Utility workers allege racial bias in lawsuit
A group of 11 current and former black employees of Southern California Edison filed a lawsuit against the utility giant, alleging a pattern of racial discrimination against them. The suit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, describes a “racially hostile” work environment in which few blacks are in senior management at the Rosemead-based utility. The claim also alleges unequal pay and job assignments. The claim does not list how much money is being sought by the employees.
“It is and continues to be a negative culture,” said Charles T. Mathews, an attorney representing the employees. “They are all second class citizens at Edison.” The suit also alleges that the number of African-Americans employees at the company has “decreased dramatically despite an overall increase in the number of persons employed” by the company since 1996. Utility employees have twice filed class-action lawsuits, in 1974 and 1994, against Edison alleging racial discrimination, Mathews said.
Some employees in the suit were also part of the 1994 suit which resulted in a consent decree in which the utility paid $11.3 million into a settlement fund and agreed to start training and leadership programs, according to court documents. A federal judge in 2003 ruled that the consent decree was fully complied with and dismissed the case, according to court documents. Mathews alleged employees “have systematically watched (Edison) ignore it,” equating them to workers on a plantation. “Don’t ask for an upper management position because you won’t get it,” Mathews said.
The employees in the new lawsuit are seeking damages, attorney’s fees and an injunction against the company to force it to enact the consent decree, according to the suit.
Kathy Jackson, 60, of Chino Hills, who spent 35 years at the company before retiring in February 2009, said it was hard to see others advance in the company before her. “I could train everyone and they would get promotions over me,” she said. “They would select people with less seniority and experience.” And when she did move up, she became a manager but her supervisor gave her only administrative work, she said. Jackson believes it was retaliation for her being part of the 1994 suit. “If you were white or Hispanic, they didn’t do this to you,” she said.
Michael Hoskins, 49 of West Covina, said management positions in his department aren’t posted for all to see. When the jobs are filled, it is usually by a white man who wasn’t trained, said Hoskins, who has worked 23 years for the utility. “It felt discriminatory,” he said. “We have qualified senior people who can meet these standards they put out.”
Utility spokeswoman Vanessa McGrady said it was company policy not to comment on pending litigation.
Sacramento Racial Discrimination Attorney David Foos has won millions for clients across California. If you or someone you know would like to speak to an aggressive and experienced employment discrimination lawyer, contact David Foos at at (916) 923-2800 or on the web at dfoos@bowmanandassoc.com
Former California Superior Court Commissioner, and Sacramento Criminal Defense Attorney David P. Foos helps clients across California. If you or someone you know has legal questions regarding a car accident, DUI, sexual harassment case and more, David P. Foos is an aggressive advocate for your rights.
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