Three unions demand outside investigation into Tacoma-Pierce County Health Director’s conduct

Three separate unions filed a complaint against the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department’s public health director, alleging she created a toxic work environment and practiced bullying and other unethical behavior.

The complaints were filed with the Board of Health. The three unions—Teamsters Local 117, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 120, and Tacoma Pierce County Public Health Employees Association—represent employees with the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. The public health director cited in the complaints, Chantell Harmon Reed, has held that role for approximately one year.

The specifics of the complaint

According to The Tacoma News Tribune, the complaint claimed Reed’s “extremely hostile work environment” caused “good people” to leave the department due to “demeaning, belittling, condescending, and disrespectful” communication.

“The Board takes all complaints seriously, especially when one is filed against someone in a position of leadership. We also must ensure due process. To do so, we plan to hire an outside agency to investigate this matter. While that process takes place, we will not comment on any specific allegations,” Tacoma City Council Member Joe Bushnell told The Tacoma News Tribune. “The Board of Health will continue to support Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department and all its employees in its mission to protect and improve the health of all people and places in Pierce County.”

The complaint asked the Department of Health to launch an outside investigation into the matter.

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