JOSEPH C. SPERO, United States Magistrate Judge.
On Friday, May 20, 2011 at 9:30 a.m., the Defendant Simon Property Group Inc.'s ("Defendant") Motion for Summary Judgment ("the Motion") came on for hearing.
Plaintiff Steven D. Jackson ("Plaintiff") was employed at Stoneridge Mall as the Director of Operations beginning in February 2008. Joint Statement of Undisputed Facts ("JSUF") 2. Defendant Simon Property Group, Inc. ("Defendant") owns and operates shopping malls throughout the United States, including the Stoneridge Mall in Pleasanton, California. JSUF 1. Defendant considers Stoneridge to be an upscale mall. JSUF 46 (Pl. Depo. I at 126:23-127:1, Vito Dec. ¶ 10).
Colin Vito became the Mall Manager and Plaintiff's direct supervisor in November 2008. JSUF 2 (Pl. Depo. I at 128:10-15, 150:6-8, attached to the Stein Dec.; Vito Dec. ¶¶ 1, 5). Vito began working for Simon in 2005 as an Assistant Mall Manager for a mall in Mission Viejo. JSUF 3. He was then promoted to Mall Manager and managed malls in Albuquerque, New Mexico and Aurora, Colorado before being becoming the Mall Manager at Stoneridge. Id. As Mall Manager, his job duties were to oversee the general operations of the malls he managed from an operations, marketing, and administrative perspective. JSUF 4 (Vito Dec. ¶ 2). This included being able to assign tasks to the various departments, including the Operations Department, that he believed needed to be, or should be, done by those departments. Id. At each of the malls that he managed, Vito oversaw an Operations Department which was run by an Operations Director. JSUF 5 (Vito Dec. ¶ 3). If there were more maintenance jobs to be done at a given time than the number of maintenance workers on duty, Vito expected the Director of Operations to handle some of the maintenance duties to ensure that the jobs got done timely. JSUF 6 (Vito Dec. ¶ 3). Vito was never told that the Operations Directors were not to perform physical maintenance tasks. JSUF 7 (Vito Dec. ¶ 3).
As Director of Operations, Plaintiff's main job duty was to oversee the maintenance department and supervise the maintenance workers to ensure that the mall was maintained properly. JSUF 8 (Pl. Depo. II at 226:25-227:7, Pl. Depo. I at 31:7-10, 126:17-22). Sixty to seventy percent of Plaintiff's job entailed walking the interior and exterior of mall, which is approximately 1,300,000 square feet, to assess the condition of the property. JSUF 9 (Pl. Depo. at 92:8-93:8). Plaintiff also was to review contracts and to help customers with maintenance issues and build outs. JSUF 10 (Plaintiff Depo. II at 226:25-227:7, Pl. Depo. I at 33:12-22). He also did occasional physical maintenance tasks, including pushing the mobile sales kiosks stationed in the mall, checking phone and electric lines, putting up light stands, and picking up trash. Id. Plaintiff's normal working hours were 7:00 a.m.
Plaintiff put in these hours because the Operations Director position demanded it and he would often be called in to handle issues. JSUF 12 (Pl. Depo. I at 54:8-11). The Job Description for Operations Director position states that Operations Directors may need to carry materials and equipment up to and exceeding 50 pounds. JSUF 13 (Courtney Dec. ¶ 3 and Ex. 28 thereto). Plaintiff recognized that Vito had the authority to assign operations and maintenance tasks to him and the Operations Department. JSUF 14 (Pl. Depo. I at 44:16-21).
On February 5, 2009, Vito asked Plaintiff to help a maintenance worker disassemble portable sales kiosks in the mall that were not being used and load them into a storage container. JSUF 15 (id. at 45:4-13, and Ex. 1 thereto, attached to the Stein Dec. as Ex.1). It was not a typical task performed by the Operations Department, but if it needed to be performed, Vito had the right to assign it to the Operations Department. Id. (27:20-28:27). In doing so, Plaintiff suffered a back injury. On February 9, 2009, Plaintiff informed Vito that he injured his back and requested time off, which he was given. JSUF 16 (Pl. Depo. I at 49:24-50:7).
