ANTHONY W. ISHII, Chief Judge.
This is a suit brought under 29 U.S.C. § 621 et seq., the Age Discrimination in Employment Act ("ADEA"), by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ("EEOC") against Defendant Timeless Investments, Inc. ("Timeless"). The EEOC brings this suit on behalf of two charging parties, James Rex ("Rex") and Larry Carlberg ("Carlberg"), who unsuccessfully applied for employment with Timeless. The EEOC seeks injunctive relief for the public interest and seeks compensatory and liquidated damages for Rex and Carlberg. Both parties move for summary judgment—Timeless on the claims against it and the EEOC on various affirmative defenses. For the reasons that follow, the motions will be granted in part and denied in part.
Timeless operates Klein's Truck and Auto Plaza, which is located in Fresno,
Rex saw the add in the Fresno Bee. See Defense Ex. B. On July 5, 2004, Rex filled out an application with Timeless. PUF 3.1. Rex was told by "Alicia" to write his age on the application because the manager wanted to know the applicant's age.
Carlberg saw Timeless's advertisement in the Fresno Bee and went to the identified location to apply on July 6, 2004. See PUF 2.2; Defense Ex. C. When Carlberg submitted his application, he was asked by a female clerk to write his age on the upper right hand corner of the application. PUF 2.3; see also DUF 11. Carlberg questioned the clerk's request. See id. Carlberg told the clerk, "I thought you were not supposed to ask me my age." PUF 2.4. The clerk told him that it might be to his advantage to write down his age because the younger men who had been
On July 14, 2004, Timeless hired Paul H., who was 30 years old, as a cashier. See PUF 6.2, 11.7, 12.20; Plaintiff's Ex. 168; Court's Docket Doc. No. 32 at p. 6 & No. 39 at 5. On July 15, 2004, Timeless hired Marisela G., who was 18 years old, as a cashier. See id. On July 22, 2004, Timeless hired Jessica G., who was 21 years old, as a cashier. See id.; PUF 10.10. On July 29, 2004, Timeless hired Dominique C., who was 27 years old, as a cashier. See id. On October 20, 2004, Timeless hired Steve F., who was 21 years old, as a cashier. See id. Marisela G's application and Steve F.'s application do not indicate any prior cashier experience. See PUF 6.3, 6.4, 9.1; Plaintiff's Exs. 131, 133.
Rafayelyan declared that he does not recall receiving Rex and Carlberg's applications, does not recall interviewing anyone within a week of July 4 because he would have been too busy to do so, and generally reviews the most recent applications unless there are no qualified individuals among the most recent applications. See Rafayelyan Dec. ¶ 9. With respect to the reasons for not hiring Rex and Carlberg, Rafayelyan declares:
Id. at ¶¶ 10, 11; see also DUF's 24-27, 32.
On or about July 29, 2004, Rex filed a charge of age discrimination against Timeless. PUF 8.1. Under the "particulars" section of the charge, Rex indicated, "On July 5, 2004, I filled out an application for employment with [Timeless]. When I submitted the application, [Timeless] told me to write my age on the upper right-hand corner of the application. I was not selected for the position. [Timeless]'s employee Alicia (LNU) told me that her manager liked to know the age of each applicant. I
On or about November 23, 2004, Carlberg filed a charge of discrimination against Timeless. PUF 8.2. The "particulars" section of the charge generally follows, and is consistent with, Carlberg's deposition testimony—a female clerk asked for his age, Carlberg stated that he did not think that this could be asked, and the clerk responded that it might be to his advantage because the younger hires had caused trouble. See Defense Ex. J.
On October 4, 2004, and December 3, 2004, Timeless sent the EEOC various documents and information. See Defense Exs. E, F. On September 28, 2006, the EEOC sent Timeless a letter of determination. See PUMF 8.9. On January 24, 2008, the EEOC a letter to Timeless and offered to conciliate. See Plaintiff's Exs. 179, 180. On February 29, 2008, the parties had a conciliation meeting. See Plaintiff's Ex. 206. On September 29, 2008, the EEOC filed this lawsuit. PUMF 8.15. Sometime in December 2008, Rex died. See Nostrant Depo. 51:23-25.
Summary judgment is appropriate when it is demonstrated that there exists 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); Adickes v. S.H. Kress & Co., 398 U.S. 144, 157, 90 S.Ct. 1598, 26 L.Ed.2d 142 (1970); Fortyune v. American Multi-Cinema, Inc., 364 F.3d 1075, 1080 (9th Cir.2004). The party seeking summary judgment bears the initial burden of informing the court of the basis for its motion and of identifying the portions of the declarations (if any), pleadings, and discovery that demonstrate an absence of a genuine issue of material fact. Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 323, 106 S.Ct. 2548, 91 L.Ed.2d 265 (1986); Soremekun v. Thrifty Payless, Inc., 509 F.3d 978, 984 (9th Cir.2007). A fact is "material" if it might affect the outcome of the suit under the governing law. See Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 248-49, 106 S.Ct. 2505, 91 L.Ed.2d 202 (1986); Thrifty Oil Co. v. Bank of America Nat'l Trust & Savings Assn., 322 F.3d 1039, 1046 (9th Cir.2002). A dispute is "genuine" as to a material fact if there is sufficient evidence for a reasonable jury to return a verdict for the non-moving party. Anderson, 477 U.S. at 248, 106 S.Ct. 2505; Long v. County of Los Angeles, 442 F.3d 1178, 1185 (9th Cir.2006).
Where the moving party will have the burden of proof on an issue at trial, the movant must affirmatively demonstrate that no reasonable trier of fact could find other than for the movant. Soremekun, 509 F.3d at 984. Where the non-moving party will have the burden of proof on an issue at trial, the movant may prevail by presenting evidence that negates an essential element of the non-moving party's claim or by merely pointing out that there is an absence of evidence to support an essential element of the non-moving party's claim. See James River Ins. Co. v. Schenk, P.C., 523 F.3d 915, 923 (9th Cir. 2008); Soremekun, 509 F.3d at 984; Nissan Fire & Marine Ins. Co. v. Fritz Cos., 210 F.3d 1099, 1105-06 (9th Cir.2000). If a moving party fails to carry its burden of production, then "the non-moving party has no obligation to produce anything,
The evidence of the opposing party is to be believed, and all reasonable inferences that may be drawn from the facts placed before the court must be drawn in favor of the opposing party. See Anderson, 477 U.S. at 255, 106 S.Ct. 2505; Matsushita, 475 U.S. at 587, 106 S.Ct. 1348; Stegall v. Citadel Broad. Co., 350 F.3d 1061, 1065 (9th Cir.2003). Nevertheless, inferences are not drawn out of the air, and it is the opposing party's obligation to produce a factual predicate from which the inference may be drawn. See Sanders v. City of Fresno, 551 F.Supp.2d 1149, 1163 (E.D.Cal.2008); UMG Recordings, Inc. v. Sinnott, 300 F.Supp.2d 993, 997 (E.D.Cal. 2004). "A genuine issue of material fact does not spring into being simply because a litigant claims that one exists or promises to produce admissible evidence at trial." del Carmen Guadalupe v. Agosto, 299 F.3d 15, 23 (1st Cir.2002); see Galen v. County of Los Angeles, 477 F.3d 652, 658 (9th Cir.2007); Bryant v. Adventist Health System/West, 289 F.3d 1162, 1167 (9th Cir. 2002). Further, a "motion for summary judgment may not be defeated ... by evidence that is `merely colorable' or `is not significantly probative.'" Anderson, 477 U.S. at 249-50, 106 S.Ct. 2505; Hardage v. CBS Broad. Inc., 427 F.3d 1177, 1183 (9th Cir.2005). Additionally, the court has the discretion in appropriate circumstances to consider materials that are not properly brought to its attention, but the court is not required to examine the entire file for evidence establishing a genuine issue of material fact where the evidence is not set forth in the opposing papers with adequate references. See Southern Cal. Gas Co. v. City of Santa Ana, 336 F.3d 885, 889 (9th Cir.2003); Carmen v. San Francisco Unified Sch. Dist., 237 F.3d 1026, 1031 (9th Cir.2001). If the nonmoving party fails to produce evidence sufficient to create a genuine issue of material fact, the moving party is entitled to summary judgment. See Nissan Fire & Marine, 210 F.3d at 1103.
