The city of Modesto should have learned something from its recent $3.6 million loss over unfair labor practices. Instead, it remains clueless about the systemic nature of the hostile work environments.

It begins with top-heavy organizational structures that foster cronyism, unfair division of labor, retaliation and buck-passing. Imagine being locked in a garage because your parking privileges were changed, without notification, only to have your complaint dismissed with, "Oops, I forgot."

Imagine receiving a formal evaluation with overall high marks, yet full of comments designed to break the spirit and silence dissent. Then imagine being told the information is confidential when you ask for specifics that would warrant such comments. Imagine the subtle nature of a hostile work environment.

ROBERT E. GOFF

Modesto