About two dozen investigators at the Cook County medical examiner’s office are facing layoffs this week amid an effort to restructure the position, but workers claim the move violates their contract, according to the union that represents them.
The layoffs “flout” the contract, and an unfair labor practice charge has been filed, according to Anders Lindall, spokesman for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31.
“But we are also negotiating with management, and those negotiations are ongoing,” he said.
In an emailed statement, Natalia Derevyanny, spokeswoman for the medical examiner’s office, didn’t reference any layoffs. She said the position of investigator is not being eliminated and those currently holding the title have received information on how “they may transition to new positions in the restructured department.”
Investigators are the medical examiner’s frontline workers who collect information that helps determines what deaths in Cook County receive autopsies.
Under the restructuring, investigators must be certified by the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators, which requires passing a test.
“The intent is that there will be no disruption in their ability to work as this transition takes place,” Derevyanny said. “Investigators who do not currently have this vital certification will have an opportunity during this transition to receive it. The Office is committed to continuing to provide professional development opportunities to all staff.”
Lindall dismissed Derevyanny’s claim and said the last day for the employees is Sunday.
“Our members have a layoff meeting Wednesday night where they can select other job titles for which they’re eligible, but it’s our contention that the new job that’s basically the same as the old one, apart from getting the required certification, should be one of those,” he said.
Derevyanny’s statement was much rosier about the outlook for current investigators.
“The Office will work closely with investigators through this transition, giving each employee of the unit an opportunity to thrive under the new structure while providing critical services for the residents of Cook County,” she said.
Lindall said the move was an insult, especially considering the added stress the workers have been shouldering during the pandemic.
“This whole thing was sprung on us last month,” he said, adding that the union does not oppose the certification requirement and the situation could have been avoided through simple dialogue.
“I just want to underscore the tremendous strain that has been put on these investigators throughout the pandemic…and the thanks they get is for their boss to try to toss them out onto the street,” he said.
