Seattle City Light employees were drinking on the job, harassed co-workers

Name: Investigation uncovers Seattle City Light employee misconduct
Uploaded: 2025-04-11T07:32:26-07:00
Description: 40 Seattle City Light employees were investigated for misconduct, including drinking on the job, sexual harassment, and retaliation, following complaints spanning from 2017 to 2021.

Investigation uncovers Seattle City Light employee misconduct

40 Seattle City Light employees were investigated for misconduct, including drinking on the job, sexual harassment, and retaliation, following complaints spanning from 2017 to 2021.

SEATTLE - A two-year independent investigation into one group of Seattle City Light employees uncovered serious misconduct, including drinking on the job, sexual harassment, and retaliation, city officials announced this week.

According to the utility, numerous complaints about a specific crew responsible for underground network construction and maintenance led to the hiring of a third-party investigator. The final report identified 40 employees as subjects of 259 misconduct allegations.

What they're saying:

The complaints span from 2017 to 2021, but it wasn’t until late 2022 — when a City Light employee and a union representative separately brought renewed concerns — that the city ordered a full-scale investigation. The group under scrutiny was accused of drinking on the job, including at bars and worksites, with some employees reportedly intoxicated to the point of being unable to perform their duties. Investigators also heard reports of workers stocking alcohol in city vehicles and some employees feeling pressured to buy liquor for supervisors.

Women, who represent a small fraction of the crew, reported being harassed by male colleagues. Allegations include groping, being subjected to pornography at work, crude jokes, and in one case, a supervisor allegedly showing up uninvited to an employee’s home after she felt pressured to have sex with him.

Seattle City Light General Manager and CEO Dawn Lindell acknowledged the agency fell short.

"Our most valuable asset is our people… but this investigation has shown that we fell short of our own expectations, and we have work to do," Lindell said. "Workplace misconduct, harassment, retaliation or discrimination will not be tolerated."

Lindell called the behavior disappointing and said that many employees were afraid to come forward. She said they feared retaliation, and that the involved employees are now fired or suspended.

"Those who were sexual predators, those are gone," Lindell said. "The investigator ended up having to write 40 different reports, one for each employee who was implicated through the investigation."

Seattle City Light says it has taken corrective actions, including terminating five employees — some through resignations or retirements — suspending seven, issuing warnings to nine, and providing coaching and training to 13 others.

Mayor Bruce Harrell said the findings demonstrate a deep need for cultural reform, especially in male-dominated fields.

"We are focused on building a work environment where every employee feels safe and supported — especially women," Harrell said. "When I learned of these allegations, I directed City Light to launch a thorough effort to uncover the truth and fix systemic issues."

The third-party investigation involved interviews with 73 individuals and found credible claims against 33 of the 40 employees. The CEO says five employees were fired, seven were suspended, and others were assigned to coaching or retraining.

In response, City Light implemented mandatory reporter training, leadership development programs, anti-retaliation campaigns, and changes in leadership. The agency also pledged to enforce zero-tolerance policies for on-the-job substance use and harassment.

Seattle City Light said it remains committed to fostering a workplace built on trust, accountability and safety.

Seattle City Light investigation uncovers employee misconduct

Drinking on the job, groping women and even forcing female employees into a wet t-shirt contest are just some of the allegations detailed in an investigation of Seattle City Light.

Below is a statement from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 77 on the investigation:

"IBEW Local 77 unequivocally condemns the unsafe and unacceptable behavior identified by Seattle City Light in their independent investigation. At IBEW Local 77, safety is our highest priority, and we are committed to upholding rigorous safety standards that are foundational to our operations. We take immense pride in fostering worksites that adhere to the highest safety measures, not only protecting our members but also the communities they serve. Our commitment aligns with the IBEW’s "Code of Excellence," which emphasizes the importance of a respectful and safe workplace.

"The behaviors uncovered by Seattle City Light's investigation are contrary to the principles that promote a safe environment for all employees and the public. This concern is particularly significant for those workers who may not hold positions of authority and are thus vulnerable to coercion and harassment. It is essential that all members feel secure in their workplaces, free from any form of intimidation or misconduct.

"As a union, we recognize our vital role in providing representation and ensuring respect for our members. It is our legal obligation to guarantee that Seattle City Light employees receive due process throughout any investigation or disciplinary action. From the moment we became aware of the allegations, we have actively worked to ensure that the investigation process is fair, impartial, and thorough.

"We commend Seattle City Light for their commitment to addressing the cultural issues that allowed such behavior to occur. We fully support their efforts to cultivate a workplace where alcohol and harassment are strictly prohibited, and we stand ready to advocate for changes that will foster a safer and more respectful environment for all employees. Together, we can work towards a culture that reflects the dignity and respect our members deserve."

The full executive summary of the investigation is available to the public.

The Source: Information in the story is from Seattle City Light.