Trumbull County Kennel volunteers given go-ahead to work after grievance filed

(WKBN) – It appears volunteers at the Trumbull County Kennel have been given the green light to continue helping dogs at the pound.

The volunteers said they were told they could only walk the dogs after the union representing public service employees, AFSCME Local 2493, filed a grievance.

The grievance accused executive dog sitter Michelle Goss of allowing volunteers to do the work of union members.

More than a dozen volunteers and book supporters showed up for Wednesday’s meeting of commissioners. They asked the board to allow volunteers to take the dogs to vet appointments and behavior classes, and to post their photos on social media to help find these animals their forever homes.

“Our pound would not be where it is without these volunteers, I know that,” Commissioner Mauro Cantalamessa said.

“From what they say, they allow volunteers to come in. Now we need to find out what the repercussions are,” said longtime volunteer Marty Conklin.

Cantalamessa said there was no problem with what the volunteers had been doing for years.

Cantalamessa and Commissioner Frank Fuda said they would like to sit down with the union and the volunteers to have a discussion.