confirmed that the department would follow up on that specific matter. Commissioner Gilbert III concurred with Chairwoman Cohen Higgins and emphasized that Mr. Fermenta should not remain unemployed. He indicated his preference that the AGI matter be resolved sooner than three months if possible.
Chairwoman Cohen Higgins advised that she understood Mr. Fermenta had intended to attend the meeting but had been unable to do so. Vice Chairman Gonzalez inquired whether AGI had received proper notice of the meeting.
ACA Murray confirmed that the meeting had been publicly noticed in accordance with normal procedure but stated that he had no knowledge of any notice sent directly to AGI.
Mr. Cutie further confirmed that AGI had not been directly notified, though the meeting had been publicly noticed. |
