Imagining a remote work environment with stunning ocean views.
The San Diego City Attorney’s Office faces backlash as Executive Assistant City Attorney Jean Jordan continues work remotely from a cruise ship. Her four-month cruise raises concerns about fairness among city employees, especially as only a fraction have similar remote work privileges. City Attorney Heather Ferbert defends Jordan’s arrangement, citing her dedication and experience. However, critics argue this situation compromises office morale and accountability, amid ongoing discussions about remote work policies in the city.
The San Diego City Attorney’s Office has ignited a firestorm of criticism as Executive Assistant City Attorney Jean Jordan embarks on a four-month cruise while continuing to work remotely. Jordan’s voyage, which started in January 2023, is projected to conclude next month, raising eyebrows among taxpayers and fellow city employees alike.
Jordan’s arrangement has sparked concerns among those who question the fairness of allowing a public servant to conduct official duties from the luxurious confines of a cruise ship. The clarity surrounding Jordan’s remote work status came after complaints surfaced highlighting the juxtaposition of her vacation against the backdrop of other city employees who remain tethered to their desks.
City Attorney Heather Ferbert, who assumed office recently, has come to Jordan’s defense, articulating the rationale for this unique arrangement in a letter to staff members. Ferbert emphasizes that Jordan, a seasoned professional with a history of exceeding expectations, has displayed dedication by working around the clock and dealing with calls at all hours. Such enormity in responsibility was the key factor in Ferbert’s decision to retain Jordan in a pivotal role as they navigated the transition of leadership.
Initially slated to retire late last year, Jordan accepted a newly created position within the city attorney’s office, reportedly paying over $280,000 a year. This executive assistant attorney role was implemented as part of a broader office restructuring endorsed by Ferbert shortly after she took office.
Intriguingly, Jordan’s salary is surpassing that of Ferbert, raising eyebrows and prompting further scrutiny of the management decisions within the city attorney’s office. Within this context, Jordan is tasked with overseeing three assistant city attorneys, compounding concerns about the appropriateness of managing such duties from a cruise ship.
Critics are voicing their apprehensions regarding the implications of this arrangement for office morale and operational integrity. Many employees, along with taxpayers, feel shortchanged over the apparent disparity in remote work privileges, particularly as only approximately 2,000 out of 13,300 city employees are granted similar approvals to work remotely, highlighting a significant divide in the level of access to flexible working conditions.
The San Diego City Attorney’s Office is not devoid of guidelines regarding remote work arrangements, governed by a policy requiring approval from department heads and HR on a case-by-case basis. This structure is part of a broader trend where the acceptance of remote work has been on the rise, especially among the growing population of digital nomads. This reflects a changing landscape that many businesses and organizations have had to adapt to.
Having previously served as county counsel in Northern California, Jordan brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role in San Diego. However, for her supporters, the larger debate remains as to whether conducting official city business while at sea sends the appropriate signal about accountability and dedication to public service.
As the city attorney’s office funds focus on a budget of $85 million with around 425 employees, it remains to be seen how this situation will evolve. Jordan is expected to return from her extended cruise soon, and the repercussions of this controversial arrangement are likely to echo through the office and beyond.
While proponents of remote work see this case as an endorsement of modern working practices, critics maintain that it is an unsettling development that challenges the notion of fairness and responsibility in public service roles. The San Diego City Attorney’s Office is entering uncharted waters, and the discourse surrounding this incident will undoubtedly shape the future of remote work protocols within the city.
New IT Guide for Personal Injury Law Firms in West Los Angeles
Monge & Associates to Hire 100 New Lawyers in Atlanta
News Summary North Charleston has commenced early voting for its City Council special election as…
News Summary Uriah Chapman, a recent graduate from MUSC, completed his medical degree in just…
News Summary A recent report reveals that nearly 40% of households in Charleston, Berkeley, and…
News Summary Charleston will host Corinne Bailey Rae on May 23, performing at the College…
News Summary A police pursuit involving a U-Haul truck led to a fatal crash in…
News Summary The Charleston Gay Bingo fundraiser is set to make its much-anticipated return, coinciding…
![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,<svg height="60px" width="60px" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" version="1.1"/>)
