Pittsburgh Public Works employees return to work after suspension for refusing to patch potholes

UPDATE 3/22/18 9:54 p.m.

The five employees have been allowed back to work after serving a five day suspension, sources say.

A spokesperson for the city of Pittsburgh confirmed that five Department of Public Works employees have been suspended, but would not say why.

Target 11 learned the workers allegedly refused to patch potholes and left their shift early.

The employees, based at the 3rd Division in Hazelwood, have been suspended without pay pending possible termination.

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Multiple sources told Target 11 that the employees were working the overnight shift patching potholes several weeks ago, when a supervisor told them to pick up one more load and finish the street.

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The five employees refused and told the supervisor they had already done enough work, and were checking out four hours before the end of their shift, according to sources.

Sources said the employees were scheduled to work from 10 p.m.–6 a.m., but all checked out around 2 a.m.

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Last week, the city notified all five employees of their suspension. The city confirmed that the employees had been suspended but declined to release any more information.

Target 11 reached out to the union that represents the employees, but so far we haven't heard back.

The employees were allowed to write a letter telling the city why they should not be fired.

Cox Media Group