NAGE Retains Renowned Attorney in Salem Sick Building Fight
July 15, 2009
Ratcheting up its battle to protect the health and safety of DOR employees in Salem, NAGE has retained attorney Chris A. Milne, who is well known for his courageous and fierce advocacy on behalf of state workers.
Members who work at the Salem office have for years complained of serious skin and respiratory ailments that abate after time away from the office. Illnesses range from skin rashes to severe headaches to chronic sinus problems to nagging eye irritations, and symptoms described are consistent across a broad range of employees.
"We've tried everything to get the state to acknowledge that these employees are working in a sick building and are being harmed as a result," said Local 207 President Theresa McGoldrick. "The hiring of Attorney Milne should send a message to the state that we're very serious about this issue, we're not going to let up on it, and we're going to put our resources behind it until these employees are working in a safe, clean building."
Milne is not new to sick-building fights. He represented, on a pro bono basis, the employees of the Edward J. Sullivan Courthouse in Cambridge in their lawsuit to get moved from the asbestos-filled building. For almost five years, he worked with a host of individuals and organizations to bring about a landmark decision to move the employees out of the courthouse and into a healthy building.
In May, the Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys presented Milne its Courageous Advocacy award, citing his contributions to society and his "dedication to an issue that benefits people in a monumental and lasting way."
Attorney General Martha Coakley, speaking of Milne's advocacy in the Cambridge courthouse case, said, "When those of us who worked in the building first learned of the dangerous conditions, there was a great deal of concern about health issues. Chris's determination during a very stressful time was priceless."