North Justice Center to remain closed Monday

Dear Court member:

The North Justice Center will remain closed on Monday, Dec. 23, 2019 while Court administrators continue testing to make sure the building is safe for workers and the public. This information comes to us from HR after a Court leadership phone conference earlier this afternoon. Here's where we stand:

Tests for the presence of asbestos particles is done daily. The results this morning showed "unknown particles" but there was no confirmation it was asbestos. The results of additional tests today are not yet available and HR informs us that an additional test will be done over the weekend. If the "all clear" is confirmed, The Court will send a communication notifying North Justice Center workers.

We asked HR how workers from the North Justice Center will be allocated. The response is that it will be similar to today:

• North Justice Center workers willing to work at other justice centers will be dispatched to those locations;
• Court reporters will remain at home as their equipment remains inside the building;
• Court workers may use vacation to cover the day.

Your health and safety on the job is our first concern so we will continue to monitor the situation and communicate with you as needed. 

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the closure and/or the response, please contact Labor Relations Representative Danielle Chau at dchau@ocea.org.

In Solidarity,

Charles Barfield
OCEA General Manager

Publication Date: December 20, 2019