ANTHONY W. ISHII, Senior District Judge.
This is an employment discrimination case brought by Joshua Taylor ("Taylor") against his former employer, Trees, Inc. ("Trees"). The active complaint is the First Amended Complaint ("FAC"). Taylor alleges four disability related causes of action under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (Government Code § 12900 et seq.) ("FEHA"), one cause of action for violation of the California Family Rights Act (Government Code § 12945.2) ("CFRA"), and one cause of action for violation of the federal Family Medical Leave Act (29 U.S.C. § 2601 et seq.) ("FMLA"). Trees now moves for summary judgment on Taylor's failure to accommodate (FEHA § 12940(m)) and failure to engage in an interactive process (FEHA § 12940(n)) causes of action. Trees also moves for summary judgment regarding the issues of Taylor's mitigation of damages, the availability of emotional distress damages, and punitive damages. For the reasons that follow, Tree's motion will be granted in part and denied in part.
Under Rule 56, "[a] party may move for summary judgment, identifying each claim or defense—or the part of each claim or defense—on which summary judgment is sought." Fed. R. Civ. Pro. 56(a). A motion for partial summary judgment, also known as summary adjudication, is resolved under the same standards as a motion for summary judgment. See Kirbyson v. Tesoro Ref. & Mktg. Co., 795 F.Supp.2d 930, 938 (N.D.Cal.2011); Synbiotics Corp. v. Heska Corp., 137 F.Supp.2d 1198, 1202 (S.D.Cal.2000).
Summary judgment is proper 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; 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
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. Hebert Schenk, P.C., 523 F.3d 915, 923 (9th Cir.2008); Soremekun, 509 F.3d at 984. If a moving party fails to carry its burden of production, then "the non-moving party has no obligation to produce anything, even if the non-moving party would have the ultimate burden of persuasion." Nissan Fire & Marine Ins. Co. v. Fritz Cos., 210 F.3d 1099, 1105-06 (9th Cir.2000). If the moving party meets its initial burden, the burden then shifts to the opposing party to establish that a genuine issue as to any material fact actually exists. See Matsushita Elec. Indus. Co. v. Zenith Radio Corp., 475 U.S. 574, 586, 106 S.Ct. 1348, 89 L.Ed.2d 538 (1986); Nissan Fire, 210 F.3d at 1103. The opposing party cannot "`rest upon the mere allegations or denials of [its] pleading' but must instead produce evidence that `sets forth specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue for trial.'" Estate of Tucker v. Interscope Records, 515 F.3d 1019, 1030 (9th Cir.2008).
The opposing party's evidence is to be believed, and all justifiable 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; Narayan v. EGL, Inc., 616 F.3d 895, 899 (9th Cir.2010). While a "justifiable inference" need not be the most likely or the most persuasive inference, a "justifiable inference" must still be rational or reasonable. See Narayan, 616 F.3d at 899. "If conflicting inferences may be drawn from the facts, the case must go to the jury." Holly D. v. Cal. Inst. of Tech., 339 F.3d 1158, 1175 (9th Cir.2003). 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 Bryant v. Adventist Health System/West, 289 F.3d 1162, 1167 (9th Cir.2002). The parties have the obligation to particularly identify material facts, and the court is not required to scour the record in search of a genuine disputed material fact. Simmons v. Navajo Cnty., 609 F.3d 1011, 1017 (9th Cir.2010). 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,
Trees performs line clearance tree trimming and vegetation control for various utility companies and government districts. DUMF 1. Taylor was hired by Trees as a Groundsman in March 2011, and was later promoted to a Tree Trimmer 1/Climber I, and then a Tree Trimmer 2/Climber II. See PUMF 1; Taylor Depo. 21:2-9; Colis Dec. ¶ 8. When Taylor was hired, he became a member of a union, IBEW Local 1245. See DUMF 3; PUMF 2.
On September 24, 2012, Taylor complained to his foreman that his back was "really tightening up" while he was climbing a palm tree at work. PUMF 96. At 3:00 a.m. on September 30, 2012, Taylor awoke in pain from an injury to his neck and back, which disabled him from work. See PUMF 97.
On October 1, 2012, Taylor called general foreman Ronnie Colis ("Colis") to inform Colis that he was in a lot of pain and did not know what was wrong. See PUMF 99. Colis responded that Taylor should let him know how he felt the next day. See id. That day, Colis informed Kevin Agpalo, a foreman with Trees, that Taylor had an injury that was disabling Taylor from work. See PUMF 100. The next day, Taylor called Colis and informed him that he was still in pain. PUMF 101.
During the week of October 1, Taylor communicated with Colis and Agpalo about his injury. PUMF 102. Either Colis or Agpalo told Taylor that an FMLA packet would be brought to his house and that Taylor should look into FMLA leave because it would protect his job for 90 days. Id. Trees dropped off FMLA paperwork to Taylor's house. PUMF 103. Among the documents Taylor received were an application, an FMLA sign-off form, and a healthcare provider certification form. See DUMF 6. Taylor completed portions of the forms, and gave the packet to his physician, Dr. Roth, to complete. See id.; PUMF 107. The medical certification form was completed and forwarded to Trees. DUMF 7. Taylor understood that he was on an approved leave of absence under the FMLA. DUMF 8.
On November 16, 2012, Taylor received a release to return to work ("the November Release") with restrictions from Dr. Roth. See DUMF 19. The same day, Taylor took the release and gave it to Agpalo. See PUMF 126. The November Release indicated that Taylor could return to work on November 19, 2012, and included restrictions such as "must use two hands, no heavy saws, if any symptoms/weakness, must stop." Id.; PUMF 125. Taylor understood the November Release imposed a "no climbing" restriction because tree trimmers/climbers had to have chainsaws with them when they were in a tree, and there was "no job description that says go climb a tree and don't do any work." See DUMF's 10, 11. Taylor agreed that there were some aspects of his job that he could not perform with the restrictions set forth in the November Release. DUMF 12.
