In a pivotal meeting of the City of Milwaukee's Board of City Service Commissioners, Lakiesha Buie presented her appeal against a discharge decision stemming from a safety-related incident during her employment as an equipment operator. Buie, who has served the city for nearly seven years, detailed her experience during a night shift that led to her dismissal.

Buie recounted the events of November 17, when she was assigned to a night shift—a position she had not volunteered for due to her inability to stay awake during those hours. She emphasized that the assignment was unexpected and highlighted a lack of communication from her supervisor, who was absent when she arrived for work. Buie stated that she and another driver were mistakenly assigned to the same truck, which contributed to the confusion.

Throughout her testimony, Buie expressed her concerns about safety, stating that she felt drowsy and unsafe to operate machinery. She noted that she had communicated her concerns to her supervisors, indicating that she was at risk of falling asleep while driving. Despite her efforts to address the situation, including returning to the yard for safety reasons, Buie felt that her warnings were not taken seriously and that she was unfairly penalized for prioritizing safety.

The hearing underscored the importance of addressing employee safety concerns and the need for clear communication within the city's operational framework. As the Board deliberates on Buie's appeal, the outcome could have significant implications for workplace safety policies and employee rights in the City of Milwaukee. The decision will be closely watched by city employees and stakeholders, as it may set a precedent for how safety issues are handled in the future.