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Recreation employees tell council they were ‘ambushed’ on phone, allege contract violations and discrimination
Summary
Two long‑time recreation department workers said they have been excluded from assignments without written explanation, alleged supervisors contacted them without union representation, and cited sexism, racism and ageism; they urged the council to investigate and restore work assignments.
Shirley Mims, who said she has worked more than 30 years for Hartford's Recreation Department, told the City Council she was contacted by the department about a job and then "berated" on the phone by Director Brian Gallagher, supervisor Troy McCoy and a clerk named Christina without her union representative present. "I feel like I was ambushed on the phone," Mims said during public comment, and she said she was then not returned to paid work despite volunteering.
Mims said the treatment violated the department's contract and left her struggling to pay bills. "I need to be put back to work," she told the council, and she raised concerns about sexism, racism and ageism in how assignments were handled.
Michael Downs, a coworker, told the council he has not been called to work in two years despite being available and said he believes ageism is a factor. "I haven't been put to work by the recreation department. No reason, no indication," he said, and that he received no notices, calls or emails about assignments. Both speakers asked the council to investigate and to ensure department practices comply with the city's labor contract and collective‑bargaining rules.
Council members thanked both speakers but did not take formal action during the public comment period.