On November 19, 2012, Taylor received a phone call from Agpalo. See PUMF 131. Agpalo stated that he was sorry, he could not put Taylor back to work, and he was told that he could not put Taylor back to work unless Taylor was "100 percent." Id. Agpalo told Taylor that the decision was for safety, "for you and for us." DUMF 17. Agpalo did not say anything about getting a medical extension to extend Taylor's leave. PUMF 132. Although it does not appear that Dr. Roth was actually consulted by Trees, Dr. Roth concurred that there were safety issues to consider in terms of Taylor returning to work in November 2012. See DUMF 18.
From November 19, 2012 through November 30, 2012, Taylor did not have contact with Trees because Agpalo made it clear that Taylor could not work until he was 100%, and Agpalo was busy taking over Colis's duties and did not want to be bothered. See PUMF 133. From December 1 through December 23, 2012, Taylor left 1 voice-mail message on Colis's phone and 1 voice-mail message on Agpalo phone. See Taylor Depo. 90:12-21. Taylor's messages asked what was up and that he had not heard from them in a while. See id. at 91:12-19.
On December 24, 2012, Taylor left a voice mail with Colis. See PUMF 135. Taylor wished Colis "Merry Christmas," indicated that he had an appointment on January 8 where he expected to be released back to work with full duties, and that he was looking forward to getting back to work. See id. Taylor left the message because he felt strong and healthy enough to go back to work with full duties, and believed that his doctor would release him to work. See PUMF 136.
From December 25, 2012 to January 7, 2013, Taylor did not have contact with Colis or Agpalo. PUMF 137. On January 7, 2013, Taylor's physical therapist informed Dr. Roth that Taylor had progressed and was ready to return to work. PUMF 139. Taylor felt 100% ready to return to normal activity/work without any pain or discomfort. PUMF 140.
On January 8, 2013, Taylor received a full release to work with no restrictions from Dr. Roth. See PUMF 141. The same day, Taylor drove to the state disability
Agpalo later contacted Taylor and told him to come to the office to talk. See PUMF 145. Taylor immediately drove to the Trees office. See PMF 146. Agpalo told Taylor that Taylor was terminated because he had gone over the days allowed by his doctor's release, and that Taylor should contact the union. See PUMF 155. Agpalo did not review or consult any documents prior to terminating Taylor, and it was not Agpalo's choice to terminate Taylor. See PUMF's 151-153: Agpalo found out that Taylor was terminated by either Colis or Terry Colis in January 2013. PUMF 149. Colis testified that he decided to terminate Taylor's employment sometime before January 8, 2013 because Taylor exceeded the allotted FMLA leave without approval. See Doc. No. 46 at 4:22-24; DUMF 24;
On February 1, 2013, an agent of Trees sent a letter to the California Employment Development Department. PUMF 158. The letter stated in pertinent part, "[Taylor] is currently on approved leave of absence. The claimant had an off the job injury. He has not made any contact with his employer. We wish to question their eligibility for work." Id.
On February 25, 2013, Trees's Human Resources Department in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania began reviewing Taylor's FMLA application. See PUMF 160. The next day, Colis informed Human Resources that Taylor was never going to be 100% due to a back injury, and that Colis was not in a position to hire employees. See PUMF 161.
On February 27, 2013, a letter was sent to Taylor from Trees that certified his leave expired on November 30, 2012. See PUMF 163. The reason for the delay in sending the letter was that Human Resources employees were overwhelmed with too many FMLA files, and Taylor's case was not calendared for follow up until after the date he was due to return from FMLA leave. PUMF 166.
In August 2013, Taylor received one voice mail from Agpalo and two voice mail messages from Colis. See Taylor Dec. ¶ 9. The messages were to offer Taylor a position as a Trimmer/Climber with Trees. See Colis Dec. ¶ 8. The messages encouraged Taylor to apply for a position with Trees. See Plaintiff's Ex. M at 15:15-18. The messages never made reference to an "unconditional offer," nor did the messages specify what position was being offered. Taylor Dec. ¶ 9. Taylor did not return Agpalo's or Colis's messages, and never had a conversation with Agpalo or Colis about returning to work with Trees.
Trees argues that Taylor is not entitled to back pay beyond August 2013. In August 2013, Trees argues that Agpalo and Colis made Taylor an unconditional offer of reemployment to his old position, with prior seniority. Had Taylor accepted the offer, he would not have accumulated further economic damages. Since there were no "special circumstances" that justified Taylor's refusal to accept the position with Trees, Taylor is not entitled to back-pay from August 2013 forward.
Taylor argues inter alia that no unconditional offer of reemployment was made to him. None of the evidence cited by Trees indicates that an unconditional offer was made, and Trees's verified interrogatory responses indicate that Taylor was encouraged to apply for a position, which contradicts Colis's declaration regarding the job offer. Taylor also argues that his declaration shows that he never spoke to Colis, and that the voice-mail messages neither identified what job was involved nor stated that an unconditional offer was being made.
