08/17/11 Violations of child labor laws led to the termination of the Plymouth Park Department Recreation/Pool Director last week. Gina Young had held the position since October, 2009. Prior to that time, she was a member of the Park Board.

As a part of the duties of job, Young was responsible for 11 staff members of the summer camp program and 24 pool employees. The number of hours, number of consecutive days that employees under the age of 18 can work , and break requirements are spelled out in handbooks given to both supervisors and employees.

According to information obtained from city offices, excess hours recorded on time cards during the July 4-July 17, 2011pay period and excessive consecutive days during the July 18-July 31, 2011pay period documented the excesses that led to the violations. The information also noted similar violations during June and July of 2010.

Young said she was notified by email of the 2011 problems on July 22 and immediately took steps to correct the situation. She contends that, in part, the appearance of excess hours and consecutive days was due to last minute cancellations of pool openings due to weather conditions and private swimming lesson instructions.

The information from the city entitled “factual basis for disciplinary action” also included violations of city policies. Among other items, it is noted that there were failures to provide cash register receipts on July 16-17 and failures to properly maintain city equipment on the same dates. According to Young the cash register ink ran out over a weekend and a replacement was not available at the time.

Included in the documents provided by the City on the matter were portions of the Code of Conduct and disciplinary steps outlined in the Personnel Manuel to support the decision for termination.

In remains unclear whether the members of the Park Board were apprised of the matter prior to the termination or received notification after the fact. Park Superintendent Mike Hite said it will be up to the Park Board to decide how or when to fill the year-round/ full-time position.

Carol Anders Correspondent