The EEOC argues that Timeless already filed an unsuccessful Rule 12(b)(6) motion. Because the issue has previously been briefed and litigated, and because there are no new arguments that would justify dismissal, it is inappropriate for Timeless to raise the argument again as an affirmative defense.
Timeless argues that there is a dispute as to whether the complaint states sufficient facts to state a claim under the ADEA. The only fact alleged is that Rex and Carlberg were requested to give their ages. Such a request is not improper. Further, Rex was working two jobs and worked up until the last two months of his life when illness prevented him from working. The complaint gives rise to a dispute
The Court previously denied a Rule 12(b)(6) motion from Timeless and determined that the complaint adequately states a claim under Rule 8 for violation of the ADEA. See Court's Docket Doc. No. 15. Nothing has changed from the time of that ruling. As such, the complaint continues to state a claim. See id. The Court will grant summary judgment on this affirmative defense.
The EEOC argues that 29 U.S.C. § 626, as amended by § 115 of the Civil Rights Act of 1991, incorporates the Supreme Court's holding that Title VII imposes no statute of limitations period upon the EEOC. This applies to ADEA claims brought by the EEOC. Thus, these affirmative defenses fail as a matter of law.
Timeless argues that 29 U.S.C. § 626(e) applies to the EEOC and thus, imposes a 90-day statute of limitations on the agency to file suit once it has terminated proceedings. Here, the EEOC told Timeless in February 2008 that a lawsuit was forthcoming, yet no lawsuit was filed until September, well later than 90 days.
In pertinent part, 29 U.S.C. § 626(e) reads:
29 U.S.C. § 626(e).
This Court is unaware of a Ninth Circuit opinion that directly addresses the issue of whether § 626(e)'s 90-day limitations period applies to the EEOC. One district court has found that § 626(e)'s 90 day period applies to the EEOC. McConnell v. Thomson Newspapers, 802 F.Supp. 1484, 1499-1500 (E.D.Tex.1992). However, McConnell appears to be a distinct minority. Most courts find that the § 626(e) limitations period does not apply to lawsuits filed by the EEOC. See EEOC v. Inc. Vill. of Valley Stream, 535 F.Supp.2d 323, 325 (E.D.N.Y.2008); EEOC v. Lennar Homes of Ariz., Inc., 2005 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 22305, *10-*11 (D.Ariz. Sept. 30, 2005); EEOC v. Venator Group, Specialty, Inc., 2002 WL 181709, *2 2002 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 1727, *5-*6 (S.D.N.Y. Feb. 5, 2002); EEOC v. AT&T Co., 36 F.Supp.2d 994, 995-97 (S.D.Ohio 1998); EEOC v. Sara Lee Corp., 923 F.Supp. 994, 999 (W.D.Mich.1995); Wilkerson v. Martin Marietta Corp., 875 F.Supp. 1456, 1459-60 (D.Colo.1995). These courts generally rely on the legislative history of § 626(e) specifically, and the ADEA in general, in reaching their conclusion. See, e.g., AT & T Co., 36 F.Supp.2d at 995-97. Timeless does not sufficiently explain why the Court should follow McConnell. In the absence of controlling authority, the Court finds the majority approach persuasive. Because the 90-day limitations period of
The EEOC argues that, because it is a government agency, the defense of mitigation has no application to it. As to mitigation regarding Rex and Carlberg, no facts substantiate this defense. It is undisputed that both Rex and Carlberg continued to seek active employment after Timeless did not hire them. Because they sought employment, they did not fail to mitigate.
Timeless argues that victims of employment discrimination are under a duty to mitigate their losses. Where an employee has failed to mitigate, back pay may be reduced or forfeited. As to Carlberg, the evidence shows that he stopped looking for work about a month after he filed his application. He was on social security disability before he applied, and remains on social security disability to date. Carlberg is not entitled to back pay from 2004 through the present. As to Rex, the evidence adduced is that he worked until illness prevented him from working. There is no proof that he suffered damages and no evidence regarding mitigation efforts. Rex failed to attend the conciliation meeting, and his failure may be viewed as a form of failure to mitigate. As to the EEOC, if they had been more prompt in their efforts, the claims for back pay would have been significantly smaller, such that the case could have resolved.
As the EEOC's reply memorandum makes clear, the EEOC's argument is that because Rex and Carlberg continued to look for employment, they did not fail to mitigate. See Court's Docket Doc. No. 50 at 4:23-24. The EEOC supports its argument through its proposed undisputed fact that, "Both Rex and Carlberg continued to actively seek employment after 2004." PUF 18. That proposed fact is based on deposition testimony from Carlberg and Adam Nostrant ("Nostrant"), who is Rex's stepson. See id. There are problems with the EEOC's position.
First, an ADEA claimant "must attempt to mitigate damages by exercising reasonable care and diligence in seeking reemployment after termination." Cassino v. Reichhold Chem., 817 F.2d 1338, 1345 (9th Cir.1987); Jackson v. Shell Oil Co., 702 F.2d 197, 201 (9th Cir.1983). The reasonableness of mitigation efforts depends upon the particular circumstances of the plaintiff/claimant. See EEOC v. Pape Lift, Inc., 115 F.3d 676, 684-85 (9th Cir. 1997). Simply asserting that Rex and Carlberg continued to look for work, without more, does not sufficiently indicate "reasonable care and diligence." See Cassino, 817 F.2d at 1345.
Second, the evidence cited by the EEOC does not show that Rex and Carlberg continued to actively seek employment after 2004. With respect to Carlberg, although he testified that he sought employment with two nurseries and a bus company after his application with Timeless,
As for Rex, the EEOC cites two excerpts from Nostrant's deposition. See PUF 18. Page 24 lines 12 through 25 is a discussion regarding papers in Nostrant's possession that may show Rex's damages, and a statement that Nostrant has W2's from 2004 through 2007.
Finally, Timeless's opposition argues that the EEOC's failure to promptly prosecute this case increased the amount of backpay that is potentially at issue. It is true that the failure of an employee/applicant to mitigate his damages will limit the EEOC's ability to recover damages for that employee/applicant under the ADEA. See Waffle House, 534 U.S. at 296-97, 122 S.Ct. 754. However, the Court is aware of no authority that supports Timeless's argument that the EEOC itself must mitigate. Timeless cites no authority that supports its argument, and it is the defendant's burden to establish mitigation. See Cassino, 817 F.2d at 1345. Timeless has not adequately developed this theory. In the absence of authority, the Court will grant summary judgment in favor of the EEOC, to the extent that Timeless attempts to argue that the EEOC's failure to prosecute this case in a prompter fashion constitutes a failure to mitigate.
The EEOC argues that it issued letters of determination that stated that relief was
Timeless argues that the EEOC's conciliation efforts were to wait almost four years, hand Timeless and its new attorney a "draconian agreement," fail to work with Timeless, and then to file suit. Specifically, Timeless was shown a typed agreement with blank spaces for dollar amounts. Timeless was told that there was no room to negotiate liability, the only reason for conciliation was to determine how much money the EEOC was willing to accept, and no negotiation regarding other aspects of settlement would occur. Other aspects of the settlement included requiring Timeless to hire a consultant to oversee its operation, frequent reports to the EEOC, and opening all of its books to the EEOC. Further, Timeless was not allowed to take the conciliation agreement out of the EEOC office unless it was signed, and was told that if the agreement was not signed, the EEOC would ensure that the cost of litigation would exceed the cost of settlement. Additionally, in supplemental briefing, Timeless states that it is not amenable to the Court staying the matter for further conciliation.