"Under California law, an employee who has been wrongfully terminated has a duty to mitigate damages through reasonable efforts to achieve other employment." Boehm v. American Broadcasting Co., 929 F.2d 482, 485 (9th Cir.1991); see Parker v. Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corp., 3 Cal.3d 176, 181, 89 Cal.Rptr. 737, 474 P.2d 689 (1970); Villacorta v. Cemex Cement, Inc., 221 Cal.App.4th 1425, 1432, 165 Cal.Rptr.3d 441 (2013). A failure to "accept offers of employment is significant in consideration of mitigation only if the former employer shows `that the other employment was comparable, or substantially similar, to that of which the employee has been deprived.'" Boehm, 929 F.2d at 485; Parker, 3 Cal.3d at 182, 89 Cal.Rptr. 737, 474 P.2d 689; Villacorta, 221 Cal.App.4th at 1432, 165 Cal.Rptr.3d 441. The United States Supreme Court has held that, absent "special circumstances," backpay liability ceases to accrue at the time the plaintiff rejects the employer's unconditional offer of either the same job as, or one "substantially equivalent" to, the job from which the claim arose. Ford Motor Co. v. EEOC, 458 U.S. 219, 231-33, 241, 102 S.Ct. 3057, 73 L.Ed.2d 721 (1982); Boehm, 929 F.2d at 485; Moreno v. Anwa Hotel & Resort Int'l, Inc., 2006 WL 2474565, *5-*6, 2006 Cal.App. Unpub. LEXIS 7714, *16-*18 (Aug. 29, 2006).
Trees submitted DUMF 27, which states that it "unconditionally offered to return Taylor" to his old job. See DUMF 27. However, as Taylor rightly points out, none of the evidence cited by Trees actually states that an "unconditional offer" was made to Taylor. The deposition testimony of Colis merely indicates that he "reached out" to Taylor to fill a position, and Colis's declaration merely indicates that he offered a position to Taylor. See Colis Depo. 240:11-242:12; Colis Dec. ¶ 8. In contrast, Taylor has declared that he did not speak to Agpalo or Colis in August 2013, that the messages did not identify what job was actually available, and that the word "unconditional" was not used. See Taylor Dec. ¶ 9. Importantly, Trees's verified interrogatory response stated that the voice-mail messages encouraged Taylor to apply for a position. See Plaintiff's Ex. M at 15:15-18. Encouraging one to apply for an unidentified job is hardly the same as unconditionally offering a specific job to a person. If one applies for a job, there is no guarantee of actual employment. An application merely permits the applicant to be considered by the employer for the job. With an "unconditional offer," there are no other considerations or contingencies. Once the offer is accepted, the position is filled and a contract is formed. Viewed in the light most favorable to Taylor and making all reasonable inferences in his favor, see Narayan, 616 F.3d at 899, by encouraging Taylor to submit an application, the sense is that Trees was encouraging Taylor to submit himself for consideration; the sense is not that Taylor simply had to accept the job and it would be his.
In sum, the evidence does not show that Trees made an "unconditional offer" to reemploy Taylor at the same position or a substantially similar position. Without such an "unconditional offer," the rule in Ford Motor has no application. See Boehm, 929 F.2d at 485; Moreno, 2006 WL 2474565 at *6-*7, 2006 Cal.App. Unpub. 7714 at *18-*21. Summary judgment on this issue is inappropriate.
Trees argues that, as part of the discovery process in this case, Taylor declared that he was withdrawing any allegation of enhanced emotional distress and was seeking only "garden variety" emotional distress arising from his termination. In order to recover for emotional distress, the injuries suffered must be severe and enduring. Taylor's declaration negates an essential element of emotional distress damages. Therefore, Taylor cannot recover for emotional distress.
Taylor argues inter alia that the pursuit of garden variety emotional distress is appropriate. Garden variety emotional distress such as embarrassment, anger, or other similar emotions may be recovered if
Under California law, employment discrimination can cause emotional distress, and recovery for such emotional distress may be included as compensatory damages. See Peralta Community College Dist. v. Fair Employment & Housing Com., 52 Cal.3d 40, 48, 276 Cal.Rptr. 114, 801 P.2d 357 (1990). The term "emotional distress" refers to "the full gamut of intangible mental suffering, including not only physical pain, but also fright, nervousness, grief, anxiety, worry, mortification, shock, humiliation, embarrassment, apprehension, terror, or ordeal." Id. at n. 4; see Capelouto v. Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, 7 Cal.3d 889, 892-93, 103 Cal.Rptr. 856, 500 P.2d 880 (1972); Crisci v. The Security Ins. Co., 66 Cal.2d 425, 433, 58 Cal.Rptr. 13, 426 P.2d 173 (1967); see also Judicial Council of Cal., Civil Jury Instructions ("CACP") § 3905A. California law is settled that "emotional distress" constitutes "an aggravation of damages when it naturally ensues from the act complained of. . . ." Crisci, 66 Cal.2d at 433, 58 Cal.Rptr. 13, 426 P.2d 173; see Capelouto, 7 Cal.3d at 892, 103 Cal.Rptr. 856, 500 P.2d 880. To recover for such damages, there is no requirement that the "emotional distress" be severe. See CACI §§ VF 2509, VF 2514, VF 2513, VF 2600, 3905A; cf. Capelouto, 7 Cal.3d at 893, 103 Cal.Rptr. 856, 500 P.2d 880 (discussing "naturally ensuing mental suffering" and not requiring that such suffering be "severe"); Crisci, 66 Cal.2d at 433, 58 Cal.Rptr. 13, 426 P.2d 173 (same).
Trees cites no cases that require the emotional distress suffered from a violation of FEHA or CFRA to be "severe" in order to be part of compensatory damages. Because there is no requirement under California law that Taylor demonstrate severity in order to recover as compensatory damages the emotional distress that ensued from Trees's alleged violations of FEHA and the CFRA,
However, the FAC alleges that Taylor also suffered emotional distress damages as a result of Trees's violation of the FMLA. See FAC ¶ 38. Under the FMLA, damages for emotional distress are not recoverable. See Jackson v. City of Hot Springs, 751 F.3d 855, 865 (8th Cir. 2014); Farrell v. Tri-County Metro. Transp. Dist., 530 F.3d 1023, 1025 (9th Cir.2008). Partial summary judgment in favor of Trees on the issue of emotional distress damages under the FMLA is appropriate. See id.
