Rhode Island union wants courthouse shutdown due to bedbugs

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Union workers say a Rhode Island courthouse should be shut down over reports of bedbugs.

The Providence Journal reports that the union representing court clerks and deputy sheriffs is asking the state judiciary to close the Garrahy Judicial Complex in Providence and relocate workers after bedbugs were found on the third and fifth floors.

Union president J. Michael Downey says two workers refused to come in this week, and others say they want to walk off the job.

State Court Administrator J. Joseph Baxter said Friday that the fifth floor was treated for bedbugs and two public benches were removed. He says the other floors were cleared for bedbugs and other insects.

Downey says the bedbugs are a health and safety issue and they are not being controlled.

___

Information from: The Providence Journal, http://www.providencejournal.com