Grievance Filed Against Augusta Mayor for Hostile Work Environment

Augusta – Jasmine Sims, the chief of staff in the Augusta mayor’s office, has filed a formal grievance against Mayor Garnett Johnson, alleging the creation of a hostile work environment. The grievance was submitted on June 25, 2025, to the city’s human resources department, marking a significant turn in the dynamics within the mayor’s office.

Sims describes the grievance as a confidential matter that was discussed in a “constructive and respectful manner.” However, her claims against Mayor Johnson include accusations of unprofessional treatment and actions that contributed to a hostile atmosphere in the workplace.

According to the grievance, a recent incident heightened Sims’s concerns. On June 24, she informed the mayor about a personal appointment but was questioned as to why she had not communicated this information via the office group chat. Following this exchange, Johnson reportedly called Sims back and instructed her not to come to work that day without providing any explanation.

The next morning, on June 25, Johnson sent Sims a text message at 6:14 a.m., informing her that there was “no need” for her to return to work that day. Sims indicated that she was not provided with any documentation or a reason for her removal from the workplace, which led to significant stress and confusion for her.

In her grievance, Sims expressed that these incidents are part of a broader pattern of behavior by Mayor Johnson that contributed to the alleged hostile work environment. She is requesting a formal inquiry to seek clarification about the decisions made regarding her absence from work on the two occasions she was sent home, emphasizing the importance of transparency and due process.

While Sims’s grievance addresses serious accusations regarding workplace treatment, Mayor Johnson has responded by stating that there is more to the situation than what has been presented. However, he has refrained from discussing the matter further, citing that it is a personnel issue.

Sims joined the mayor’s office in 2023 at the same time as Johnson and has expressed her ongoing commitment to the mission and goals of the office, despite the current challenges she is facing. In her grievance, she is advocating for measures that would ensure a safe, respectful, and equitable work environment for all employees.

As this situation develops, it highlights the complexities of workplace dynamics, especially within public service roles. The grievance signifies a pivotal moment for the Augusta mayor’s office, as it navigates the critical issues of respect and professional treatment in the local government. Meanwhile, coincidentally reported during this time, another resident of the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) won $1 million in the Georgia lottery, capturing public attention amidst the unfolding events in the mayor’s office.