Metropolitan Releases Independent Report on Allegations of Workplace Harassment, Discrimination and Retaliation

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LOS ANGELES – (BUSINESS WIRE) – An independent report of allegations of discrimination, harassment and systemic reprisal related to equal employment opportunity in the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is now available at the following an intensive eight-month review of the working conditions of the agencies.

Metropolitans’ board of directors voted on July 13 to release the report, which includes recommendations to address the report’s observations. The 67-page report, produced by the Shaw Law Group of Sacramento, will be presented and discussed at a special July 27 meeting of the organization, staff and technology committee of the board.

We look forward to reviewing the report and discussing its recommendations to support our board’s unequivocal commitment to ensuring that every employee feels safe and valued, said Metropolitan Chairman of the Board. , Gloria D. Gray. Providing a work environment that promotes and respects equity, inclusion and diversity – both in policy and in practice – has been and will continue to be my highest priority.

Metropolitans Ethics Officer Abel Salinas selected the Shaw Law Group on behalf of the Board of Directors in December 2020 and oversaw the independent board-led review of district EEO policies and procedures and allegations of employees regarding EEO-related issues, after several employees publicly expressed concerns about systemic workplace harassment, retaliation and related issues.

As part of its review, the law firm interviewed more than 190 employees; conducted a district-wide workplace assessment survey; reviewed existing policies and the process by which EEO complaints are handled by management; reviewed the current board oversight of employment practices and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives; and assessed metropolitan compliance with industry best practices.

We are one at Metropolitan, said Managing Director Adel Hagekhalil. This means that every employee matters, is valued, and should have the opportunity to be successful. I offer my deepest gratitude to all Metropolitan employees and stakeholders who participated in the interviews and the climate survey, especially the courageous individuals who shared their stories and brought to light a situation that required the board of directors to request this review of agency policies and practices. I would also like to thank the Shaw Law Group for this important report and its recommendations which will help us ensure a safe and positive working environment. I am committed to working with the Board, our employees and our bargaining groups to take the decisive action necessary to resolve the issues raised by our workers and set out in this report.

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is a state-established cooperative that, with its 26 cities and retail suppliers, provides water to 19 million people in six counties. The district imports water from the Colorado River and northern California to supplement local supplies, and helps its members develop increased water conservation, recycling, storage and other stewardship programs Resource.

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