On January 24, 2008, the EEOC sent letters to Timeless offering the opportunity to conciliate the claims of Rex and Carlberg. See PUF 8.10; Plaintiff's Exs. 179, 180.
On February 29, 2008, an unsuccessful conciliation conference occurred. See Plaintiff's Ex. 206; see also Shiralian Dec. ¶ 12. On the same day, the EEOC sent a letter to Timeless offering to conciliate one more time. See Plaintiff's Ex. 206. In pertinent part, the letter: (1) made note of all parties' obligation to conciliate in good faith; (2) gave Timeless until March 14, 2008, in which to agree to further conciliation; and (3) recounted that, at conciliation the EEOC had explained that it was seeking back pay and non-monetary relief for Rex and Carlberg under the ADEA because they had not been hired due to their ages, the EEOC had shown several applications that referenced age, and the EEOC indicated that a number of other applications included dates of birth or comments regarding age. Id.
On March 3, 2008, Timeless's counsel sent a letter in response. See Garcia-Bautista Dec. Ex. 6. The letter indicates that: (1) the EEOC refused to share findings and essentially wanted Timeless to take its word that discrimination occurred; (2) no evidence was presented that indicated age discrimination, and the EEOC refused to identify the name of Timeless's employee who allegedly mentioned age; (3) conclusory allegations of discrimination are insufficient; and (4) because of the "incredulous atmosphere" at the conciliation, another conciliation meeting would not be fruitful. See id. The letter concludes by stating that unless more information is provided, there is nothing further to discuss. See id.
Between March 4, 2008, and August 17, 2008, it appears that some negotiations between the parties occurred.
On August 18, 2008, the EEOC sent a letter to Timeless's counsel. See Garcia-Bautista Dec. Ex. 7. The letter states that it would provide copies, without the customary charge, of documents that Timeless had initially produced. See id. The letter also stated that Timeless's counsel would be communicating with Timeless about a settlement, but counsel had agreed in principal to settle with a consent decree. See id. Included in the decree would be efforts to recruit employees who are over 40, record keeping, age discrimination training, posting, and reporting to the EEOC regarding progress. See id. The letter states that there is an agreement to continue discussions once the attorneys had contacted the charging parties and corporate officers regarding a monetary settlement. See id.
On September 3, 2008, the EEOC sent a letter to Timeless's counsel that purports to be a follow up to an August 25, 2008, telephone conversation. See Garcia-Bautista Dec. Ex. 8. The letter states that: (1) Timeless's counsel had agreed to injunctive relief and had offered to pay $5,000; (2) the sum of $5,000 was too small and that, excluding benefits and liquidated damages, lost wages totaled about $63,000;
On September 9, 2008, Timeless's counsel sent a reply letter. See Garcia-Bautista Dec. Ex. 9. The letter stated that the EEOC's proposal was not acceptable, but did agree that the mutual purpose was to avoid litigation. See id. The letter described confusion since Timeless employs many employees over the age of 40, but concluded by saying, "none of the injunctive requests burden my client, as you are essentially requiring him to continue the status quo." Id. The letter discusses liability and damages, and then concludes by stating that $7,500 is the bottom line. See id.
On September 29, 2008, the EEOC filed this lawsuit. See Court's Docket Doc. No. 1.
The ADEA mandates that the EEOC notify potential employer-defendants and seek to eliminate alleged unlawful practices through "informal methods of conciliation, conference, and persuasion." 29 U.S.C. § 626(d); EEOC v. Pan American World Airways, Inc., 897 F.2d 1499, 1505 n. 5 (9th Cir.1990). One court has characterized conciliation as "notably an
There is a split among the circuits regarding the proper standard for reviewing whether the EEOC has attempted to conciliate in good faith. See EEOC v. Supervalu, Inc., 674 F.Supp.2d 1007, 1008 n. 1 (N.D.Ill.2009). One approach is highly deferential and focuses on whether the EEOC attempted to conciliate, the "form and substance of the EEOC's conciliation proposals are within the discretion of the EEOC and are not subject to judicial second-guessing." EEOC v. Keco Indus., Inc., 748 F.2d 1097, 1102 (6th Cir. 1984); EEOC v. Paramount Staffing, Inc., 601 F.Supp.2d 986, 990 (W.D.Tenn.2009). The other approach posits that the EEOC must meet three requirements to fulfill its conciliation duty: (1) outline to the employer the reasonable cause for its belief that the ADEA has been violated; (2) offer an opportunity for voluntary compliance; and (3) respond in a reasonable and flexible manner to the reasonable attitudes of the employer. See EEOC v. Asplundh Tree Expert Co., 340 F.3d 1256, 1259 (11th Cir.2003); EEOC v. Johnson & Higgins, Inc., 91 F.3d 1529, 1534 (2d Cir.1996); EEOC v. Klingler Electric Corp., 636 F.2d 104, 107 (5th Cir.1981). To the Court's knowledge, the Ninth Circuit has not addressed this issue, and some courts within the Ninth Circuit have adopted the Keco approach, e.g. EEOC v. California Psychiatric Transitions, Inc., 644 F.Supp.2d 1249, 1273 (E.D.Cal.2009), while others are in line with Klingler.
Under the Keco approach, there is no doubt that the EEOC met that standard. There is no dispute that a face to face conciliation meeting occurred on February 29, 2008. Further, in the follow up letter sent by the EEOC to Timeless, the EEOC offered to continue to conciliate and
Under the Klingler approach, the Court would be compelled to conclude that no good faith conciliation occurred on February 29, 2008. It appears that the first and second Klingler considerations were met, either through the conciliation meeting or the same-day follow up letter, albeit not to the satisfaction of Timeless. The EEOC explained that it believed that Rex and Carlberg did not get hired because of age discrimination, the EEOC showed Timeless applications that had notations regarding age, and the EEOC indicated that a number of applications had comments regarding age. Cf. EEOC v. Hibbing Taconite Co., 266 F.R.D. 260, 274 (D.Minn. 2009) (following Klingler approach and holding that conciliation "does not necessitate that the EEOC disclose all of the underlying evidence or information to the employer," rather conciliation "requires that the EEOC provide the employer with sufficient information to assure that the employer knows the basis of the charge, and is able to participate in the conciliation process fully."). The EEOC then gave Timeless the opportunity to sign settlement agreements. However, the problem is the third Klingler consideration. The uncontradicted declarations of Timeless's officer and attorney indicate an inexplicable rigidity, an unwillingness to materially discuss the substantive allegations, and unreasonable demands by the EEOC—the antithesis of a good faith conciliation is reflected. See Shiralian Dec. ¶¶ 12-14; Kharazi Motion Dec. ¶¶ 17-18; Kharazi Opposition Dec. ¶¶ 10-13. In other words, Timeless's declarations show that the EEOC failed to respond to Timeless at the conciliation "in a reasonable and flexible manner to the reasonable attitudes of the employer." Klingler, 636 F.2d at 107. Nevertheless, the conciliation session in February 2008 was not the only attempt to discuss and settle this dispute.