On February 11, 2009, Plaintiff provided Vito with a doctor's note stating that he would be out of work for two days with a 10 pound lifting restriction. JSUF 17 (Pl Depo. I at 65:7-10, 71:25-72:6, Franket Dec. ¶ 4 and Ex. 5 thereto). Plaintiff states that he returned to work on February 11, 2009, with his doctor's note, but that Vito ordered him to go home. Pl. Dec. ¶ 19. Plaintiff returned to work on February 19, 2009. JSUF 18. On that day, Plaintiff came to work with a doctor's note (and gave it to Vito), which stated his work restrictions. Id. He could not work more than 4 to 6 hours on a given day, and he would have to rest for 10 minutes every two hours, and would have to ice his back for an additional 10 minutes every hour. He was limited to lifting no more than 5 pounds, and in kneeling, climbing, pulling, pushing, stooping and crawling. Id. (Pl. Depo. I at 52:6-19, 53:11-14, 54:19-55:8 and Ex. 4 thereto, attached to the Stein Dec. as Ex. 4). Plaintiff was taking Vicodin to help with the pain in his back, as well as the muscle relaxant Cyclobenzaprine. JSUF 19 (Pl. Depo. I at 66:20-67:5 and Ex. 6 thereto, attached to the Stein Dec. as Ex. 6).
On February 19, 2009 Plaintiff went back on leave. JSUF 20. During his leave, Plaintiff had filed a Workers' Compensation claim and was being compensated through that claim. Id. (Franket Dec. ¶ 6). Plaintiff states in his declaration that he reported to work on February 19, 2009, but that Vito sent him home, telling him that he would not accommodate Plaintiff's work restrictions by providing him with light duty. Pl. Dec. ¶ 21. Plaintiff states that "at no time did Vito discuss the essential functions of my Operations Director position with me prior to sending me home. Further, no other manager of defendant discussed with me the essential functions of my position as Operations Director
On February 21, 2009, Plaintiff went to the doctor. JSUF 21 (Pl Depo. I at 65:7-10, 71:25-72:6, Albright Dec. ¶ 4 and Ex. 5 thereto). He was placed on "complete bed rest" for two days and told to take medication "around the clock." Id. The doctor also determined that Plaintiff was not able to perform his usual work. Id. Plaintiff saw the doctor again on February 25, 2009; he was given a "Work Release" form that stated that he was unable to return to work until March 12, 2009. JSUF 22 (Pl. Depo. I at 72:10-13 an Ex. 7 thereto, attached to the Stein Dec. as ¶ 7).
On March 2, 2009, Plaintiff states that he wrote Carol Franket an email requesting that Defendant accommodate his work restrictions as set out in his work release of February 18, 2009. Pl. Dec. ¶ 22. Plaintiff told Franket that he knew that Defendant through Vito was accommodating a maintenance worker in his department who had a work-related injury by providing him with light duty. Pl. Dec. ¶ 22, Franklin Dec., Ex. J. Franket responded by email that "as a company we do not have light duty for our salaried exempt employees. Workers Compensation will be paying you until you are fully released and ready to return to the workplace." Id. (Citing Franklin Dec., Exh. K).
Plaintiff went to the doctor again on March 26, 2009. JSUF 23. He was given a "Work Release" form that stated that he was unable to return to work until April 13, 2009. Id. (Pl. Depo. I at 77:8-12, Vito Dec. ¶ 21 and Ex. 9 thereto).
On April 23, 2009, Plaintiff presented a Work Release, which stated that he could return to work with a lifting restriction of 35 pounds for two weeks. JSUF 24 (Pl. Depo. I at 81:4-13 and Ex. 10 thereto, which is attached to the Stein Dec. as Ex. 10). There was no restriction on the number of hours that Plaintiff could work. Pl. Dec. ¶ 23. Vito again sent Plaintiff home stating "We are awaiting a full 100% release from your treating physician . . ." Id. (Citing Franklin Dec., Ex. Z).
On May 7, 2009, Plaintiff provided a "Work Release" form stating that he was returned to full work. JSUF 25. As a result, Plaintiff returned to work on or about May 9, 2009. Id. (Pl. Depo. I at 83:2-18 and Ex. 11 thereto, which is attached to the Stein Dec. as Ex. 11, Complaint ¶ 20). Plaintiff worked his regular shift performing his usual job duties. JSUF 26 (Pl. Depo. I at 90:7-23). During this time, Plaintiff was still taking Vicodin and a muscle relaxant. JSUF 27 (Pl. Depo. I at 93:9-14). Plaintiff still had discomfort in his back. JSUF 28. On May 11, 2009, he sent an email to Carrie Williams, Director of Marketing and Business Development for Stoneridge, stating that while he was back at work, he did not know how long he could continue to work. Id. By writing this, Plaintiff meant that he still had tightness in his back and thought he might have to go on leave again. Id. (Pl. Depo. I at 94:8-17, 95:3-17 and Ex. 13 thereto, attached to the Stein Dec. as Ex. 13). His back injury was also aggravated by walking the mall (Pl. Depo. I at 91:21-92:1). JSUF 29. Plaintiff began experiencing a sharp pain in his back and could not get comfortable. JSUF 30 (Pl. Depo. I at 98:1-11).