Trees argues that Taylor is not entitled to punitive damages under Civil Code § 3294(b) because a managing agent was not involved in any of the allegedly improper conduct. Colis was the sole decision maker with respect to Taylor's termination and the decision not to permit Taylor to return to work under the November Release. Colis was a general foreman and was not a policy maker. Colis had no authority over Trees's guiding principles or the rules that governed Trees's operation. Further, Colis's conduct was not authorized or ratified by anyone else at Trees.
Taylor argues that summary judgment is not appropriate. First, Colis is a managing agent. Colis was responsible for Trees's Southern California region, and supervised 18 to 24 two-man crews in California, and 8 two-man crews in Arizona, which totaled between 52 and 62 employees. Each of these crews was comprised of a foreman who reported directly to Colis. Trees gave Colis complete discretion in running these crews, including determining an employee's ability to return to work after injury. There was no oversight over Colis's decision to hire, fire, or assess returns to work. Second, Trees ratified Colis's actions. Scott Huffmaster was the regional manager at the relevant time, and also performed a supervising role for Southern California. Huffmaster was on notice of Colis's actions against Taylor by March 21, 2013 when Huffmaster was provided documentation for Taylor's unemployment hearing. Huffmaster was later promoted to Vice President. The promotion of Huffmaster by Trees is ratification of Huffmaster's failure to prevent disability discrimination. Trees also promoted Agpalo in June 2014 without providing any disability discrimination training. Instead of repudiating the conduct against Taylor, Trees gave promotions. Third, Trees does not maintain a corporate policy in its Regional Policy Manual regarding the federal Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA") or California law. Trees's Policy Manual was last updated in March 2002. Trees chose not to train employees on disability discrimination and chose not to adopt a policy to prevent disability discrimination. Finally, Trees maintains illegal policies under the FMLA and FEHA because it provides a policy that under no circumstances will a leave of absence be approved for longer than 12 work weeks, and it requires its employees to be 100% healed before returning to work.
Initially, the FAC seeks punitive damages under the fifth cause of action for violation of the CFRA and the FMLA. See FAC ¶ 39. However, punitive damages are not recoverable under the FMLA. Farrell, 530 F.3d at 1025; Liu v. Amway Corp., 347 F.3d 1125, 1133 n. 6 (9th Cir.2003). Summary judgment on Taylor's claim for punitive damages under the FMLA is appropriate. See id.
Additionally, Taylor's opposition raises issues concerning the ADA. However, the FAC contains no claims under the ADA, rather Taylor's causes of action are brought under FEHA, the CFRA, and the FMLA. Because there are no ADA causes of action alleged in the FAC, the ADA cannot serve as the basis for punitive damages in this case.
As for Taylor's California law claims, there are four issues raised by the parties: whether Colis was a "managing agent," whether Trees's ratified Colis's conduct, whether Trees fails to maintain a disability discrimination policy, and whether Trees maintains improper/unlawful policies. The Court will address these issues separately.
The evidence shows that Trees was founded in 1953 and operates in 21 states. See Kern Dec. Ex. N. At the relevant time, Scott Huffmaster was the Regional Manager, Jeff Drake was the Regional Safety Supervisor, and Colis was a General Foreman in Fresno. See Colis Dec. ¶¶ 3, 4. In addition to Huffmaster, there were supervisors for Northern California and Southern California. See id. at ¶ 4. When the Southern California supervisor passed away, Huffmaster assumed the role as a supervisor, and Colis assumed the field responsibilities. See Colis Depo. 38:17-39:1.
A corporate employer may not be held liable for punitive damages arising from the acts of an employee unless "an officer, director, or managing agent of the corporation . . . had advance knowledge of the unfitness of the employee and employed him or her with a conscious disregard of the rights or safety of others or authorized or ratified the wrongful conduct for which the damages are awarded or was personally guilty of oppression, fraud, or malice." Cal. Civ.Code § 3294(b). "Managing agents" are "those corporate employees who exercise substantial independent authority and judgment in their corporate decision-making so that their decisions ultimately determine corporate policy." White v. Ultramar, Inc., 21 Cal.4th 563, 566-67, 88 Cal.Rptr.2d 19, 981 P.2d 944 (1999). These are corporate policies that "affect a substantial
Here, the evidence that Taylor cites in his opposition does not actually support his arguments. The evidence does not show that Colis was in charge of all of Trees's operations in Fresno or Southern California, rather the evidence shows that Colis was the General Foreman for one of the two Trees yards in Fresno. See Navarro Depo. 12:18-21, 15:1-21; Colis Depo. 49:15-21. There is no evidence regarding how many other yards that Trees had in California or the United States, or how Trees viewed the Fresno yards or Colis's yard in particular. The evidence does show that Trees is in 21 states, see PUMF 35, that there were other Trees officers over Colis, see Colis Dec. ¶ 4; Colis Depo. 122:2-18, and that Trees has offices or yards in other California cities, including Yuba City, Modesto, Tulare, Sacramento, Turlock, Stockton, Jamestown, Paso Robles, Sonora, and Watsonville. See PUMF 37; Trees Ex. 11 at 4:16-24. Further, the evidence does not support the assertion that Colis supervised between 52 and 62 employees at the relevant time. Assuming that the crews were divided equally between the two yards in Fresno, Colis would have supervised between 9 and 12 crews in Fresno. Although the evidence shows that Colis also supervised 6 crews in Arizona as part of a special assignment, these crews were taken from both of the Fresno yards. That is, at the relevant time Colis supervised only Fresno based crews. Since each crew has 2 people, the most people that Colis would have supervised would have been 34 (12 from Colis's Fresno yard plus a maximum of 5 crews from Navarro's yard). There is insufficient evidence that the Fresno yard managed by Colis was a substantial portion of Trees's business. Cf. White, 21 Cal.4th at 577, 88 Cal.Rptr.2d 19, 981 P.2d 944 (holding that a manager who managed 65 employees and who was responsible for 8 stores was a substantial portion of corporation's business).
