Pawtucket employee fired over offensive social media post returns to position

PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WLNE) — Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien said that an employee of the city who was fired in May 2024 over an “offensive” social media post had returned to his position.

Grebien said that Joseph Morais had returned to his Senior Project Leader position after contesting his termination before an arbitrator.

Morais was originally fired after a an internal investigation into misconduct with a pre-termination hearing due to the comments.

Grebien also said that the city would likely fail an appeal of the decision, but that Morais was required to write a “complete and candid written apology to the City of Pawtucket, the City Council, his colleagues, and the residents of [the] community.”

He also received a warning for future discipline for violations similar to the post.

Grebien’s full statement can be read below:

Mr. Morais chose to contest his termination before an arbitrator. My administration has vigorously defended our decision to terminate Morais, and I stand by that decision today. However, the arbitrator has ruled that Mr. Morais must be reinstated to his Senior Project Leader position.

Our attorneys have advised that the city is unlikely to prevail if we appeal this decision. Given the tens of thousands of dollars in additional legal costs an appeal would require, and the low likelihood of success, we have reluctantly determined that the city must comply with the arbitrator’s ruling.

As part of an agreement to return to employment, Mr. Morais has provided a complete and candid written apology to the City of Pawtucket, the City Council, his colleagues, and the residents of our community. Additionally, as part of the arbitrator’s remedy, the City will issue a written warning for the post, which will include notice of potential further discipline for future violations.

I cannot stress enough that racism has no place in the City of Pawtucket and that the outcome of this case is disappointing. My administration is committed to continuing to work with our employees and community organizations to promote the values of diversity and inclusion that make Pawtucket a welcoming and vibrant community, and to ensure that city services are provided to all our residents in an equitable manner, free from any bias. We hope Mr. Morais will honor his commitment and strive to reflect the standards our community values.