JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – JEA said it is launching an independent review and an employee engagement survey after recent allegations about workplace culture.
The utility said the move is meant to help ensure a safe, respectful, and productive workplace for all employees.
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JEA hired outside employment law firm Jackson Lewis to coordinate the review.
Jackson Lewis will retain Cherie Silberman, an employment law attorney and workplace investigator based in Tampa, to conduct the assessment.
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JEA said Silberman has no prior relationship with the utility, which the company said preserves independence and impartiality.
The review is expected to begin in early April.
Silberman will look at JEA’s employment policies, interview leaders and staff, and take any other steps needed for a thorough, objective assessment.
No JEA employee, including members of management, will take part in or influence the investigation beyond administrative tasks such as scheduling and providing documents.
Separately, JEA will run an employee engagement survey administered by Energage in mid- to late-April.
“I’m very pleased with JEA’s decision to initiate an independent third-party review, with protections for employee anonymity and a commitment to transparency. JEA is the body ultimately responsible for its employees, and this is the right process. With it underway, we should avoid duplicative efforts and unnecessary taxpayer expense by supporting a single, credible path forward to get to the facts,” Councilman Matt Carlucci said.
JEA said the results of both the independent review and the employee survey will go directly to the JEA Board of Directors.