In a dramatic legal battle unfolding in the Eastern District of New York, a former employee has filed a lawsuit against his long-time employer, alleging wrongful termination and discrimination. On January 14, 2026, Mattia Auriemma initiated legal proceedings against National Grid USA Service Company, Inc., claiming that the company unlawfully interfered with his employment rights and pension benefits just months before he was eligible for significant financial entitlements.
Mattia Auriemma's complaint paints a vivid picture of alleged corporate misconduct. For nearly three decades, Auriemma dedicated his career to National Grid, maintaining an impeccable record without any disciplinary actions or attendance issues. His commitment extended to responding to major public emergencies such as 9/11 and Superstorm Sandy. However, in May 2024, mere months before he was set to receive enhanced pension benefits and an annual bonus historically valued at $50,000, National Grid launched what Auriemma describes as a baseless investigation into unfounded allegations of criminal activity linked to his Italian heritage.
The complaint details how National Grid accused Auriemma of being part of an organized crime syndicate based solely on his ethnicity. The company allegedly used a defamatory Instagram post as evidence during their investigation, which Auriemma argues was riddled with racial slurs and stereotypes. Despite cooperating fully with the company's inquiry—enduring a three-hour interrogation—Auriemma claims that National Grid terminated him without legitimate cause on May 17, 2024. This action prevented him from accessing unreduced pension benefits exceeding $6,800 per month and receiving his annual gainshare bonus.
Auriemma's lawsuit accuses National Grid of violating federal laws including ERISA §510 (29 U.S.C. §1140) by intentionally interfering with his attainment of long-earned benefits. He also alleges discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 due to the company's reliance on harmful ethnic stereotypes during their investigation. Furthermore, Auriemma asserts that his termination was retaliatory in nature after he engaged in protected activities by defending himself against these accusations.
Seeking justice for what he perceives as severe economic damages and reputational harm caused by National Grid's actions, Auriemma is pursuing full compensation for lost income and benefits along with equitable relief and punitive damages where applicable under federal law. He demands reinstatement or front pay alongside attorneys' fees and costs incurred throughout this legal process.
Representing Mattia Auriemma is Luis A. Umana from Johannesen & Umana P.C., while the case will be presided over by Judge HG under Case ID: 1:26-cv-00210-HG.
Source: 126cv00210_Auriemma_v_National_Grid_USA_Service_Company_Inc_Complaint_Eastern_District_New_York.pdf