Willie W. Warren, an 19 year employee of the Nassau County Department of Public Works filed a complaint of discrimination in March of 1997 after he had been denied promotion and passed over for less qualified and less senior white employees several times. Even after he complained to the New York State Division of Human Rights, the County denied discriminatory treatment and continued to pass him over for promotions. In a tape, which is to be released on November 4, 2002 in a joint press conference with County Executive Thomas Souzzi and Frederick K. Brewington, Esq., Mr. Warren’s allegations of racial discrimination will be proven by statements made by Linda Alberti a supervisor in the Nassau County Department of Public Works. Ms Alberti, who was promoted over Mr. Warren, not only uses abusive racial slurs in referring to Mr. Warren, but she confirms that she, along with decision makers in the County conspired to bypass Mr. Warren. In addition, Ms. Alberti speaks about the intent and actions taken by ranking County officials to retaliate against Mr. Warren for complaining and filing grievances due to the violations of his civil rights and rights as a worker.
Mr. Warren stated, “I am sick over this entire situation. For years, I tried to tell the County what was going on and how I was being mistreated, but no one listened. The atmosphere of being treated as an inferior has hurt me, hurt my family and hurt my career. People I trained with far fewer years and far less experience on the job are now supervisors, this tape proves that my race has been the reason why I and so many others have been mistreated.”
Mr. Warren’s attorney, Frederick K. Brewington stated,”this tape illustrates the very thing about which many African-American employees have complained about for years. We are hopeful that the County will stop giving this serious problem lip service and take swift and meaningful action that will let people know that racial discrimination will not be tolerated. We must also address the serious injuries and damages suffered by Mr. Warren for so long.”
Mr. Warren will be joined by his attorney and a number of co-workers in a press conference held with County Executive Suozzi on Monday, November 4, 2002 at 12:30 pm at One West Street, Mineola in the Legislative Chamber on the fifth floor.