On May 17, 2009, Plaintiff sent an email to, among others, Vito stating that he needed to go to the doctor because of the pain in his back. JSUF 31. Plaintiff wrote that "[he has] been in pain since Friday and it has only become worse over the weekend, even with the rest and doing nothing all weekend." Id. (Pl. Depo. I at 106:23-107:24 and Ex. 19 thereto, attached to the Stein Dec. as Ex. 19). The next day, May 19, 2009, Plaintiff went to the
Plaintiff provided a Work Release on May 28, 2009 stating that he unable to return to work until June 8, 2009. JSUF 34. He was told by his doctor to be on bed rest for two days and to be on medications "by clock" because of the spasms in his back. Id. (Pl. Depo. I at 102:1-3, 103:11-19, 104:1-3 and Ex. 16 thereto, attached to the Stein Dec. as Ex. 16; Vito Dec. ¶ 22 and Ex. 17 thereto). Plaintiff provided the work release to Defendant, but he does not recall to whom he gave it or whether he initiated any discussions with the company about it. JSUF 35 (Pl. Depo. I at 104:7-25).
On June 4, 2009, Plaintiff provided another Work Release from his doctor stating that he was unable to return to work until June 19, 2009. JSUF 36 (Pl. Depo. I at 105:25-106:3 and Ex 18 thereto, which is attached to the Stein Dec. as Ex. 18).
On June 18, 2009, Plaintiff sent an email to Defendant stating, "I have just returned from a doctor appointment for my on the job injury. The doctor stated that the earliest I can return to work is 7-6-09. I have to complete physical therapy and return to the doctor on 7-2-09 at that time the doctor will evaluate my return to work date." JSUF 37 (Pl. Depo. I at 109:3-18 and Ex. 21 thereto, attached to the Stein Dec. as Ex. 21).
On July 2, 2009, Plaintiff sent an email stating: "My return to work date has been extended until at least 7-20-09, for my on the job injury. The muscle tear in my back is not healing, so my work release has been extended." JSUF 38 (110:13-111:2 and Ex. 22 thereto, attached to the Stein Dec. as Ex. 22). Plaintiff was doing physical therapy for his back, but the physical therapy made his back worse. JSUF 39 (Pl. Depo. I at 111:3-9).
On July 17, 2009, Plaintiff sent an email to Defendant, which stated: "My return to work has been extended by my doctor to 8-10-2009, due to my on the job back injury." JSUF 40 (id. at 111:13-21, 113:7-15 and Ex. 23 thereto, attached to the Stein Dec. as ex. 23). Dr. Rovner, who was not Plaintiff's treating physician, did not tell Plaintiff how much time he believed
On August 6, 2009, Plaintiff sent an email stating, "I had an appointment today with Dr. Kemprud and my return to work date has been extended to Sep. 9, 2009. I have been referred to an Orthopedic Surgeon in San Ramon, Ca for treatment to my work related back injury." JSUF 42 (Pl. Depo. I at 117:16-21, 118:15-17 and Ex. 24 thereto, attached to the Stein Dec, as Ex. 24).
During the time that Plaintiff was on leave, Vito had to find ways to fill the Operations Director position. JSUF 43. When Plaintiff first went on leave, Vito performed both his job duties and Plaintiff's. Id. (Vito Dec. ¶ 10). When it became apparent that Plaintiff would be on an extended leave, Vito determined that he could not continue to do both jobs and be able to do either well. JSUF 44. As a result, the Operations Director from another Simon mall in the area, Dustin Cox, was asked to help oversee the Operations Department at Stoneridge on an as-available basis. Id. (Vito Dec. at ¶ 11, Franket Dec. ¶ 9). Cox would typically work several full days at Stoneridge per week. JSUF 45. However, there were times in which his duties at his other mall prevented him from working more than a few hours on a given day. Id. (Vito Dec. ¶ 12).
