Worker assaulted during system launch files grievance seeking more security.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The roll-out this week of the state’s $364 million new public-benefits computer system has been dubbed an “absolute mess” by the president of largest state employees union and “totally unacceptable” by one “shaken” case-worker who was slapped with a sheaf of papers by an irate client in the Providence field office on the day of the roll-out.
Valeria Varrecchione, 66, of Smithfield told the Journal she remains so upset she has been out of work since the assault on Tuesday, and has filed a grievance in hope of convincing the Department of Human Services to provide more security at the field offices where state workers process applications for Food Stamps, cash assistance, subsidized child care and health care.
Source: Union chief: State computer roll-out for public benefits an ‘absolute mess’