On Tuesday, January 18 the Common Council adopted file # 210371 – a resolution directing the Department of Employee Relations to update the City’s anti-harassment policy and workplace violence policy to include elected officials and appointees.

Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, who introduced the resolution, believes this was a much needed change to the City’s policy. “I was certainly surprised to learn last year that the City’s anti-harassment policy did not apply to elected or appointed officials,” she said. “In my opinion this was a very easy decision. Harassment should never be acceptable and when someone breaches the trust of a co-worker, they should be held accountable for their actions. I want to thank all of my colleagues for supporting this item, as well as (Department of Employee Relations Director) Makda Fessahaye for her excellent work on it.”

Alderman Michael J. Murphy, the resolution’s primary co-sponsor, agrees with the decision to amend the policy. “The City has a responsibility as an employer to support its workforce and have a strong stance against acts of harassment. I’m glad that this resolution will now allow the proper mechanisms to be in place regardless of whether the offender is an elected or appointed official,” he said.

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