On days where Cox was not able to help Vito, Vito would have difficulty completing his job duties and the Operations Director's duties. JSUF 47 (Vito Dec. ¶ 13). The times where Cox could not work full days at Stoneridge "also caused issues." Id. On those days, Vito would have to spend time determining the status of the projects that Cox was overseeing that were not complete. Id. Vito believed this was not an efficient use of his time because it essentially meant that he had to repeat work that Cox had already done instead of performing his own job duties. On occasions, he gave directions that were contrary to those that Cox had given, causing confusion among the maintenance staff. Id. During the time that Plaintiff was on his first leave, Vito performed both the Mall Manager and Operations Director positions. JSUF 48 (Vito Dec. ¶ 10). As such, there were maintenance issues that were not being addressed as soon as needed. Id.
On August 19, 2009, Franket sent a letter to Plaintiff informing him of the decision to terminate his employment. JSUF 49 (Pl. Depo. II at 259:17-260:8 and Ex. 29 thereto, attached as Ex. 29 to the Stein Dec). The letter stated, "All leave available to you, including leave under the Family Medical Leave Act and California Family Rights Act has been exhausted. Due to continuing business needs at the mall, we find it necessary to fill your position and to terminate your employment. Id.
In August 2008, Plaintiff states that he hired two Asian men to do work in the maintenance department. Pl. Dec. ¶ 14. In November 2008, Plaintiff's supervisor Vito asked Plaintiff why he hired the two Asians to work at the mall. Plaintiff states that he told Vito that he had hired the most qualified people, and that in response, "Vito shook his head in disgust and walked away." Id.
In or about 2008 and 2009, Paragon Services was under contract with defendant to provide janitorial services at the Stoneridge Mall. Paragon's site supervisor was a Hispanic female, Rocio Castro. JSUF 52 (Plaintiff Dec. ¶ 15). Plaintiff alleges that in December of 2008, his supervisor Vito told him that he did not want Castro working as site supervisor because
On May 4, 2010, Plaintiff filed a complaint in state court alleging the following claims: 1) employment discrimination based on physical disability/medical condition, in violation of the Fair Employment and Housing Act ("FEHA"), Cal. Gov.Code § 12940 et. seq.; 2) failure to engage in the interactive process in violation of FEHA, Cal. Gov.Code § 12940(n) et seq.; 3) failure to provide reasonable accommodation, Cal. Gov.Code § 12940(m) et seq., 4) discrimination in violation of the Family Medical Leave Act ("FMLA") 29 U.S.C. § 2601 et. seq.; 5) interference in violation of the FMLA 29 C.F.R. § 825.220(a)(1); 6) retaliation in violation of the FMLA, 29 U.S.C. § 2615(a)(1)(2) and California Government Code § 12940(h); 7) failure to prevent retaliation and discrimination under the FMLA and Cal. Gov't. Code; 8) termination in violation of public policy. Plaintiff sought compensatory and punitive damages, attorneys' fees and interest. Defendant removed the action to this court on June 8, 2010.
On March 25, 2011, Defendant filed its Summary Judgment Motion. Plaintiff opposes the Motion. Both parties have filed numerous evidentiary objections.
Defendant asserts in its Summary Judgment Motion that all of the claims alleged in Plaintiff's original complaint fail as a
Plaintiff's sixth cause of action for retaliation under the Fair Employment and Housing Act fails as a matter of law because Plaintiff cannot establish his prima facie case that his employment was terminated because of he engaged in protected conduct, and Plaintiff cannot establish that the legitimate reason given for his termination was pretext for retaliation. Plaintiff's sixth cause of action for retaliation under the Family Medical Leave Act fails as a matter of law because Plaintiff cannot establish her prima facie case that his employment was terminated because he engaged in protected conduct, and Plaintiff cannot establish that the legitimate reason given for his termination was pretext for retaliation.
Defendant argues that Plaintiff's sixth and seventh causes of action for retaliation and failure to prevent retaliation and discrimination fail as a matter of law because he cannot establish a prima facie case that he received a write up because he engaged in protected conduct or that his write-up was a pretext for retaliation nor can he establish that he was retaliated or discriminated against. Defendant further argues that Plaintiff's eighth cause of action for wrongful termination in violation of public policy fails as a matter of law because Plaintiff cannot establish his prima facie case and cannot prove that Defendant's legitimate, non-discriminatory reason for terminating his employment was a pretext for retaliation or discrimination.