From the evidence submitted, it is apparent that the parties continued to discuss possible resolutions for Rex and Carlberg's respective charges. See Garcia-Bautista Dec. Exs. 7, 8, 9. Of particular importance are the September 3, 2008, letter from the EEOC and Timeless's September 9, 2008, reply. As outlined above, these correspondences show that negotiations had been partially successful in that the parties were in agreement about injunctive relief. See id. at Exs. 8, 9. The only "hitch" appears to have been the dollar amount that Rex and Carlberg were to receive as compensatory damages. The EEOC explained its position on the dollar amount, stated that if bankruptcy was a concern that a more "sensitive amount" could be reached, and then lowered their demand by $15,000, or roughly 24%. See id. at Ex. 8. The EEOC explained that it was continuing the negotiation efforts, despite Timeless stating that the EEOC should receive headquarters's approval for a lawsuit, in order to avoid litigation. See id. Timeless did not accept the EEOC's counter-offer, did not offer further explanation regarding its offer of $7,500, and did not specifically critique either the $63,000 offer or the $48,000 counteroffer. Once Timeless reiterated that $7,500 was "the bottom line and no more," id. at Ex. 9, the EEOC was under no obligation to make further conciliation efforts. See Bruno's, 13 F.3d at 289; Prudential Fed., 763 F.2d at 1169; Marshall, 605 F.2d at 1337. With the September 3, 2008, letter, the EEOC responded to Timeless "in a reasonable and flexible manner to the reasonable attitudes of the employer." Klingler, 636 F.2d at 107. That a dollar
The EEOC has met its burden of showing good faith conciliation efforts. Summary judgment in favor of the EEOC is appropriate.
The EEOC argues that "misconduct" is not a cognizable affirmative defense under the ADEA. Further, there is no evidence to support any culpability.
Timeless argues that Rex and Carlberg's application "included incorrect and somewhat misleading information." Court's Docket Doc. No. 44 at p. 7:2-3. Rex did not fully disclose that he was employed full time by another gas station. Carlberg failed to disclose that he had been laid off from his truck driving job. Carlberg also failed to disclose that he had applied for and was receiving social security disability payments, which would have precluded him from working. Finally, the EEOC refused to discuss the merits of the case at conciliation and waited four years to bring suit.
It is not clear to the Court that Timeless has alleged a valid defense. Timeless cites no authority that acknowledges such a defense or discusses the parameters of a "misconduct" defense in an ADEA setting. In fact, no cases or authority of any kind are cited in the pertinent section of Timeless's opposition.
With respect to the EEOC, the argument raised by Timeless rests entirely on conciliation. Attempting to characterize the EEOC's conduct during conciliation as "misconduct" is a minor variation of Timeless's prior arguments, and the Court has already addressed conciliation.
With respect to Rex, it is not clear that Rex failed to disclose that he worked "full time" because no evidence is cited in support of this assertion.
With respect to Carlberg's social security benefits/disability status, the Court sees the same problems as with Rex. Carlberg's failure to disclose does not affect whether Timeless engaged in age discrimination, nor does his failure to disclose his social security status effect the damages available.
Timeless has failed to adequately explain its "misconduct" defense, both in the
The EEOC argues that the defense of "impossibility" is in the nature of a contract defense and has no application to this case. Timeless responds that it has determined that this affirmative defense does not apply in this case. See Court's Docket Doc. No. 44 at 7:15-17. In light of Timeless's concession, the Court will grant summary judgment.
The EEOC argues that the defense of in pari delicto is a contractual defense that has no application to this case. Timeless responds that it has determined that this affirmative defense does not apply in this case. See Court's Docket Doc. No. 44 at 7:19-21. In light of Timeless's concession, the Court will grant summary judgment.
The EEOC argues that the reservation of affirmative defenses is not supportable under Rule 8(a)(2) and fails to give notice under Rule 8(a). Other courts have granted summary judgment on identical reservations/defenses.
Timeless responds that the ninth affirmative defense is simply a reservation that informs the parties that other affirmative defenses may be available as discovery progresses.
A "reservation of affirmative defenses" is not an affirmative defense. In light of Rule 15, the Court does not see the propriety of Timeless's reservation. Rule 15 is the procedural mechanism that parties must follow in order to amend their pleadings,
Timeless moves for summary judgment on the issue of good faith conciliation. However, as discussed above, the EEOC met its obligation to conciliate in good faith, albeit over a course of months and through a series of telephone calls and written correspondences. Summary judgment in favor of Timeless is not appropriate.
Timeless argues that all claims regarding Rex should be dismissed because Rex died in December 2008, yet no one has sought to substitute in his place. Rule 25 provides for 90 days in which to file a motion for substitution. Rule 25 also provides that the failure to file such a substitution requires dismissal of the decedent's claims.
The EEOC argues that it is bringing suit on behalf of Rex and to vindicate the public interest. In age discrimination cases, once the EEOC files suit, individuals such as Rex may no longer file their own lawsuits. The EEOC states that it may continue to represent Rex. Because the ADEA is remedial in nature, an ADEA claim survives a claimant's death.
Rule 25(a) reads in part:
Fed. R. Civ. Pro. 25(a)(1), (3). The Ninth Circuit has explained that Rule 25(a)(1) requires two affirmative steps in order to trigger the running of the 90 day time period: (1) a party must formally suggest the death of the other party upon the record; and (2) the suggesting party must serve other parties and nonparty successors or representatives of the deceased with a suggestion of death. Barlow v. Ground, 39 F.3d 231, 233 (9th Cir.1994); Barrett v. Negrete, 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 106733, *2 (S.D.Cal. Nov. 16, 2009); Colon v. Home Depot U.S.A., Inc., 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 40914, *2-*3 (E.D.Cal. May 13, 2009). The 90 day time period is not triggered "unless a formal suggestion of death is made on the record, regardless of whether the parties have knowledge of a party's death," and the "mere reference to a party's death in court proceedings or pleadings is not sufficient...." Grandbouche v. Lovell, 913 F.2d 835, 836 (10th Cir.1990); Colon, 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 40914 at *3; see also Younts v. Fremont County, 370 F.3d 748, 752 (8th Cir.2004); Barlow, 39 F.3d at 233 (citing with approval Grandbouche).
Also, in the absence of an express contrary intent, federal common law determines whether a federal claim/cause of action survives the death of a claimant. See United States v. NEC Corp., 11 F.3d 136, 137 (11th Cir.1993); Smith v. Department of Human Servs., 876 F.2d 832, 834 (10th Cir.1989); Heikkila v. Barber, 308 F.2d 558,
The EEOC brought this lawsuit on behalf of Rex and Carlberg, as well as the public interest. See EEOC v. Hacienda Hotel, 881 F.2d 1504, 1519 (9th Cir. 1989). "An individual's right to sue [under the ADEA] is extinguished ... if the EEOC institutes an action against the employer." Gilmer v. Interstate/Johnson Lane Corp., 500 U.S. 20, 27, 111 S.Ct. 1647, 114 L.Ed.2d 26 (1991) (citing 29 U.S.C. 626(c)(1)); see Vines v. Univ. of La., 398 F.3d 700, 707 (5th Cir.2005); EEOC v. Pan Am. World Airways, Inc., 897 F.2d 1499, 1505-07 (9th Cir.1990). When the EEOC filed suit, it terminated Rex's ability to bring his own suit. See id. Further, although the EEOC is suing in part to obtain relief on behalf of Rex, Rex is not a plaintiff in this action. Under these circumstances, it would appear that Rule 25 has no application since Rex was not a plaintiff and Rule 25 applies "when a party dies." Fed. R. Civ. Pro. 25(a)(1).
Assuming that Rule 25 may have some application, there has been no formal "suggestion of death" filed on the docket by any party. Because a formal "suggestion of death" must be filed with the Court before the 90 day time period is triggered, the 90 day time period never commenced in this case. See Barlow, 39 F.3d at 233; Grandbouche, 913 F.2d at 836; Barrett, 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 106733 at *2. Summary judgment on all claims regarding Rex and Rule 25(a)(1) is inappropriate.
