A state investigation found pervasive problems at Con Edison, as the utility failed to address a hostile workplace for women.
Women in field positions at Con Ed were verbally and physically harassed, disciplined unfairly at higher rates than men, faced retaliation for reporting misconduct, and blocked from advancement opportunities, the investigation by Attorney General Letitia James (D) found. The utility also failed to address race-based harassment issues.
“Con Ed failed to protect its workers, allowing toxic, dangerous, and unlawful behavior to persist for years,” James said in a statement. “The company’s inaction is unacceptable, and today we are ensuring this illegal and discriminatory behavior is never tolerated again.”
Con Ed settled with the attorney general’s office and agreed to take steps to address the issues unearthed in the investigation, James announced Tuesday. The utility also agreed to pay 17 employees who faced egregious discrimination, harassment or retaliation a total of $750,000.