In his Opposition, Plaintiff argues that he has come forward with sufficient evidence that he was a qualified individual and was capable of performing work and should have been accommodated by Defendant. Plaintiff argues that his failure to engage in the interactive process and interference claims are supported by evidence and that summary judgment is inappropriate in this case. Plaintiff argues that Defendant's stated reason for his termination was a pretext for disability discrimination and as a result of Plaintiff having participated in protected conduct. Plaintiff argues that Defendant failed to accommodate his disability by failing to engage in the interactive process, or by offering him an alternative part-time work schedule and/or offering him a different position within the company. Finally, Plaintiff argues that the evidence supports
Summary judgment is appropriate "if the pleadings, depositions, answers to interrogatories, and admissions on file, together with the affidavits, if any, show that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and that the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law." Fed.R.Civ.P. 56(c). In order to prevail, a party moving for summary judgment must show the absence of a genuine issue of material fact with respect to an essential element of the non-moving party's claim, or to a defense on which the non-moving party will bear the burden of persuasion at trial. Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 323, 106 S.Ct. 2548, 91 L.Ed.2d 265 (1986). Further, "Celotex requires that for issues on which the movant would bear the burden of proof at trial, that party must show affirmatively the absence of a genuine issue of material fact," that is, "that, on all the essential elements of its case on which it bears the burden of proof at trial, no reasonable jury could find for the non-moving party." Fitzpatrick v. City of Atlanta, 2 F.3d 1112, 1116 (11th Cir.1993). Once the movant has made this showing, the burden then shifts to the party opposing summary judgment to designate "specific facts showing there is a genuine issue for trial." Id. at 323, 106 S.Ct. 2548. On summary judgment, the court draws all reasonable factual inferences in favor of the non-movant. Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 255, 106 S.Ct. 2505, 91 L.Ed.2d 202 (1986).
Defendant asserts that Plaintiff's claims under FEHA fail because Plaintiff cannot make out a prima facie case of discrimination under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act because he has not satisfied his burden of demonstrating that he was a "qualified individual." Motion at 10. Defendant argues further that even if Plaintiff had made out a prima facie case of discrimination, he has not presented substantial and probative evidence of pretext in the face of the legitimate, nondiscriminatory reasons offered by Defendant for Plaintiff's termination. The Court agrees. Based on the evidence offered by Plaintiff, no reasonable jury could conclude that he was terminated based upon his disability. The claims will be addressed below.
It is unlawful, under FEHA, for an employer "because of . . . national origin . . . physical disability . . . medical condition. . . age, . . . to discharge the person from employment . . . or to discriminate against the person in compensation or in terms, conditions, or privileges of employment." Cal. Gov.Code § 12940(a). California courts consider FEHA claims to be analogous to discrimination claims brought under Title VII and apply the burden-shifting framework developed by federal courts to address such claims. See Guz v. Bechtel Nat. Inc., 24 Cal.4th 317, 354, 100 Cal.Rptr.2d 352, 8 P.3d 1089 (2000).
Under that framework, the plaintiff must first establish a prima facie case of
To make a prima facie case of discrimination based on national disability discrimination, Plaintiff must show that (1) he suffers from a disability, (2) he is a qualified individual capable of performing the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation, and (3) he was subject to an adverse employment action because of the disability. Brundage v. Hahn, 57 Cal.App.4th 228, 236, 66 Cal.Rptr.2d 830 (1997); see also Harris v. United Parcel Service, Inc., 2009 WL 1916930 (N.D.Cal., July 1, 2009) citing Jensen v. Wells Fargo Bank, 85 Cal.App.4th 245, 254-55, 102 Cal.Rptr.2d 55 (2000).
The Court finds that Plaintiff has not satisfied the elements listed above for a prima facie case of discrimination based upon disability. In particular, although he has presented evidence that he suffered from a disability, he has failed to demonstrate that he was a "qualified individual."
Plaintiff argues that he could have worked a part-time schedule, or performed tasks that do not involve heavy lifting and that as a result, he was not totally disabled and should have been accommodated. He argues that with accommodation such as "light work duty" or a transfer to a different position, he could have performed the essential functions of his job (or a different job). The Court must determine whether Plaintiff is a "qualified individual" within the meaning of the law. If not, the inquiry as to the prima facie showing ends.