However, the EEOC seeks liquidated damages on behalf of Rex. Rex's death means the termination of his claim for liquidated damages. See Smith, 876 F.2d at 835-37; Kulling, 115 F.Supp.2d at 845-46, 850. Since the EEOC is suing in a representative capacity, see Vines, 398 F.3d at 707, the Court sees no grounds for allowing the EEOC to obtain liquidated damages on behalf of the deceased Rex, when Rex's death would otherwise terminate his/his estate's ability to obtain ADEA liquidated damages. See Smith, 876 F.2d at 835-37; Kulling, 115 F.Supp.2d at 845-46, 850; cf. EEOC v. Waffle House, Inc., 534 U.S. 279, 296-97, 122 S.Ct. 754, 151 L.Ed.2d 755 (2002) ("If, for example, [Baker] had failed to mitigate his damages, or had accepted a monetary settlement, any recovery by the EEOC would be limited accordingly."). The Court will grant summary judgment in favor of Timeless with respect liquidated damages on behalf of Rex. See Smith, 876 F.2d at 835-37; Kulling, 115 F.Supp.2d at 845-46, 850; Kettner, 2008 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 106990 at *31; Hawes, 940 F.Supp. at 702-03.
Timeless argues that an essential element of an ADEA claim is damages.
The EEOC argues that whether Rex and Carlberg suffered damages is irrelevant to the public interest aspect of this case. The EEOC seeks injunctive remedies as a result of Timeless's practices. Timeless's president has admitted that Timeless does not do training regarding age discrimination and does not have written discrimination policies, and former manager Rafayelyan confirmed he was unaware of discrimination policies and received no training. With respect to Carlberg, he was unemployed and continued to seek employment until 2005. Even if he received social security benefits, such benefits cannot be set off against backpay awards. With respect to Rex, he did not make as much as a full time cashier with Timeless (which would have been $8.00/hour or $16,000/year)
With respect to Rex, there is no dispute that Rex worked until mid to late 2008, see PUF 7.5, Rex's 2004 W2 form indicates income of about $8,300.00, see DUF 34; PUF 7.6, Rex's 2005 W2 form indicates income of about $10,300.00, see DUF 35; PUF 7.7, and cashiers at Timeless earned between $8.00 and $8.50 per hour in 2004. see Rafayelyan Dep. Vol. I at 78:1-4. The EEOC is correct that a wage of $8.00 per hour, assuming a working year of 2000 hours, yields a yearly wage of $16,000 per year. Obviously, $16,000 is more than Rex's 2004 income and 2005 income.
The same wage analysis is true of Carlberg, except the point is starker. It appears that Carlberg did not work from the time of his application with Timeless to the
However, resolution of Timeless's argument that Carlberg had filed for social security disability benefits and claimed to be disabled is not as straightforward. A person is entitled to social security disability benefits if the "disability"
Carlberg's testimony is significant. The general rule is that "an employer is not liable for backpay during periods that an improperly discharged employee is unavailable for work due to a disability." Canova v. NLRB, 708 F.2d 1498, 1505 (9th Cir.1983); see Lathem v. Department of Children & Youth Servs., 172 F.3d 786, 794 (11th Cir.1999); Starceski v. Westinghouse Elec. Corp., 54 F.3d 1089, 1101 (3d Cir. 1995); Saulpaugh v. Monroe Cmty. Hosp., 4 F.3d 134, 145 (2d Cir.1993); McKenna v. City of Philadelphia, 636 F.Supp.2d 446, 465 (E.D.Pa.2009); Shomide v. ILC Dover, Inc., 521 F.Supp.2d 324, 334-35 (D.Del. 2007). However, where the defendant's discriminatory conduct caused the disability, back pay is available. Lathem, 172 F.3d at 794; McKenna, 636 F.Supp.2d at 465. "The rationale behind this rule is that, because back pay is a compensatory remedy intended to restore the plaintiff to the position that he would have been in had he not been discriminated against, a plaintiff should not be able to receive back pay for a period when he was unable to work for reasons unrelated to the defendant's conduct." McKenna, 636 F.Supp.2d at 465; see also Saulpaugh, 4 F.3d at 145.
Here, that Carlberg collected social security disability benefits shows that he has successfully contended and shown that he has a "disability" and that his disability was so severe that he could not perform work in the national economy.
However, Carlberg stated that he could not recall if he received disability benefits prior to or after his July 2004 application with Timeless. If Carlberg received the benefits after his July 2004 application with Timeless, then back pay would be available at least from July 2004 to whatever later month in 2004 he began receiving disability payments.
Even if Carlberg received disability benefits prior to his July 2004 application, the Court is not convinced at this point that no back pay would be available. The Social Security Act "clearly permits individuals to receive benefits while engaged in a period of paid `trial work.'" Mohamed v. Marriott Int'l, 944 F.Supp. 277, 283 (S.D.N.Y. 1996). 42 U.S.C. § 422(c) allows a social security disability beneficiary to attempt to return to work, that is have a period of "trial work," but the "trial work" may not exceed nine months over a period of 60 months. See 42 U.S.C. § 422(c); see also Flaten v. Secretary of HHS, 44 F.3d 1453, 1462 (9th Cir.1995); Conley v. Bowen, 859 F.2d 261, 262 (2d Cir.1988); Henriquez v. Astrue, 482 F.Supp.2d 50, 59 (D.Mass. 2007). Since the Social Security Act allows a disability beneficiary to have up to nine months of "trial work," and it is the Social Security Act that provided Carlberg disability benefits, it seems possible that 42 U.S.C. § 422(c) could have an effect on the damages available in this case. However, without briefing from the parties regarding Carlberg's disability benefits and 42 U.S.C. § 422(c)'s effect, if any, on this case, the Court will not resolve the issue.
At this point, the Court does not believe that sufficient briefing has been done regarding the damages available to Carlberg. Carlberg's testimony at this point suggests that he is not entitled to backpay from some amount of time between 2004 and 2007. However, that is as far as the evidence goes. The Court cannot grant summary judgment because there are too many unknowns. Summary judgment on the issue of Carlberg's damages will be denied.
Timeless argues that there is no direct evidence of age discrimination and there is insufficient indirect evidence. From March 2004 to August 2004, all applicants had placed either their birth date or their age on the application, and Timeless's management indicates that this may have been done because of the need to hire persons over 21, due to EZ Trip selling alcohol and tobacco.
With respect to Carlberg, he had no prior cash register experience, so he was not qualified. All witnesses testified that the job of cashier was offered to those with experience. There is no indication that Carlberg was singled out due to his age.
With respect to Rex, he was not hired because, at the time of his application, he was working two jobs and not immediately
Timeless argues that it seeks out more mature employees and, because it does not offer insurance benefits for cashiers, it has no incentive to discriminate against older applicants. Further, because of the high number of applications, it is likely that Rex and Carlberg's applications were not even reviewed.
The EEOC argues that there is a material dispute regarding the qualifications for the cashier position. Rafayelyan stated in his declaration that he was looking for cashier experience and immediate availability. However, there are no written documents that establish the qualifications, and what constitutes sufficient experience is a subjective criteria that is not suitable for determination on summary judgment. Also, some of the applicants who were hired were not immediately available and some of the applicants did not have previous cashier experience.
The EEOC also argues that Timeless's identified reasons for not hiring Rex and Carlberg are pretextual. First, Rafayelyan admitted that a person's appearance was important in a hiring decision. Rafayelyan required that age be written so that he exclude those who were too old and did not fit the proper appearance. Also, if it was truly necessary that an applicant be at least 21 years old, a notation that the person was over 21, instead of the precise age, would suffice.
Second, Timeless has offered shifting reasons for its failure to hire Rex and Carlberg. Rafayelyan made no mention of availability as a hiring criteria in his deposition, but did so in his declaration. Also, Timeless's representations to the EEOC and Rafayelyan's deposition indicated that they never asked for age, but Shiralian now admits that ages were obtained from March 2004 to August 2004, and Shiralian admits asking for age in his declaration. Also, only the convenience store (EZ Trip) sells alcohol and tobacco, not the Plaza. Thus, it is not necessary for Timeless to know the age of every applicant.
