National Grid Faces $3.1 Million Verdict for Discrimination Against Disabled Workers
In a stunning federal court ruling, National Grid has been ordered to pay a staggering $3.1 million to two former workers whose rights were clearly trampled. A Brooklyn jury has determined that the company willfully violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by denying these employees the right to work from home, forcing them into untenable situations that compromised their health.
The facts of this case are undeniable: the plaintiffs, Luciano Russo and George Messiha, are emergency-gas dispatchers whose medical conditions required flexibility in their work environments. The jury’s decision sets a crucial precedent, confirming that telework can be a legitimate and necessary accommodation under disability law—something companies must take seriously.
A Hard Line on Rights Violations
“Employers need to rethink their stance on disabled workers,” stated Arthur Schwartz, the plaintiffs’ attorney. His comments underscore an alarming trend where large corporations perceive accommodations as privileges rather than essential rights. This verdict sends a clear message: ignorance of the law is no longer an acceptable defense in the workplace.
During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, National Grid allowed all dispatchers, including Russo and Messiha, to work from home, providing necessary tools to perform their jobs effectively. However, when the pandemic eased, the company inexplicably shifted to a hybrid model, denying these workers their requests to continue remote work—a common sense solution that directly aligned with their medical needs.
The Consequences of Discrimination
As a result of National Grid’s wrongful denial, both men were coerced into taking paid medical sick leave. Adding insult to injury, the utility giant later categorized them as “sick-no pay” employees, cutting off their financial support when they needed it most. The jury decisively ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, ordering National Grid to pay $1 million in punitive damages, alongside substantial amounts for back pay and emotional distress. Russo received $1.56 million, while Messiha was awarded $1.55 million.
National Grid’s attempts to argue that accommodating these employees would impose “undue hardship” on the company floundered. The jury, clearly unimpressed with this defense, delivered a resounding verdict over the course of a five-day trial, demonstrating a commitment to uphold the rights of Americans with disabilities.
Remote Work: A New Standard
The shift to remote work has been more than just a reaction to the pandemic; it has fundamentally transformed workplace dynamics. Many organizations have embraced hybrid models, recognizing the importance of flexibility to maintain productivity and employee morale. Companies that resist this change risk falling behind, both in legal compliance and in fostering a progressive workplace culture.
It’s time for corporations like National Grid to reevaluate their policies and treat all workers—especially those with disabilities—with the dignity and respect they deserve. The message is clear: we won’t tolerate discrimination under any circumstances.
