A Teamsters union official representing about 250 Clallam County workers has asked county leaders to consider building a shelter where courthouse employees can smoke.
The shelter would allow county employees and the public a place to puff if a proposed ordinance restricting smoking around the courthouse is passed.
During a Monday work session of the Board of Commissioners, County Administrator Dan Engelbertson and the commissioners discussed a recent e-mail message Engelbertson from Ken Troup, Teamsters Local 589 business representative.
“Allow your employees dignity,” Troup states in the message.
“Provide a sheltered place to smoke. Give them benches to sit on. Even nonsmokers will appreciate the gesture.
“Employees need employers who will advocate for them. Disregarding their interests, when only a small effort is needed, will further erode morale, and encourage the flight of your most talented employees.”
The county administrator said the county was looking at building a smokers’ shelter on the east side of the courthouse adjacent to the county jail entrance, where there are picnic tables.
