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Volunteer denied request to repaint county park bridge after union raises grievance concerns, county says
Summary
An 82‑year‑old Brighton Township resident offered to volunteer to paint a park bridge; county staff told him the union denied the request because the work is classified as union labor and allowing a volunteer could prompt a grievance.
An 82‑year‑old Brighton Township resident who volunteered to repaint a railing at Brady’s Front Park was told the county could not approve his offer because the work is classified as union labor, county staff said at the Oct. 22 Beaver County commissioners meeting.
Ed Gray, who identified himself during the public comment period as a longtime resident and volunteer, said the bridge railing’s wood is exposed to the weather and offered to paint the structure if the county supplied paint. “Why would you deny the request of an 82 year old guy who wants to do a little community service volunteer to paint 1 bridge?” Gray asked commissioners.
County staff said the request had been forwarded to the union for consideration and that the union had declined because painting the bridge falls under union work. The solicitor’s office and county staff said allowing an outside volunteer to perform work typically assigned to union members could expose the county to a grievance under existing collective‑bargaining agreements.
Staff offered to share Gray’s written request with the union and to reopen discussions. A commissioner noted the county already uses volunteers for some trail and park maintenance projects, such as Boy Scout projects, but said routine maintenance of bridges and similar infrastructure generally remains a county responsibility.
Why it matters: The exchange highlights how collective‑bargaining rules can limit ad hoc volunteer maintenance even when volunteers offer to help with visible park repairs. County staff agreed to forward Gray’s letter to union representatives and to engage the union in further discussion.
Ending: Commissioners asked Gray to provide his written request; staff said they would forward it to the union and revisit the issue with union leaders.
