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Con Ed will pay $750K to victims in workplace discrimination case, AG says
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Mar 26, 2025
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By
Giulia Heyward
Published Mar 26, 2025
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Con Edison will pay $750,000 in restitution to 17 women and people of color identified as victims in a workplace discrimination and harassment case brought against the utility company, which provides service in New York City and Westchester.
Con Ed agreed to the payment as part of a settlement with New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office on Tuesday. The settlement follows an investigation launched several years ago after James said her office received multiple reports of discrimination and harassment.
The investigation found the company responsible for maintaining a hostile work environment where women were disciplined more frequently than men and saw fewer opportunities for advancement.
In addition to the restitution, Con Ed said it will implement changes to its workplace policies, including creating an employee resource group and enhancing oversight of its diversity initiatives.
“Con Edison is committed to creating an environment free of harassment and discrimination for each and every one of our employees, including women in underrepresented roles in the field," Con Ed spokesperson Carolyn Vadino said in an email. "While this settlement is not an admission of wrongdoing by Con Edison, it is in the best interest of our employees and an opportunity to learn from the experiences raised, and to evolve our processes.”
In a statement on Tuesday, James said she would continue to hold companies like Con Ed “accountable for failing to protect their employees.”
“Con Ed failed to protect its workers, allowing toxic, dangerous, and unlawful behavior to persist for years. The company’s inaction is unacceptable, and today we are ensuring this illegal and discriminatory behavior is never tolerated again,” James said.
James’ office said women employed at Con Ed were referred to by derogatory and sexist names, subjected to comments about the tightness of their pants and their weight, faced unwanted romantic and sexual advances, and in some cases, had male coworkers refuse to work alongside them.
In one instance after a woman reported a "particularly traumatizing incident," Con Ed did not offer to relocate the man involved or limit his presence at her workplace, James' office said.
In another case, a supervisor who engaged in blackface, made racially offensive comments, and used slurs remained employed at Con Ed for two years after employees formally requested an investigation into their behavior.
The attorney general’s office said the workplace culture led at least two employees to quit, while others sought mental health counseling or took leaves of absence due to stress and panic attacks.
As part of the settlement, Con Edison will hire an independent consultant to evaluate and improve its workplace practices. The company is also expected to establish an employee resource group where workers can raise concerns.
Officials said the utility must report on its progress every six months for the next three years.
The news comes as Con Ed has proposed raising energy rates by double digits starting in January, citing increased energy costs.
Tagged
public safety
new york state
Giulia Heyward
Giulia Heyward is a breaking news reporter on the Day-Of desk. She previously worked at NPR, as a breaking news reporter, and the New York Times, as a reporting fellow on the national desk. Her work has also appeared in CNN, The Atlantic and Politico. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or more securely on signal at 917-715-1458.
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