Because the evidence does not indicate that Colis had substantial discretionary authority over significant aspects of Trees's business, or that Colis's decisions created corporate policy, Colis was not a "managing agent." See Roby, 47 Cal.4th at 714, 101 Cal.Rptr.3d 773, 219 P.3d 749; White, 21 Cal.4th at 566-67, 577, 88 Cal.Rptr.2d 19, 981 P.2d 944. Summary judgment in favor of Trees on this issue is appropriate. See id.
"For purposes of determining an employer's liability for punitive damages, ratification generally occurs where, under the particular circumstances, the employer demonstrates an intent to adopt or approve oppressive, fraudulent, or malicious behavior by an employee in the performance of his job duties." College Hosp. Inc. v. Superior Ct., 8 Cal.4th 704, 726, 34 Cal.Rptr.2d 898, 882 P.2d 894 (1994). "Corporate ratification in the punitive damages context requires actual knowledge of the conduct and its outrageous nature." Id.
Here, with respect to the promotion of Agpalo, there is no evidence that Agpalo participated in any way in the decision to terminate Taylor. The evidence only shows that Agpalo told Taylor about the termination. See PUMF's 149, 153, 155. Promoting Agpalo appears completely unconnected to Taylor's termination, and it is unknown how Agpalo's promotion could possibly show ratification of Colis's allegedly improper conduct.
With respect to the promotion of Huffmaster to Vice President, again, there is no evidence that Huffmaster participated in any way in the decision to terminate Taylor. Like Agpalo's promotion, there is nothing that would connect the promotion of Huffmaster with Colis's termination of Taylor or Colis's failure to accommodate Taylor.
Taylor argues that Huffmaster was a Regional Manager and was on notice of Colis's discriminatory action in March 2013 when Barbara Krumm provided him documentation of Taylor's unemployment benefits hearing, which included the entire appeals history. Assuming that prior to his promotion to Vice President that Huffmaster was a "managing agent" who could ratify Colis's conduct,
Although unclear, it appears that Taylor also argues that after Huffmaster was promoted to Vice President, he provided interrogatory responses in this case that contradict Colis's declaration. However, Taylor again does not demonstrate actual knowledge by Huffmaster of Colis's allegedly oppressive, malicious, or fraudulent conduct. Taylor does not explain what aspects of the interrogatory response are sufficient to show adoption of Colis's conduct by Huffmaster. Without more, merely signing interrogatory responses as a corporate officer does not show actual knowledge and adoption of another's conduct.
Because the evidence does not show actual knowledge and adoption of malicious, oppressive, or fraudulent conduct, summary judgment in favor of Trees on this theory is proper.
Taylor contends that Trees does not have policies regarding disability discrimination. Trees has cited two pages in its employee manual that expressly state that it is Trees's intent to provide equal employment opportunity and to not discriminate on the basis of, inter alia, disability. See Trees Bates Nos. 00100-00102. However, Taylor appears to be correct that there are no dedicated disability policies. Trees has generally cited the Court to a 62-page "return to work program," but the first sentence of the first page of that policy indicates that it relates to Worker's Compensation claims. Trees cites no specific pages that discuss disability discrimination, accommodation, or the interactive processes. Cf. Simmons, 609 F.3d at 1017 (holding that litigants are under an obligation to cite to evidence with reasonable particularity).
Nevertheless, Taylor cites no California cases or statutes that hold a corporation liable for punitive damages based on a failure to maintain a specific policy. The Court has found one California case that has dealt with the issue. In Mathieu v. Norrell Corp., 115 Cal.App.4th 1174, 1190, 10 Cal.Rptr.3d 52 (2004), the plaintiff argued that a corporation's failure to maintain a sexual harassment policy was so wrongful that punitive damages were justified. The trial court ruled against the plaintiff's theory and declined to "create new punitive damages liability without legislative history or case authority justifying such an expansion of the law." Id. The
Without more from Taylor, the absence of a substantial policy regarding FEHA disability discrimination is not enough to impose punitive damages on Trees. See Mathieu, 115 Cal.App.4th at 1190-91, 10 Cal.Rptr.3d 52. Summary adjudication on this issue in favor of Trees is appropriate.
Taylor argues that Trees has an illegal policy of not extending leave beyond 12 weeks, which he contends is contrary to the FMLA and FEHA/CFRA. The Court does not agree.
First, while Trees's FMLA policy does state that it provides 12 weeks of leave, it also expressly provides that if state law modifies FMLA leave, then the policy "will be adjusted to comply with the state law." See Trees Bates No. 00104. Thus, Trees's FMLA policy by its own terms is not as limited as Taylor suggests. Second, both the FMLA and the CFRA entitle an eligible employee to a total of 12 weeks leave during any 12-month period for family care and medical care. 29 U.S.C. § 2612(a)(1); Cal. Gov't Code § 12945.2(a). Courts reviewing the CFRA and the FMLA have concluded that the statutes only ensure protected leave for a 12-week period.
