Hundreds of female workers employed by Con-Edison in New York will be receiving thousands from the company, as a settlement for a sexual harassment lawsuit totaling 3.8 million dollars.
Both the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission along with state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman came up with the figure after numerous complaints from a number of women who said that Con-Ed kept them from promotions, equal pay and subjected them to constant harassment.
A total of up to 300 women are involved in the lawsuit. All of the women are being compensated at least $5000 each, however Con-Edison has also set larger portions aside in order to pay $30,000 to $150,000 for those who have endured harassment repeatedly along with promotion denials, and/or retaliation.
Several female workers of Con-Edison had quite a bit of input to offer with one woman, specifically stating that she simply wants to be treated fairly. Others were quick to give their recollections on what happened in each case of how they were poorly treated by their employer.
The compensation agreement was signed privately back in early August and the letters to the eligible female employees were sent out at that time advising them that they will be receiving their pay outs shortly.
Schneiderman stated “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”
We agree with this statement, here at the Derek Smith Law firm. All women and all employees deserve to be treated with respect as well as being treated equally. The consequences of not following this decree can be disastrous for both the employer and the employee. Sexual harassment is not simply a form of disrespect, it is viewed as discrimination under the eyes of the law. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employers from discriminating against employees on the basis of race, sex, color, religion and national origin. Even though this law has been in effect for over 50 years, there are employers who unfortunately still choose to violate this law. The adverse effects of employers who do not adhere to Title VII are devastating to the victim. The victim may often go through mental and health issues. He or she may experience feelings such as embarrassment, guilt, pain, anger, confusion, frustration and other emotions. It certainly may severely take its toll on the health and well-being of the victim. Therefore it’s important for every individual to do his/her part in stopping this type of misconduct and keeping it out of the workplace.
It’s important for the victim to know and understand that sexual harassment is a cowardly act on behalf of the harasser. Whether the harasser is female or male, the pain suffered mentally by the victim is disturbing to say the least.
Don’t let the harasser get away with abuse. If you have been the victim of NYC sexual harassment or discrimination at your job, our team of New York City sexual harassment lawyers strongly urges you to contact our firm for a free consultation. You are entitled to justice and have every right under the law to receive it. Don’t accept working in a hostile job environment; take action today.
For a FREE Consultation in NY, NJ & Philadelphia schedule a free consultation with a sexual harassment attorney at the Derek Smith Law Group, PLLC in New York City, New Jersey, Philadelphia and Miami. You can reach us online or by calling 877-469-5297. Our employment law attorneys handle cases involving sexual harassment, discrimination, and other employment-related lawsuits. We serve clients throughout New York, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. We also have offices in New Jersey, Philadelphia and Miami to serve you.
