FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 26, 2021
California Labor Federation
Contact: Steve Smith 510-326-4644 ssmith@calaborfed.org

California Labor Movement Stands with Workers at Metropolitan Water District of Southern California

 

Statement by California Labor Federation Executive Secretary-Treasurer Art Pulaski

 

“Ensuring that every worker in our state has a fair, safe and equitable workplace is the California Labor Federation’s top priority. And if employer misconduct takes place, we expect the stories of workers to be taken seriously.

“Two weeks ago, an investigation by the LA Times revealed a pattern of complaints alleging sexual harassment, bullying and discrimination at the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) of Southern California, particularly for women and LGBTQIA+ people in the apprentice program. These appalling allegations of rampant abuse and retaliation for reporting must be thoroughly investigated and appropriate action must be taken.

“While the review initiated by the MWD Board is a positive start in the fight for justice and accountability, MWD workers need a full, comprehensive investigation into all incidents of misconduct at the MWD of Southern California to provide justice for these workers, and to ensure this type of abuse never happens again. Today the California Labor Federation is formally calling on the Joint Legislative Audit Committee to request a State Audit of MWD as soon as possible.

“The MWD cannot allow these wide-ranging problems to be swept under the rug. We urge members of the California Legislature’s Joint Committee on Legislative Audit to stand up for working people by performing their own audit into the MWD.”

 

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