"A policy requiring an employee to be `100 percent healed' before returning to work is a per se violation of the FEHA because it permits an employer to avoid the required individualized assessment of the employee's ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation." UPS v. Department of Fair Employment and Housing, 2014 WL 1679134, *11 n. 5, 2014 Cal.App. Unpub. LEXIS 3048, *36-37 n. 5 (2014); Gelfo v. Lockheed Martin Corp., 140 Cal.App.4th 34, 49-50 n. 1, 43 Cal.Rptr.3d 874 (2006);
Here, Colis declared that he reviewed the November Release and concluded that Taylor could not perform the position of Groundsman. See Colis Dec. ¶ 7. However, there is also evidence that, on February 25, 2013, Paula St. Cyr (who worked at Trees's Willow Grove administrative offices as a benefits specialist, see St. Cyr Depo. 13:13-24) sent an e-mail regarding Taylor and "FMLA/Return To Work." See Trees Bates No. 00044. The e-mail indicates that Taylor had been on FMLA leave since October 6, 2012, and asked whether "anyone heard from him or his doctor as to whether or not he will be returning to work and when, and if not, what is the regions decision on his being out so long? We need this information in order to update his FMLA status." Id. The next day, Colis responded to the e-mail. Colis wrote, "Last I Hurd [sic] he was never going to be 100% due to him injuring his back on the weekend. We also are not in a position to add employees at this time." Id. St. Cyr testified that she had no memory of contacting Human Resources about Colis's e-mail response, but if she received an e-mail like that today she would contact Human Resources. See St. Cyr Depo. 107:8-24. Also, Bethany Mira, who is a benefits supervisor in the Human Resources benefits department, was asked during her deposition if it was her understanding that if a person is not 100% then the person cannot return to work. See Mira Depo. 83:19-21. Mira responded that it "isn't necessarily the understanding," that once FMLA is "up" it goes to the Region, but that her "understanding is that, in many cases, because of the work they do, that you have to be able to do 100 percent of whatever the job calls for."
Viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to Taylor and making all reasonable inferences in his favor, see Narayan, 616 F.3d at 899, the evidence indicates that Trees has a formal policy of not permitting employees to return to work unless they are 100% healed or fully recovered. The combined testimony of Powell, St. Cyr, and Mira indicate the existence of a 100% healed policy and no acknowledgement (at least from October 2012 through February 2013) that such a policy is inappropriate. Moreover, Agpalo's explanation to Taylor in November 2012 was essentially
In sum, there are genuine issues of disputed material fact with respect to the existence and application of a 100% healed policy in this case. Summary judgment on this issue will be denied.
Trees argues that this claim is based on the November Release, which released Taylor to return to work with severely limiting restrictions. However, at the time, there was no other work that Taylor could perform safely. There is no requirement to create a new position or create a temporary light-duty assignment. Taylor cannot point to any comparable situation in which he was treated differently than other employees. Because no reasonable accommodation was available, summary judgment is appropriate.
Taylor argues that Trees has failed to establish the essential functions of any job titles. Without establishing the essential functions of any jobs, there is no way to determine whether Taylor could perform these positions, especially Groundsman, either with or without reasonable accommodation. Taylor also argues that additional leave was a possible accommodation, as well as modified work. Agpalo, Colis, and Navarro testified to instances in which modified duties or light duty positions have been utilized.
FEHA prohibits an employer from failing "to make reasonable accommodation for the known physical or mental disability of an . . . employee." Cal. Gov. Code § 12940(m). The essential elements of a claim of failure to accommodate claim are: (1) the plaintiff has a disability covered by FEHA; (2) the plaintiff is a qualified individual; and (3) the employer failed to reasonably accommodate the plaintiff's disability. Furtado v. State Personnel Bd., 212 Cal.App.4th 729, 744, 151 Cal.Rptr.3d 292 (2013). A plaintiff is a "qualified individual" if he can perform the essential functions of the desired job either with or without accommodation. Cuiellette v. City of Los Angeles, 194 Cal.App.4th 757, 766, 123 Cal.Rptr.3d 562 (2011). "Reasonable accommodation" means "a modification or adjustment to the workplace that enables the employee to perform the essential functions of the job held or desired." Lui v. City & County of San Francisco, 211 Cal.App.4th 962, 971, 150 Cal.Rptr.3d 385 (2012). "Reasonable accommodation" may include: (1) making existing facilities used by employees readily accessible to, and usable by, individuals with disabilities; or (2) job restructuring, part-time or modified work schedules, reassignment to a vacant position, acquisition
Taylor does not challenge the characterization of this cause of action by Trees, i.e. that the focus is on Trees's conduct with respect to the November Release. Given that on January 8, 2013, Taylor was cleared to return to his job without restrictions, and Taylor's failure to challenge Trees's characterization, the Court will view Taylor's § 12940(m) claim as being based on the refusal to let Taylor return to work when he presented the November Release to Trees. So viewing this cause of action, there are several issues encompassed within Taylor's claim: whether other individuals received modified or light duty work while Taylor did not, whether additional leave was a reasonable accommodation, and whether there were other jobs that Taylor could perform. The Court will address these issues separately.
Taylor argues that an employee named Lloyd was placed on light duty, Navarro had placed two employees on light duty, Agpalo indicated that a lot of people have
With respect to employee Lloyd, Colis testified that Lloyd had been given FMLA leave to care for a relative who was experiencing a medical problem. See Colis Depo. 99:3-13. Navarro (who was Lloyd's general foreman) testified that he could not recall Lloyd having light duty, and Colis testified that he was not aware of Lloyd being assigned to pick up trash. See id. at 54:10-18; Navarro Depo. 18:21-19:14. Terry Colis, who is Colis's mother and an employee of Trees, testified that she "believed" Lloyd had light duty at Navarro's yard, but she could not remember what the light duty involved, how long Lloyd was on light duty, whether Lloyd complained about the light duty work, or whether Lloyd was frustrated with light duty. See Theresa Colis Depo. 77:4-78:2. When asked how she came to believe that Lloyd was on light duty, Terry Colis replied that she just remembered "hearing about it." Id. at 77:22-24. Agpalo testified that he might have heard that Lloyd was off on disability and Lloyd was frustrated by doing light work, but that he did not know. See Agpalo Depo. 90:23-91:3. Agpalo did not know whether Lloyd was actually on light duty, but assumed that Lloyd was. See id. at 91:10-21.