Third, Rafayelyan conceded that Marisela G. and Steve F., cashiers whom he hired in 2004, had no cashier experience. This is contrary to the stated requirement that prior cashier experience is important.
Fourth, Rafayelyan did not identify immediate availability as a requirement in his deposition and said that whether someone already had a job was not important. Also, Alicia Corona was hired despite informing Rafayelyan that she needed to give two weeks notice, and Jose Troncoso did not start until two weeks after his
"Under the ADEA, employers may not `fail or refuse to hire ... any individual [who is at least forty years old] or otherwise discriminate against any individual with respect to his compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, because of such individual's age.'" Enlow v. Salem-Keizer Yellow Cab Co., 389 F.3d 802, 811 (9th Cir.2004) (quoting 29 U.S.C. § 623(a)(1)). However, the "ADEA does not make it unlawful for an employer to do a poor job of selecting employees. It merely makes it unlawful to discriminate on the basis of age." Cotton v. Alameda, 812 F.2d 1245, 1249 (9th Cir. 1987). To establish an ADEA claim, a "plaintiff must prove by a preponderance of the evidence (which may be direct or circumstantial), that age was the `but-for' cause of the challenged employment decision." Gross v. FBL Fin. Servs., Inc., ___ U.S. ___, 129 S.Ct. 2343, 2351, 174 L.Ed.2d 119 (2009). Under "but-for" causation, a plaintiff must show that age was "the reason" for the adverse employment action; there is no ADEA liability for "mixed motive" employment actions. See id. at 2350, 2352; Leibowitz v. Cornell Univ., 584 F.3d 487, 498 n. 2 (2d Cir.2009).
"[Courts] evaluate ADEA claims that are based on circumstantial evidence of discrimination by using the three stage burden-shifting framework laid out in McDonnell Douglas Corp. v. Green, 411 U.S. 792, 93 S.Ct. 1817, 36 L.Ed.2d 668 (1973)." Diaz v. Eagle Produce Ltd. P'shp, 521 F.3d 1201, 1207 (9th Cir.2008); see Enlow, 389 F.3d at 812. Under the McDonnell Douglas framework:
Diaz, 521 F.3d at 1207.
In order to prove a prima facie case of discrimination in the context of a failure to hire, a plaintiff must show that: (1) he was at least 40 years old at the time of the alleged discrimination; (2) he was subjected to an adverse employment action; (3) he was otherwise qualified for the position; and (4) after he was rejected, a substantially younger applicant was selected. Hedrick v. W. Reserve Care Sys., 355 F.3d 444, 460 (6th Cir.2004); Zaccagnini v. Charles Levy Circ. Co., 338 F.3d 672, 675 (7th Cir.2003); see Cotton, 812 F.2d at 1248; see also O'Connor v. Consol. Coin Caterers Corp., 517 U.S. 308, 312-13, 116 S.Ct. 1307, 134 L.Ed.2d 433 (1996) ("The fact that one person in the protected class has lost out to another person in the protected class is thus irrelevant, so long as he has lost out because of his age.... [T]he fact that a replacement is substantially younger than the plaintiff is a far more reliable indicator of age discrimination than is the fact that the plaintiff was replaced by someone outside the protected class.")
With respect to the second phase of the framework, the explanation for the defendant's conduct must be non-discriminatory and must explain why the specific plaintiff suffered the adverse action. See Diaz, 521 F.3d at 1211. "This burden is one of production, not persuasion; it can involve no credibility assessment." Reeves v. Sanderson Plumbing Prods., 530 U.S. 133, 143, 120 S.Ct. 2097, 147 L.Ed.2d 105 (2000).
There is no evidence of direct age discrimination. In a footnote, the EEOC argues that Rex and Carlberg being told to write their ages, combined with evidence that shows Rafayelyan made hiring decisions based on appearance, arguably constitutes direct evidence of age discrimination. The Court cannot agree. First, as Timeless rightly points out, merely asking for an applicant's age on an employment application is not improper. See 29 C.F.R. § 1625.5. Second, the testimony that the EEOC relies on is stretched too far. The EEOC cites testimony by Rafayelyan and Shiralian in support of PUF 1.6, which in turn is used to support the argument. In response to a question about what managers look for in making the decision to hire a cashier, Shiralian answered that the candidate should have experience and be "presentable." See Shiralian Dep. 83:3-10. Shiralian then explained that "presentable" meant no tattoos or "different dress or clothes." Id. at 83:11-15. Rafayelyan's testimony was essentially the same as Shiralian's. Rafayelyan was consistently speaking about tattoos and "weird clothes." See Rafayelyan Dep. 62:18-63:7, 210:16-211:3, 215:4-12. None of the cited deposition excerpts discuss or relate to age. Being concerned with how a person dresses and whether they have visible tattoos has no relation to age discrimination. Contrary to the EEOC's assertion, there is not even "arguable" direct evidence of discrimination.
After reviewing the arguments and evidence cited, the Court agrees with the EEOC and believes that there are genuine, material disputes within the McDonnell Douglas framework.
There is no dispute that Rex and Carlberg are in the protected class, see PUF 2.1, 3.9, that they were not hired by Timeless, see PUF 6. 1, and that substantially younger individuals (people in their teens, twenties, or thirties) were hired instead. See PUF 6.2, 11.7, 12.20; Plaintiff's Ex. 168; Court's Docket Doc. No. 39 at 5. There is a genuine material dispute regarding whether Rex and Carlberg were qualified. The qualifications identified as at issue in this motion are prior experience and immediate availability.
With respect to Carlberg, his application stated that he could start the next day. See Defense Ex. C. He was therefore "immediately available." Carlberg's application does not indicate prior cashier experience, and thus fails to meet the identified hiring criteria.
With respect to Rex, his application indicates that he had been working for a Mobil gas station as a cashier for 4 months. See
Further, Rex stated that he could begin on July 20, 2004. Three individuals were hired after July 20, 2004. See PUF 10.10. Specifically, Jessica G. was hired on July 22, 2004, Dominique C. was hired on July 29, 2004, and Steve F. was hired in October 2004. See id. Assuming that Rex had to give two weeks notice to the Mobil station, as opposed to simply being able to start on July 20, fifteen days passed from the first July hiring, Paul H. on July 14, 2004, see PUF 11.7; Plaintiff's Ex. 168; Court's Docket Doc. No. 39 at p. 5, to the hiring of Dominique C. on July 29, 2004. See PUF 10.10. From the date of Rex's application on July 5, 2004, Timeless did not fill the four cashier vacancies
The reasons that Timeless gives for not hiring Rex and Carlberg are that Rex was not immediately available and Carlberg had no cashier experience. In other words, Timeless asserts that the reason for not hiring Rex and Carlberg were that those individuals were not qualified. As discussed above, there are material disputes whether prior cashier experience and immediate availability are in fact genuine qualifications.
Further, Timeless is correct that merely asking an applicant to write down his age is not itself improper. See 29 C.F.R. § 1625.5. However, the regulation states that such applications will be closely scrutinized to ensure that the request is for a "proper purpose." See id. There does not appear to be a dispute that, because the EZ Trip sells alcohol and tobacco, the cashier at that location must be at least 21 years old. See DUF 23; Plaintiff's Response to DUF 23; PUF 12.1. However,
The evidence that individuals who work at the Plaza wrote down their ages on their applications, combined with the evidence that indicates experience and immediate availability were not required to be a cashier, produce sufficiently specific and substantial evidence to indicate pretext.
