Employees at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center have filed a grievance with the U. S. Office of the Special Council.  At issue is delayed maintenance and extensive deterioration, resulting in unpleasant working conditions at the Center.  It is understood that fire alarm systems are inoperative, plumbing systems are vulnerable to disruption by freezing temperatures and that workers are exposed to chemical pollution. The deficiencies in the facilities are compromising research and serve as a deterrent to appointing suitably qualified research scientists.

The Center was established in 1910 and includes a number of buildings and research laboratories, animal housing and greenhouses spread over 7,000 acres in Prince George’s County in Maryland.

The problem appears to be lack of financial resources to hire personnel and to fund maintenance and upgrades.  The Facilities Department had an average of 30 vacancies out of a complement of 121 during 2022.

Administrators in the USDA-ARS were advised of problems following a meeting between disaffected employees and Thomas Shanower, the Director of the USDA Northeast area, in February 2023.  No appreciable remedial action has occurred since this time.