The evidence about Lloyd is not probative. As indicated, there is no clear evidence about whether Lloyd was actually on light duty. Terry Colis's testimony appears to be based on hearsay and she cannot remember any relevant details. Agpalo made assumptions and stated repeatedly that he did not know if Lloyd was on light duty or whether he actually heard that Lloyd was on light duty. Moreover, there is no evidence that describes what light duty Lloyd may have been on or for what period of time Lloyd was on it, and Lloyd's FMLA leave was nothing like Taylor's. Lloyd's FMLA leave did not involve an injury to himself, rather it dealt with a family member. Critically, Lloyd did not provide Trees with a release to work that provided physical restrictions on the work that could be done. There is nothing to indicate that Lloyd's situation was comparable to Taylor's situation.
With respect to Navarro placing individuals on light duty, Navarro testified that he has had two employees on light duty. See Navarro Depo. 19:22-25. One employee had a strained shoulder, and the other had a strained wrist or elbow. See id. at 19:25-20:11. Navarro put these two employees on a three-man crew "for a couple of days" so that the employees could strengthen and heal. See id. Navarro did this as part of his own discretion and without the approval of anyone above him. See id. at 20:12-13. Navarro did not rely on any doctor's notes in designing the light duty jobs, rather the situations were basically the employees informing Navarro that they were feeling tightness and Navarro accommodating them by placing them on a three-man crew. See id. at 20:19-25.
The Court does not find Navarro's testimony to be probative. What Navarro described was something that was unique to him, and there is no evidence that Navarro was following any policies. Moreover, there is no actual description of what the light duties were that the two employees performed. What is apparent is that Navarro's assignments were not part of a long term practice, rather the employees were on light duty for "a couple of days." No doctors notes and no medical restrictions were involved, and there is no indication that the "strains" suffered by these two employees were anything close to the back and neck pain/condition that afflicted
With respect to Agpalo's testimony about "a lot" of employees, Agpalo testified that "a lot of people" had been given light duty at Trees, but that he did not know the names of those people. See Agpalo Depo. 82:18-25. Agpalo testified that the type of light duty was between the employee and the manager, the light duty occurred prior to him being in management, and the light duty assignments did not involve him. See id. at 83:1-8.
The Court does not find this testimony to be probative. Agpalo's testimony concerning light duty deals with his observations of other employees when he was not in management. Those assignments and situations did not involve Agpalo. Agpalo provided no details about what light duties were being performed, the reason for the light duties, whether medical restrictions or releases were involved, or the duration of any light duty jobs.
Finally, Colis testified about modified jobs and other employees who took FMLA leave. Colis testified that he gave Agpalo a job as a Groundsman when Agpalo was unable to climb, and also gave a Climber a Groundsman position when the Climber had a strained hand. See Colis Depo. 58:8-10, 107:8-20. Colis testified that the types of modified duties that an employee may be given depends on the medical restrictions that are in place, and that he tried to follow the doctors' notes. See id. at 55:8-56:23, 58:10-16. Colis also testified about four employees (other than Taylor) who had been on FMLA leave. See id. at 99:3-101:22. Of the four, two involved leave due to a family member's illness, one involved an individual who was injured but who voluntarily separated from Trees, and one involved an individual who returned to work prior to expiration of his FMLA leave because he had a doctor's full release to work. See id.
Again, the Court does not find Colis's testimony to be probative. Nothing about Colis's testimony reflects situations that are meaningfully comparable to Taylor's situation. The situation with Agpalo appears to have only involved a restriction of no climbing, and the unknown Climber who was given a Groundsman position appears to have only had a strained hand. There is no indication of what other restrictions may have been imposed or for how long the individuals were in these Groundsman positions. The injuries of Agpalo and the Climber appear to be materially different from Taylor's condition. Cf. DUMF 21. As for the other employees on FMLA leave, as described, none of the four where in similar a position compared to Taylor. Two of the four did not even have restrictions because the leave was due to a family member.
In sum, none of the evidence cited by Taylor indicates that he was treated differently in terms of an accommodation.
It is settled that an additional period of unpaid leave may constitute a reasonable accommodation if the employee is likely to
Trees may be granted summary judgment if it demonstrates that there was "no vacant position within the employer's organization for which the disabled employee was qualified and which the disabled employee was capable of performing with or without accommodation." Lucent Techs., 642 F.3d at 744; Jensen, 85 Cal.App.4th at 263, 102 Cal.Rptr.2d 55. Whether a disabled employee was capable of performing the job at issue depends in part on the "essential functions" of the job. See Lucent Techs., 642 F.3d at 744; Lui, 211 Cal.App.4th at 971, 150 Cal.Rptr.3d 385. "Essential functions" are "fundamental job duties of the employment position [at issue]," but do not include "the marginal functions of the position." Bates v. United Parcel Svc., Inc., 511 F.3d 974, 990 (9th Cir.2007); Lui, 211 Cal.App.4th 962, 971, 150 Cal.Rptr.3d 385. "A highly fact-specific inquiry is necessary to determine what a particular job's essential functions are." Cripe v. City of San Jose, 261 F.3d 877, 888 n. 12 (9th Cir.2001); see Lui, 211 Cal.App.4th at 971, 150 Cal.Rptr.3d 385. "Although the plaintiff bears the ultimate burden of persuading the fact finder that he can perform the job's essential functions. . . an employer who disputes the plaintiff's claim that he can perform the essential functions must put forth evidence establishing those functions." Bates, 511 F.3d at 991; see also Tejeda v. Conagra Foods, Inc., 357 Fed.Appx. 805, 807 (9th Cir.2009). The parties in their respective briefing have raised two jobs that may have been available to Taylor: Flagger and Groundsman.
With respect to the Groundsman position, Trees's interrogatory responses indicate that a Groundsman position was available in Fresno sometime between September 15, 2012 and April 1, 2013. See Trees Ex. 11 at 4:26-5:9. Without more specific time frames, the Court will infer that a Groundsman position was available around November 19, 2012. See Narayan, 616 F.3d at 899. In terms of whether Taylor could have performed that job, Trees relies on evidence from Colis, Dr. Roth, and Taylor.
