July 12th 2023.
A Nashville power company is facing serious allegations of racism. Three employees of Nashville Electric Service (NES) have come forward to The Tennessean to speak out on the issue. Tim Jones, Walter Clark, and Jimmie Hunt, who have worked for NES for a combined 35 years, have experienced racism in the workplace.
Hunt, a supervisor, recounted his experience of being called racial slurs by white coworkers and even finding a noose in the smoking area. This, along with Hunt and other minority co-workers being passed over for promotions, has caused an unbearable work environment. After years of enduring such treatment, Hunt is now approaching retirement and feels it is time for a major culture change to ensure Black people feel safe.
Hunt, Jones, and Clark are suing NES, claiming they have been subjected to a hostile work environment and that the company's promotion process is discriminatory. Ashley Upkins, vice president of the National Bar Association and attorney for the plaintiffs, said that this lawsuit is not about money but about making it right.
NES has faced lawsuits regarding discrimination in the past. In 2009, a class action suit was filed by a group of Black employees and settled in 2011. NES President and CEO, Teresa Broyles-Aplin, has stated that NES does not condone or tolerate discrimination of any type and that the company embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion.
NES has also settled a $2.5 million lawsuit in June from more than 100 employees over lost overtime wages going back three years. It is clear that NES has had a long history of legal issues. It is now up to the company to make drastic changes in order to ensure a safe and equitable work environment for all employees.
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