Here, the undisputed evidence shows that Plaintiff was totally disabled and that Defendant was not provided evidence indicating that Plaintiff could perform any tasks, let alone heavy lifting tasks. While Plaintiff now argues in opposition to the Motion that he could have worked part-time, or worked a different schedule, or a different job such as a desk job, his arguments are contradicted by the medical evidence submitted to Defendant during the relevant time period. Specifically, other than the Work Release dated February 18, 2000, which returned Plaintiff to work with limitations, (i.e., he was permitted to work for seven days with a lifting restriction of no more than 5 pounds, with 10 minute rest breaks every two hours and no more than 4-6 hours of work per day), Plaintiff was not cleared to work at all between the date of his injury and April 23, 2009, when he again submitted a Work Release that contained restrictions of lifting not more than 35 pounds for two weeks. Pl.'s Decl. ¶ 20, Stein Decl., Ex. 4. On May 7, 2009, he received a work release clearing him to work without limitations. Stein Decl., Ex. 11. Even so, less than two weeks later, he was again unable to work at all. On May 18, 2009, he experienced a flare-up of his
The Ninth Circuit's decision in Kennedy v. Applause, Inc., 90 F.3d 1477 (9th Cir., 1996) is instructive. There, the plaintiff went on a three month medical leave for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Id. at 1479. She returned to work after her first leave worked for about a month before taking second medical leave. Id. She submitted a doctor's note to her employer stating that she had to take another medical leave, and her employer terminated her employment. Id. The plaintiff brought an action for, among other things, disability discrimination. Id. The plaintiff testified at her deposition that she was not totally disabled and could have performed the essential functions of her job with a reasonable accommodation. Id. The defendant moved for summary judgment on the ground that the plaintiff was not a qualified individual because she had represented in applications for state disability payments that she was unable to perform her job and because her doctor had provided medical certifications stating that she was not able to work. The District Court granted the motion for summary judgment and the Ninth Circuit affirmed.
The Ninth Circuit found that the plaintiff was not a qualified individual and could not establish her prima facie case of disability discrimination. When the plaintiff went on her second medical leave, her physician determined that the plaintiff was totally disabled from working either full-time or part-time. The court held that this established that the plaintiff was not a qualified individual and could not establish a prima facie case of disability discrimination. Id. at 1481-1482. The Court was unpersuaded by the plaintiff's deposition testimony that she was not totally disabled and could have worked on a modified work schedule. Id. The court found that her testimony "flatly contradict[ed] . . . the medical evidence." Id. As a result, her deposition testimony could not establish that she was a qualified individual. Id. The Court was also persuaded by the sworn statements plaintiff had provided to the Social Security Administration, claiming that she was disabled. Id.
The present case is similar. At the time that Defendant terminated Plaintiff's employment, the medical documents indicated that Plaintiff was not able to work at all. The Work Release forms from his doctors repeatedly extended his leave, indicating that he was either incapable of working, on bed rest, or at times, taking medication "around the clock." In addition to the numerous doctor's notes submitted to Defendant indicating total disability, Plaintiff sent emails stating that his back was not healing, that the pain was not getting better, and confirming that he could not work at all, i.e., stating that his return to work date would have to be "extended." Thus, the undisputed evidence indicates that Plaintiff could not perform any of his job
Plaintiff argues that he could have done his job on a part-time basis working 4 to 6 hours per day. As the Ninth Circuit concluded in Kennedy, Plaintiff's characterization of his condition is contradicted by his own doctor's medical opinion and his own statements to his employer, informing his managers that his leave would have to be extended and that there was no timetable for his future return to work. Kennedy, 90 F.3d at 1481. As explained persuasively by one district court judge: "Even if a doctor were to testify later in deposition or at trial that plaintiff was physically able to have performed work with modifications, it would not alter the facts as they were plainly presented to [defendant] at the time. To rule in favor of plaintiff on this point would be to hold that the employer should have returned plaintiff to work when the professional medical judgment was that he was physically incapacitated." Swonke v. Sprint Inc., 327 F.Supp.2d 1128, 1133 (N.D.Cal.2004) (Henderson, J.) (Citations omitted). There, as in the present case, for many months, prior to each anticipated return date, the plaintiff submitted doctor's notes excusing plaintiff for longer periods of time. Id. Accordingly, the district court granted summary judgment in favor of the employer, concluding that plaintiff had not established that he was a "qualified individual." Id. at 1135-36.
