New York state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced a settlement with Consolidated Edison Company of New York (Con Edison) Sept. 9 after allegations of sexual harassment and discrimination against women working in the field.
“Sadly, the fight against gender discrimination and harassment in the workplace is ongoing, and we will use every tool we can to make it a thing of the past,” Schneiderman said. “This case should send a clear message to employers across New York state. All women, especially those working in male-dominated workplaces, deserve respect and equal treatment—as the law, basic decency, and the success of our economy require.”
More than 300 female employees named in the settlement will receive a total of $3.8 million from Con Edison.
Con Ed employed the women between 2006 and 2014 and the settlement alleges they faced harassment and discrimination including refusal of entrance to classes necessary for career advancement, denial of adequate and sanitary restrooms and changing facilities and not being provided the same tools or safety gear as male counterparts. The complaint states Con Ed was made aware of the situation and failed to take action to improve the conditions.