The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

This afternoon I went for what I thought would be a quick trip to the Registrar General’s Office. Instead, what I met when I got there was a hallway full of the office’s staff - on strike. I was confused about what to do at first, because what I needed really couldn’t wait until the following day, so I decided to stick around for a few minutes. I came at the right time, because not long after I got there, the “powers that be” who the staff were waiting on had arrived. They walked through the crowd, without a word and into the office to investigate and discuss the issues.

Despite their frustrations, the staff were still very polite to me and were able to advise me on how best to address what I had come there for. During the conversation, I couldn’t help but to ask what the cause of the strike was. I assumed it had something to do with pay, hours, or benefits, and lightheartedly told them that I hope they get everything they are asking for. I was completely taken aback to learn that it was due to the building having harmful quantities of mold! I was not able to see much from the hallway but I did manage to see that parts of the ceiling in the reception area were pointed out for inspection. That means mold wasn’t just isolated to a few back rooms, but at the very entrance.

The staff said that the problem was ongoing and was reported numerous times, to no avail. One staff member even told me that they are sick just about every week due to the exposure to mold. As someone who has suffered adverse effects myself due to exposure to mold, it is really disheartening to witness that employees - government employees - are expected to work under those conditions. Long-term exposure to mold can have a very serious impact on physical and mental health. This issue should have been addressed when first reported. A strike should not have been necessary to ensure the health of your employees. That’s not to mention the impact this could have had on the public who may have frequented the office. I hope the matter is dealt with immediately!

More information on the effects of mold exposure: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/mold-what-you-need-to-know-to-cut-your-risk/

DISHEARTENED CITIZEN

Nassau,

July 12, 2023