The Plaintiff's prima facie case fails for an additional reason. Even if Plaintiff were physically capable of working part-time, the Court nevertheless finds that he would not be a "qualified individual" due to the fact that the undisputed facts demonstrate that an essential function of the Operations Director's job is being able to work at the mall full-time. Defendant has submitted evidence that the Operations Director has to oversee the entire maintenance and operations of the mall and supervise the maintenance workers and that a full-time Operations Director is needed to oversee the department. JSUF 8, 11, 12; Declaration of Rob Courtney, ¶ 5. Defendant's evidence is supported by Plaintiff's own testimony, in which he stated that his job required him to work between 50 and 70 hours per week. Pl.'s Dec. ¶ 11. Full-time attendance at work can be an essential job function. See e.g., Mulloy v. Acushnet, Co., 460 F.3d 141, 148-153 (1st Cir.2006). Plaintiff has admitted that he could not perform this essential function of his job. Although Plaintiff argues that he could have performed his job on a part-time basis (4-6 hours per day), this argument is not evidence, and further, it is contradicted by his own deposition testimony in which he testified that his job required him to work 50-70 hours per week. See e.g., McEnroe v. Microsoft Corp., 2010 WL 4806864 *2 (E.D.Wash., Nov. 8, 2010) ("Plaintiff's subjective belief as to what a job's essential functions are comprised of is not evidence"). As a matter of law, Plaintiff cannot be a qualified individual if his own doctors had not released him to attend his job. See e.g., Hatchett v. Philander Smith College, 251 F.3d 670, 675 (8th Cir.2001) (a plaintiff is not a qualified individual if he cannot perform the essential functions of an eight-hour job on a part-time basis).
Plaintiff's argument that he could have worked another position is similarly unsupported by the evidence. Opp. at 16. Plaintiff argues that he could have worked a desk job, or taken a marketing position within the company. Putting aside for the moment that the undisputed evidence submitted by Defendant indicates that the jobs Plaintiff mentions in his declaration would result in promotions, the medical evidence presented to Defendant at the time is contrary to Plaintiff's current assertions. The medical evidence submitted on repeated occasions to the human resources department stated that Plaintiff
Even if Plaintiff had been able to perform some work, the only other option Plaintiff would have had in the Operations Department was to become a maintenance worker. See Vito Dec. Para. 16. The evidence is undisputed that a maintenance worker position would have required more physical tasks than Plaintiff's original position. Defendant has submitted evidence that demonstrates that there were no other management positions available in the mall. Plaintiff does not dispute this evidence. The Court finds that Defendant was not obligated to create a new job for Plaintiff or reassign him if it had no vacant position for him. See Cal.Gov't.Code section 12926(n), Spitzer v. Good Guys, Inc., 80 Cal.App.4th 1376, 1389, 96 Cal.Rptr.2d 236 (2000) (Under FEHA, an employer is relieved of the duty to reassign a disabled employee whose limitations cannot be accommodated in his job if there is no vacant position for which the employee is qualified).
Thus, the Court finds that Plaintiff has not made out a prima facie case of disability discrimination. This failure is fatal to Plaintiff's claims for disability discrimination, retaliation, and failure to engage in the interactive process.
Assuming for the sake of argument that Plaintiff were able to make out a prima facie case of disability discrimination, the Court finds that Plaintiff has failed to rebut Defendant's proffered nondiscriminatory reason for the termination—Defendant needed a Director of Operations to be able to be at work full-time and perform the essential functions of the job. According to the medical evidence and emails before it, Defendant determined that Plaintiff was not able to work at all, let alone perform the essential function of his job. Further, it had been six months and Plaintiff had not provided his employer with any timetable for his return to work; rather, he sent repeated emails informing his employer that his return to work date would be "extended." Thus, Defendant decided to terminate Plaintiff's employment and hire a new Director of Operations.
Because Defendant has presented evidence of a legitimate non-discriminatory reason for termination, the burden shifts to back to the Plaintiff to present substantial evidence of pretext. The Court concludes that he has not done so.
To establish that Defendant's reason for terminating Plaintiff was a pretext for disability discrimination, Plaintiff must "demonstrate such weaknesses, implausibilities, inconsistencies, incoherencies or contradictions in the employer's proffered legitimate reasons for its actions that a reasonable factfinder could rationally find them unworthy of credence, and hence the employer did not act for [the asserted] non-discriminatory reasons." Hersant v. Dep't of Social Services, 57 Cal.App.4th 997, 1005, 67 Cal.Rptr.2d 483 (1997). To prove pretext, Plaintiff must proffer "specific, substantial evidence." Id.; Crosier v. United Parcel Service, Inc., 150 Cal.App.3d 1132,
Here, Plaintiff has not presented evidence from which a jury could conclude that the explanation offered by Defendant—that Plaintiff was fired based Defendant's need to fill the position with a full-time employee who is capable of performing the essential functions of the position— is unworthy of credence. Plaintiffs evidence of discriminatory intent consists of the allegation that seven months previously, his supervisor, Vito, asked him to fire a Hispanic sanitation worker and then when Plaintiff refused, Vito became curt and hostile and two months later submitted a performance review criticizing Plaintiff's job performance. Plaintiff has also presented evidence that prior to this incident, Vito asked him why he hired two Asian workers and when Plaintiff explained that they were the most qualified applicants, Vito shook his head in disgust and walked away." Pl. Decl. ¶ 14.
