In a bizarre twist to a discrimination case at the New York Power Authority, the agency has issued a memo reminding workers that they are prohibited from selling goods — including eggs — at the office.
The memo came four days after The Post reported that a Lebanese and Hispanic worker at the agency filed a discrimination lawsuit claiming he was called a “spic” and a “tent-n—-r” in the Clark Energy Center near Utica.
It appears to target a woman who is allied with the man who allegedly taunted the employee, Mark Karam, and is known as the “egg lady,”for peddling “farm-fresh eggs” from her cubicle in the same upstate office, sources said.
“NYPA workers are reminded not to engage in selling goods or services for personal gain at NYPA facilities during work hours or in the course of their official duties at NYPA,” the document, sent to workers at an upstate office, states.
Employees with questions about the memo are referred to the authority’s code of conduct and ethics officers.
Workers claim the “egg lady’s” antics are further proof of the unprofessional environment at the upstate office.
“Who knows where they come from and how they’re handled and whether they’re safe,” one colleague said. “It’s a conflict and it’s illegal and it shows you just how unprofessional everything is there.”
Another Power Authority response was to place the alleged victim – an economist who has worked there since 2003 – in a basement area that was locked and inaccessible to co-workers, sources said.
The Power Authority did not immediately comment on the “egg lady,” the memo, the new office arrangements or reports that Karam returned to unpaid sick leave soon after being moved to the basement.
“Everyone’s really upset because they’re making things worse for this guy,” the source said.
Soon after The Post story ran, NYPA also hired an outside law firm to represent the authority.
A spokesperson refused to say why private attorneys were needed or how much they are being paid.
“The Power Authority has retained the law firm of Jackson Lewis,” said Susan Craig, director of media relations for the Power Authority. “We do not comment on pending litigation.”
Craig insisted that the agency “is committed to maintaining a safe and secure work environment that is free from violence, threats of violence, harassment, intimidation, and other disruptive behavior.”
“Any allegations of workplace behavior that is not in agreement with this policy are fully investigated and addressed,” she said.