Timeless argues that the EEOC waited over four years to bring suit. The EEOC was given employment applications in December 2004, but did not attempt to reconcile until three years later. As the case stands, Rex is dead and Timeless was not able to take his deposition and question his version of events. Many of Timeless's employees are either gone or do not remember facts very well. This includes a former counsel who, by the time of conciliation, had stopped practicing law, established a restaurant, and had little recollection of the case. Timeless also had lost or misplaced records produced to the EEOC because management and then counsel thought that the matter had been closed.
The EEOC argues that, under Rule 12(h)(1), Timeless waived the affirmative defense of laches because that defense was not raised in the answer. Alternatively, the EEOC argues that it did not unreasonably delay in filing this lawsuit. Most cases find an unreasonable delay when a five year time period is involved. Here, less than four years passed from the date that Carlberg filed his charge. There are no cases that hold a delay of less than four years is unreasonable. Also, there is no prejudice to Timeless as a result of any delay by the EEOC. Timeless was aware of the charges against them and could have taken steps to preserve documents and obtain statements from employees. Further, although Rex is now deceased, Timeless was aware of his charge. The EEOC is willing to relax the hearsay rule and stipulate that Rex's testimony would be consistent with his charge. Also, Rex's nephew has testified about Rex's employment history from July 2004 through December 2008, and Rex's W2's are available.
A defendant may raise the affirmative defense of laches in defense to suits brought by the EEOC. See EEOC v.
"Each case must be considered on its own facts in determining the reasonableness of the delay; laches is an equitable, hence flexible, doctrine, and no length of time is considered per se unreasonable." Whitfield v. Anheuser-Busch, Inc., 820 F.2d 243, 245 (8th Cir.1987); EEOC v. Liberty Loan Corp., 584 F.2d 853, 857 (8th Cir.1978); EEOC v. Luby's Inc., 2005 WL 3560616, *7, 2005 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 38089, *20 (D.Ariz. Dec. 29, 2005); see also Grand Canyon Trust v. Tucson Elec. Power Co., 391 F.3d 979, 988 (9th Cir.2004); Alioto Fish, 623 F.2d at 88. In assessing delay, a court must consider the reasons for or causes of the delay. Danjaq LLC v. Sony Corp., 263 F.3d 942, 954 (9th Cir. 2001). The EEOC's "workload has been rejected as an excuse for unreasonable delay." Alioto Fish, 623 F.2d at 88; see EEOC v. Dresser Indus., Inc., 668 F.2d 1199, 1203 (11th Cir.1982); Massey-Ferguson, 622 F.2d at 277-78; Liberty Loan, 584 F.2d at 857.
With respect to prejudice, courts recognize evidentiary and expectations based prejudice. Grand Canyon, 391 F.3d at 988; Danjaq LLC v. Sony Corp., 263 F.3d 942, 955 (9th Cir.2001). "Expectations" based prejudice occurs when a defendant "took actions or suffered consequences that it would not have, had the plaintiff brought suit promptly." Grand Canyon, 391 F.3d at 988; Danjaq, 263 F.3d at 955. "Evidentiary prejudice includes such things as lost, stale, or degraded evidence, or witnesses whose memories have faded or who have died." Grand Canyon, 391 F.3d at 988; Danjaq, 263 F.3d at 955. When courts have upheld a laches defense based on evidentiary prejudice, "they have done so because that evidence would have been relevant to one or more essential issues in dispute between the parties." Vineberg v. Bissonnette, 548 F.3d 50, 58 (1st Cir.2008). "Regarding the availability of witnesses, the inquiry is not whether some witnesses might be available—it is whether the absence of other witnesses ... will prejudice [the defendant]." Danjaq, 263 F.3d at 956.
The EEOC's waiver argument is frivolous. First, Rule 12(h) expressly refers to defenses listed in Rules 12(b)(2), 12(b)(3), 12(b)(4), and 12(b)(5), as being subject to waiver, and none of those defenses involves laches. See Rules 12(b)(2)-(5), (h). Rule 12(h) has zero application to the defense of laches.
Aside from Rex's July 29, 2004, charge and Carlberg's November 23, 2004, charge, the evidence indicates that the EEOC received information from Timeless in October and December 2004, and January 2005. See Defense Exs. E, F; Plaintiff's Ex. 182. However, a determination of reasonable cause was not made until September 28, 2006. See PUF 8.9. That is, from January 2005 to September 2006, a period of approximately 20 months, nothing appears to have occurred. Once the reasonable cause letters were sent to Timeless on September 28, 2006, the next event did not occur until January 24, 2008, when the EEOC sent two letters (one regarding Rex, the other regarding Carlberg) offering to conciliate. From September 28, 2006, to January 24, 2008, that is approximately 16 months, there is again no evidence of anything occurring. From February 2008 through September 2008, the parties were in the process of conciliation and negotiation. See Garcia-Bautista Dec. Exs. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. Thus, while the evidence shows that there were periods of activity regarding these charges, there is approximately 36 months of apparent inactivity—three years.
The EEOC offers no explanation for why it waited over four years (50 months) to bring suit on Rex's claim, why it waited just under four years (46 months) to bring suit on Carlberg's claim, and why there is three years of apparent inactivity. Simply citing cases where the laches delay was more than the delay in this case is not persuasive because there is no per se time period required for a delay to be deemed unreasonable, rather delay depends upon the circumstances of the individual case. See Whitfield, 820 F.2d at 245; Liberty Loan, 584 F.2d at 857 (finding a delay of 52 months unreasonable); Luby's, 2005 WL 3560616 at *7, 2005 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 38089 at *20; see also Alioto Fish, 623 F.2d at 88. In the absence of an explanation, the Court finds that the 50 month and 46 month time periods, which both include
As a charging party and one on whose behalf the EEOC seeks damages, Rex's testimony was clearly relevant to the issues of liability and damages. Cf. Vineberg, 548 F.3d at 58. This lawsuit was filed on September 29, 2008. Rex died in December 2008, likely before December 15, and it appears that he died from cancer. See Nostrant Dep. 29:8-30:4, 51:23-25. Thus, suit was filed 50 months after Rex's charge, and Rex died between 52 and 53 months after the charge. There is no indication that Timeless was aware that Rex had health problems, or that Rex's death was otherwise foreseeable or expected to Timeless.
To address the absence of testimony from Rex, the EEOC relies on EEOC v. Worthington, Moore & Jacobs, Inc., 582 F.Supp.2d 731 (D.Md.2008), a Title VII sexual harassment case. In Worthington, a key witness, Muffoletto, died unexpectedly about two months after the EEOC filed suit. See id. at 736 n. 12. Muffoletto was the company president and the person alleged to have committed sexual harassment. See id. at 733. The employer pointed to a three year delay in the investigation and argued that, had the EEOC filed suit earlier, then Muffoletto would have been alive and could have assisted in the defense of the suit. See id. at 734. The District Court noted that the employer had had the opportunity to obtain and preserve Muffoletto's version of events since the 2001 charge and investigation.
Id. at 737. The District Court ultimately denied the company's summary judgment motion. See id. The District Court found that the facts required more development and thus, "any finding of prejudice that [the employer] suffered as a result of EEOC's delay is a matter best reserved for resolution at trial." Id.
Here, the EEOC offers to stipulate that Rex's charge would be representative of Rex's testimony, and offers to relax the hearsay rule so that written statements obtained by the EEOC from Rex (which have been provided to Timeless as part of the initial disclosures) can be admissible. See Court's Docket Doc. No. 39 at 29:17-28. Also, Nostrant has been deposed and has knowledge of Rex's charge. Further, the EEOC argues that Timeless cannot argue prejudice from Rex's death because all relevant and available information regarding mitigation, i.e. the W2's and Nostrant's testimony, have been provided, and Rex's version of events has been developed through discovery. See id. at 29:9-16. The Court is not convinced.