Colis declared that there are certain duties that are "crucial" and performed on "an almost daily, if not a daily basis," including: "(1) using chain saws to cut brush and tree stumps; (2) dragging of brush, cut tree stumps, and sometimes other things, such as tarps or garbage cans full of brush, branches, and leaves; and (3) feeding and guiding branches and tree stumps though a wood chipper." Colis Dec. ¶ 6. In light of the restrictions in the November Release, Colis believed that Taylor would not have been able to do a Groundsman position "without the risk of injuring himself or others." Id. at ¶ 7.
During his deposition testimony, Dr. Roth reviewed a document entitled, "Job Description: Groundline Crewperson." See Roth Depo. Ex. 4. Dr. Roth testified that Taylor "would have had a high likelihood of flaring up with this kind of job." Roth Depo. 94:22-24. Dr. Roth indicated that frequent pulling, frequent lifting up to 50 lbs., lifting with one hand, pushing, and the possibility of wood getting caught in a chipper and jarring Taylor created a high likelihood of a flare up.
As part of his application for unemployment benefits, Taylor checked a box that described his Climber II job as requiring him to "constantly lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects that weigh over 20 lbs; frequently over 50 lbs.; occasionally over 100 lbs." See Taylor Depo. Ex. 8; DUMF 45. Further, at his deposition, Taylor admitted a Groundsman position would involve the same work that he marked for his Climber II position on the unemployment form. See Taylor Depo. 211:13-20.
However, Taylor also testified that there are "tons" of different things that a Groundsman can do, that the foremen can direct what a Groundsman does, the duties of a Groundsman can vary depending on the job site, that a Groundsman could sit or flag/watch traffic for most of the day, and that all five boxes on the unemployment form could be checked to describe a Groundsman. See Taylor Depo. 210:19-214:24. Taylor testified that a Groundsman might use one hand to do something
Viewing the above evidence in the light most favorable to Taylor and making all reasonable inferences in his favor, Narayan, 616 F.3d at 899, Taylor's deposition testimony describes numerous functions performed by a Groundsman, and that the duties depend largely on the particular job at hand. Of particular note, Taylor explained that brush piles could be cut so as to keep the weight low.
There is no doubt that the evidence presented by Trees raise credible concerns about the validity of Taylor's cause of action. Nevertheless, the Court does not have a clear understanding of the essential functions of the Groundsman position. Trees has not sufficiently demonstrated either what the essential functions of the Groundsman are or that Taylor could not have performed the job with or without reasonable accommodation. See Tejeda, 357 Fed.Appx. at 807 (finding summary judgment on a § 12940(m) claim where employer had not adequately established the essential functions of the job at issue); Bates, 511 F.3d at 991. Because Trees has not sufficiently demonstrated that there was "no vacant position within the employer's organization for which the disabled employee was qualified and which the disabled employee was capable of performing with or without accommodation," summary judgment on Taylor's § 12940(m) claim is improper. See Lucent Techs., 642 F.3d at 744; Jensen, 85 Cal.App.4th at 263, 102 Cal.Rptr.2d 55.
Trees argues that, because there was no reasonable accommodation available to Taylor, any failure to engage in the interactive process is not actionable. Taylor argues that because there was reasonable
"The `interactive process' required by the FEHA [§ 12940(n)] is an informal process with the employee or the employee's representative, to attempt to identify a reasonable accommodation that will enable the employee to perform the job effectively." Scotch v. Art Institute of Cal., 173 Cal.App.4th 986, 1013, 93 Cal.Rptr.3d 338 (2009). To prevail under § 12940(n), "an employee must identify a reasonable accommodation that would have been available at the time the interactive process should have occurred." Id.
Here, the basis for Trees's motion is that no reasonable accommodation was available. However, as discussed with respect to Taylor's § 12940(m) claim, the issue of whether a Groundsman job was a reasonable accommodation remains in dispute. Because summary judgment on the § 12940(m) claim is improper, summary judgment on the § 12940(n) claim is also improper. See Scotch, 173 Cal.App.4th at 1018, 93 Cal.Rptr.3d 338.
Trees moves for summary judgment on five limited issues. First, summary judgment with respect to the issue of mitigation is inappropriate because Trees did not establish that an unconditional offer of reemployment was made to Taylor. Second, summary judgment with respect to the issue of emotional distress damages under FEHA is inappropriate because California law does not require emotional distress as compensatory damages to be severe. However, emotional distress damages are unavailable as a matter of law with respect to Taylor's FMLA claim, and summary judgment on that issue will be granted. Third, with respect to punitive damages, Taylor provided insufficient evidence of ratification of Colis's actions, insufficient evidence that Colis was a managing agent, and did not show that Trees's 12-week leave policy under the FMLA/CFRA was illegal. Further, punitive damages are not available under the FMLA as a matter of law. Therefore, summary judgment on the issues of ratification, managing agent, 12-week leave FMLA/CFRA policy, and punitive damages under the FMLA is appropriate. However, Taylor has submitted sufficient evidence that Trees maintains a standard 100% healed policy for returning to work, and such a policy violates FEHA. Summary judgment on that issue is inappropriate. Fourth, summary judgment on Taylor's failure to accommodate claim is inappropriate because Trees did not show that the job of Groundsman was unavailable or an unreasonable accommodation. Fifth, summary judgment on Taylor's failure to engage in the interactive process claim is inappropriate because Trees's argument was tied to the failure to accommodate claim. Because the failure to accommodate claim survives, the failure to engage in the interactive process claim survives.
Accordingly, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Trees's motion for summary judgment is:
1. GRANTED with respect to emotional distress damages under the FMLA, punitive damages under the FMLA, the issue of Colis as managing agent, Trees's 12-week FMLA/CRA leave policy, and the issue ratification for purposes of punitive damages; and
2. DENIED in all other respects.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
