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APCD staff, union representatives tell board of alleged bullying, retaliation and morale crisis
Summary
Current and former Ventura County Air Pollution Control District employees and SEIU representatives delivered multiple public comments alleging a pattern of bullying, retaliation and improper personnel practices at the district and urged the board to investigate and act.
Dozens of current and former Ventura County Air Pollution Control District employees, accompanied by SEIU union representatives, told the APCD board on June 24 that a hostile workplace culture is harming staff and impairing the agency’s ability to carry out its regulatory duties.
The speakers said the alleged misconduct centers on the district’s human resources and executive offices. “They robbed me of my peace of mind, my livelihood, and my career,” said Michelle Wood, an APCD employee whose written statement was read aloud by Alyssa Ellis. “I have witnessed and personally experienced targeted bullying and retaliation,” Wood said.
Why it matters: Employees told the board that stress leaves, demotions and unresolved grievances have removed experienced permit engineers and compliance staff from daily operations, which they said has delayed permits and inspections that affect the county’s air quality programs.
Multiple emplo…
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