A troubling report has brought to light a culture of misconduct at Seattle City Light, revealing that 40 employees were involved in various forms of inappropriate behavior, including drinking on the job, extorting junior staff, and engaging in sexual harassment. These findings stem from a comprehensive investigation conducted by an independent law firm over several years, focusing on workplace misconduct within the utility company.
The report outlines a disturbing trend of inappropriate behaviors among power crews, with on-the-job drinking identified as the most prevalent issue. Investigators documented alarming incidents, such as one employee who became so intoxicated that he urinated on himself at a work site, and another who habitually brought a flask of alcohol to work, referring to it as his “cough medicine.”
Additionally, the investigation revealed cases of extortion, where senior employees allegedly pressured junior workers into providing them with alcohol under the threat of unfavorable performance reviews. The report also highlighted instances of sexism, including an incident where a female employee was coerced into participating in what she described as a “forced wet T-shirt contest,” while male colleagues frequently viewed pornography in the presence of female staff.
Not all 40 employees implicated in the misconduct faced disciplinary actions, as stated by Seattle City Light. Following the investigation, five employees were terminated, seven received suspensions, and nine were issued written or verbal warnings. Thirteen individuals with less severe substantiated claims underwent additional coaching and training, according to the utility company.
The head of Seattle City Light expressed a strong commitment to addressing these issues, stating, “I am determined to create and maintain a culture of trust, accountability, and safety. Workplace misconduct, harassment, retaliation, or discrimination will not be tolerated.” Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell also weighed in on the report, reiterating the city’s dedication to fostering a safe and supportive work environment for all employees.
Source: Seattle Medium