A significant delay between the allegedly discriminatory act and the adverse employment action (when a plaintiff relies upon mere temporal proximity) can be fatal to a plaintiff's discrimination claim. See e.g., Richmond v. ONEOK, Inc., 120 F.3d 205, 209 (10th Cir.1997) (three month period between the activity and termination standing alone insufficient to establish causal nexus); Hughes v. Derwinski, 967 F.2d 1168, 1174-75 (7th Cir.1992) ("The temporal proximity of [plaintiff's] filing and the issuance of either letter, standing by itself, does not sufficiently raise the inference that [the plaintiff's] filing was the reason for the adverse action. Hughes is required to produce such evidence if he is to defeat the [defendant's] summary judgment motion on this issue.")
While Plaintiff is correct that a "pattern of antagonism" may create an inference of
In order to establish a claim for interference under the FMLA, the Plaintiff must show that his employer discouraged him from taking leave under the FMLA or avoided the employer's use of leave. 29 C.F.R. §§ 825.220(b).
Plaintiff argues first that he was able to work during the time period from May to August 2009, and that defendant has failed to provide evidence that he was unable to return to work. Plaintiff further argues that his employer never told him that the more than 12 weeks of leave he received was designated "FMLA leave" and that as such, he states a claim for interference. Opp. at 20 citing 29 C.F.R. § 825.300(b) and (c)(5). Finally, Plaintiff objects to the declarations of Courtney, Vito, Albright and Franket to the extent that these witnesses state the essential functions of Plaintiff's job because these declarations "lack foundation" or somehow do not know the essential functions of the Operations Manager position.
The Court is not persuaded by these arguments. First, for the reasons stated previously, the Court has concluded that Plaintiff's own evidence—emails and doctor's notes—are sufficient to establish that Plaintiff was not able to engage in the essential functions of his job. Moreover, whether or not his employer designated the leave as "FMLA leave," Plaintiff does not dispute that he was given more than 12 weeks of leave (the time permitted under the FMLA) during the relevant time period.
Accepting as true for purposes of summary judgment that Defendant failed to inform Plaintiff that the leave it was providing him was designated "FMLA leave" the Court is persuaded by an opinion from the Second Circuit Sarno v. Douglas Elliman, 183 F.3d 155, 161-162 (2d Cir.1999). There, on similar fact, the court concluded that no rational finder of fact could conclude that Plaintiff's exercise or attempted exercise of his FMLA rights was in any way affected by Defendant's failure to inform him that the Act entitled him to a leave of up to 12 work weeks. The Court explained
Id., 161-162.
Further, the court rejected the Plaintiff's effort to have his FMLA claim be based solely upon "failure to give notice." The court explained:
Id. at 162.
Here, Plaintiff argues weakly that "an employer's failure to notify a plaintiff of his FMLA rights may constitute `interference' with FMLA rights." Opp. at 20. The Court is persuaded by the court's analysis in Sarno and concludes that no claim for interference under the FMLA claim can be stated as a matter of law.
Finally, with respect to Plaintiff's objections to Defendant's declarations on the issue of what constitutes the "essential functions" of Plaintiff's position, these evidentiary objections are overruled. Defendant's witnesses have ample knowledge of the job description of Operations Manager and can testify as to the expectations of
Defendant asserts that it is entitled to summary judgment on Plaintiff's claims for wrongful termination in violation of public policy because these claims are based on her claims under FEHA, the FMLA, which Defendant asserts fail for the reasons discussed above. These claims rise and fall with her remaining claims. Because Defendant is entitled to summary judgment as to Plaintiff's claims as they relate to wrongful termination based on disability, summary judgment on Plaintiff's violation of public policy claim is GRANTED.
For the reasons stated above, Defendant's Summary Judgment Motion is GRANTED. The Clerk shall close the file.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
