NORWICH – In early January, Chenango County released a report and took action against several employees following an alleged work stoppage at Chenango County Department of Public Works during a November 2024 snowstorm that left residents stranded and roads impassable.

According to the report released by the Chenango County Board of Supervisors, nearly a dozen DPW employees participated in a strike, which investigators classified as illegal under New York’s Taylor Law. Penalties for participants include suspensions ranging from 7 to 20 days and payroll deductions, while others face further consequences, including termination.

Workers had 20 days to file an appeal and county officials reported last week that a majority of the impacted employees had filed appeals over the report.

“Most DPW employees appealed and are going through the legal process now,” said Chenango County Personnel Officer Matthew Caldwell. “There are no results yet, but we are going through the steps and look for a resolution as quickly as possible.”

Caldwell said he could not discuss further details about the case or the names of those being disciplined, citing ongoing legal processes with union employees.