With respect to the issue of Rex's efforts to mitigate damages, it is theoretically possible for other evidence to sufficiently take the place of Rex's testimony. See Lockheed Martin, 514 F.Supp.2d at 804-05. However, the identified evidence is not a proper substitute for Rex's own testimony. First, although some W2's have been submitted to the Court, the W2's provided are only from 2004 and 2005. See Plaintiff's Exs. 209, 210. No W2's have been produced for 2006, 2007, and 2008; thus, there is a glaring gap of relevant information. Also, the W2's speak neither to the reasonableness of efforts to find work, see Cassino, 817 F.2d at 1345, nor do the 2004 W2's distinguish between income earned pre- and post-application with Timeless. It is possible that the income earned was entirely pre-application. As for the testimony of Nostrant, he has been deposed and questioned about Rex's work history. However, as discussed above, Nostrant's deposition testimony contains a disturbingly high number of "I don't know" answers. Again, with respect to 2005 through 2007, Nostrant thought that Rex was working in those years, but he does not know where Rex worked, he does not know if Rex was working full or part time, he does not know if Rex was working throughout those years, he would see Rex around 3 or 4 times a month from 2005 through 2007, and he testified with respect to 2005, "I wasn't the keeper of his hours. I don't know." Id. at 30:14-33:12. As to 2004, Nostrant testified that it was his "recollection" that Rex was employed the entirety of 2004.
With respect to liability issues, because of Rex's death, Timeless cannot develop, explore, or challenge Rex under oath about his version of events. No direct confrontation or probing is possible. The EEOC's suggested alternatives to Rex's direct testimony are not sufficient. First, the EEOC does not explain how Rex's version of events has been developed through discovery, especially since he was not deposed. The EEOC's bare assertion is not sufficient evidence. Second, although the EEOC states that written statements by Rex were provided to Timeless, it neither adequately describes the contents of those statements nor provides the Court with copies of those statements. Thus, the Court cannot assess the value of these written statements. Third, the Court does not see the feasibility or propriety of "relaxing" the hearsay rule. Although this was a suggestion made by the EEOC in Worthington, the hearsay objection in that case would have been made by the EEOC. See Worthington, 582 F.Supp.2d at 733, 737. Muffoletto was a defense witness, and it would have been the defense who offered Muffoletto's hearsay statements against the EEOC. See id. Thus, the EEOC was offering to waive its own valid objection in order to admit evidence by the defense. In contrast, the EEOC in the case at bar would be offering Rex's statements against Timeless. The EEOC is essentially offering to waive a valid objection that is possessed by Timeless, in order to admit evidence against Timeless. That is, the EEOC is offering to disarm Timeless of a valid objection. Relaxing the hearsay rule to allow Rex's "hearsay evidence" in this situation would exacerbate prejudice, rather than alleviate it, because Rex's written version would be admitted without direct probing and exploration by Timeless. The EEOC's suggested methods of alleviating prejudice are simply insufficient.
Because Rex is a charging party and is a person for whom the EEOC seeks monetary relief, his testimony regarding liability and damages, especially mitigation, is highly important. Cf. Vineberg, 548 F.3d at 58; Danjaq, 263 F.3d at 955-56. The evidence that is available has not been shown to be an adequate substitute for Rex's own testimony. Cf. Lockheed Martin, 514 F.Supp.2d at 804-05. Unlike the defendants in Worthington, it is apparent that Rex's death has materially prejudiced Timeless. Cf. Worthington, 582 F.Supp.2d at 737. Further, if the EEOC had filed suit sooner, it is likely that Rex could have been deposed. Moreover, if proper communication between Rex and the EEOC had been maintained, the EEOC could have informed Timeless about Rex's change in health, instead informing Timeless of Rex's death five to six months after the fact.
The question becomes what relief should be granted. Once a laches defenses is established, the Court may strike certain claims, all claims, or limit the relief available. See Massey-Ferguson, 622 F.2d at 276; Peterson, Howell, 702 F.Supp. at 1220. The Court will not dismiss the entirety of the case regarding Rex. If there was only one charging party, i.e. Rex, a different result may occur. However, the evidence under the McDonnell Douglas framework, when viewed in the light most favorable to the EEOC, indicates age discrimination against two individuals. Because there are multiple charging parties, the Court believes that the public interest is best served by allowing the claim regarding both Carlberg and Rex to continue. Instead of dismissal, the Court believes that the proper remedy is to preclude all compensatory relief as to Rex. As discussed, the available evidence regarding mitigation is insufficient. Further, since Rex is deceased, liquidated damages are unavailable as a matter of law. Rex's death also makes the remedies of reinstatement and front pay unavailable.
The Court does not see prejudice with respect to Carlberg. Unlike Rex, there is no death that deprives Timeless of key testimony. Carlberg is alive and was deposed. Further, although Timeless states that memories have faded and key employees are no longer employed by Timeless, there is no evidence to support the assertion. Timeless does not identify the former employees,
Both parties move for summary judgment or partial summary judgment.
The EEOC's summary judgment motion challenges nine affirmative defenses. With respect to the first affirmative defense, summary judgment will be granted because the complaint states a cause of action. With respect to the second and eighth affirmative defenses, summary judgment will be granted because there is no statute of limitations against the EEOC in an ADEA claim. With respect to the third affirmative defense, summary judgment will be denied because the evidence fails to establish as a matter of law that either Rex or Carlberg utilized reasonable efforts under the circumstances to mitigate their damages. With respect to the fourth affirmative defense, summary judgment will be granted because the evidence establishes that the EEOC engaged in good faith conciliation efforts between February and September 2008. With respect to the fifth affirmative defense, summary judgment is appropriate because Timeless has shown neither that misconduct is a viable defense to an ADEA claim nor that Rex, Carlberg, or the EEOC engaged in misconduct. With respect to the sixth and seventh affirmative defenses, summary judgement will be granted because Timeless concedes that those defenses have no application to this case. With respect to the ninth affirmative defense, summary judgment will be granted because a reservation of unnamed affirmative defenses is not itself an affirmative defense.
Timeless's summary judgment motion raises five issues. Summary judgment with respect to the EEOC's conciliation efforts will be denied because the evidence establishes that the EEOC conciliated in good faith over a period of several months. Summary judgment with respect to Rule 25(a) and Rex will be denied because it is not clear that this rule has application to this case and, even if the rule applies, no formal suggestion of death has been filed. However, summary judgment will be granted in favor of Timeless on the issue of liquidated damages for Rex because Rex's death extinguishes the ability to obtain liquidated damages. Summary judgment with respect to damages suffered by Carlberg will be denied because the evidence does not establish as a matter of law that Carlberg suffered no recoverable damages. Summary judgment with respect to the EEOC's disparate treatment ADEA claim will be denied because there are genuine disputes of material fact regarding whether Rex and Carlberg were qualified for the position of cashier, and whether Timeless's reasons for not hiring Rex and Carlberg were pretext. Summary
Accordingly, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that:
1. Plaintiff's motion for summary judgment as to Defendant's first (failure to state a claim), second (statute of limitations), fourth (conditions precedent), fifth (misconduct), sixth (impossibility), seventh (in pari delicto), eighth (statute of limitations), and ninth (reservation of affirmative defenses) affirmative defenses is GRANTED;
2. Plaintiff's motion for summary judgment as to Defendant's third affirmative defense (failure to mitigate) is DENIED;
3. Defendant's motion for summary judgment on the issue of conciliation is DENIED;
4. Defendant's motion for summary judgment regarding Rule 25(a) is DENIED;
5. Defendant's motion for summary judgment regarding Carlberg's damages is DENIED;
6. Defendant's motion for summary judgment regarding Plaintiff's ADEA claim is DENIED;
7. Defendant's motion for summary judgment regarding laches and Carlberg is DENIED; and
8. Defendant's motion for summary judgment regarding laches and Rex is GRANTED and the EEOC may not recover liquidated or compensatory damages on behalf of Rex.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
