ANDREWS, U.S. DISTRICT JUDGE:
Presently before the Court is Defendants' Motion for Summary Judgment. (D.I. 53). This motion arises from the Plaintiff's Family and Medical Leave Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and § 1983 claims. (D.I. 1). This matter has been fully briefed. (D.I. 54, D.I. 55, D.I. 58). For the reasons that follow, the Defendants' Motion for Summary Judgment is
Plaintiff Mark E. Callan began working as the City of Dover's Information Technology Director on February 26, 1996. (D.I. 55 at 6). The Plaintiff has been treated consistently for depression, specifically Dysthymic personality, since the mid-'80s. (D.I. 54-1 at 12). He has taken anti-depressants (including Zoloft and Lexapro) since that time. (Id.). The Plaintiff's wife was diagnosed with cancer in July 2002 and passed away in September 2009. (Id.; D.I. 55 at 6). From 2002 to 2009, the Plaintiff would intermittently take time off for family leave, family medical leave, and mental health treatment.
On January 8, 2010, the Plaintiff met with Anthony DePrima, the City Manager, for one of their monthly meetings. (D.I. 54-1 at 21). During this meeting, DePrima brought up exit interviews by two of the IT department's former employees, Lorri Moore and Aaron Officer. (Id. at 22). The first exit interview was with Aaron Officer on July 10, 2009.
The second exit interview, performed on December 14, 2009, was with Lorri Moore. (D.I. 54-2 at 2). During her interview, Moore expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of teamwork between the IT staff and the IT Director (the Plaintiff). (Id.). Moore also indicated that the discipline in the department was inconsistent and largely depended on the Plaintiff's mood. (Id.). Similarly to Officer, Moore described the department's morale as positive
After his meeting with DePrima, the Plaintiff met with Hawkins on January 13 and informed her that he was receiving counseling and taking medication for depression. (D.I. 56-5 at 7). Hawkins subsequently notified the Plaintiff that either he or his medical provider would have to fill out FMLA paperwork. (Id.). Hawkins received the Plaintiff's FMLA paperwork on January 19, and the City of Dover approved the Plaintiff's application on January 20. (D.I. 54-5 at 2-5; D.I. 56-5 at 8). Hawkins also suggested to the Plaintiff that he inform DePrima of his health issues. (Id. at 7; D.I. 56-7 at 1).
On January 22, 2010, Hawkins and DePrima held a meeting with the IT staff, to which the Plaintiff was not invited. (D.I. 56-5 at 16). Notes from this meeting corroborate both Officer and Moore's prior statements regarding the Plaintiff's micromanagement and temper. (D.I. 54-6 at 2, 3). On January 25, DePrima and Hawkins met with the Plaintiff to discuss the IT staff's comments from the January 22 meeting. (D.I. 56-5 at 19-20). Following the meeting, the Plaintiff went home and the next day sent an email to his staff, explaining his absence from work the previous day, as well as his mental condition following his wife's passing. (D.I. 54-1 at 29; D.I. 54-8 at 2). On January 26, the same day the Plaintiff sent his IT staff the email, the Plaintiff met with DePrima.
DePrima and Hawkins had similar meetings with the IT staff on February 24, 2010, May 19, 2010, and July 20, 2010. (D.I. 54 at 6). DePrima and Hawkins also had follow-up meetings with the Plaintiff to discuss the IT staff's concerns. (Id.). Following the February 26 meeting, DePrima requested that the Plaintiff subsequently submit a twelve bullet point action plan regarding how to improve the department. (Id.; D.I. 54-10 at 2). During a follow-up meeting on May 21, DePrima graded the Plaintiff's improvement as a 2 on a scale of 1 to 10. (D.I. 56-2 at 55). On June 14, 2010,
The July 20 meeting and subsequent follow-up further revealed the Plaintiff's failure to improve. (D.I. 54-14 at 2-3; D.I. 54-15 at 2-3). After which, the Plaintiff informed Hawkins and DePrima that their follow-up meeting was "extremely difficult" for him, and that he was taking time off because of stress, using FMLA leave. (D.I. 54-16 at 2). On July 23, 2010, Plaintiff's attorney wrote DePrima a letter regarding his treatment of the Plaintiff. (D.I. 54-17 at 2). Six days later, on July 29, 2010, DePrima informed the Plaintiff that he was being reassigned, on an interim basis, to the position of Senior City Administrator. (D.I. 54-18 at 2). This reassignment resulted in the Plaintiff's salary dropping from $95,128.18 to $73,581.00 per year. (D.I. 56-3 at 18). According to the letter, DePrima's decision was the result of the Plaintiff's failure to improve his management practice, as well as concerns regarding employee discontent and retention. (D.I. 54-18 at 2).
On or about July 31, 2010, the Plaintiff was in a motorcycle accident, resulting in personal injuries, causing the Plaintiff to miss work. (D.I. 54 at 8; D.I. 56-6 at 27). While the Plaintiff was in rehab, DePrima came to visit the Plaintiff. (D.I. 56-1 at 28). During this visit, DePrima informed the Plaintiff that he had no additional projects to assign him, and that the Plaintiff could either retire and keep his unemployment benefits, or be terminated. (Id.).
On November 14, 2010, while the Plaintiff was still hospitalized, he informed DePrima and Hawkins that he would be released to work in December. (D.I. 56-1 at 37; D.I. 56-6 at 28). Two days later, on November 16, DePrima informed the Plaintiff that he was relieving him of his duties, citing a reduction of force as the reason. (D.I. 56-7 at 5). On November 22, Hawkins sent a formal letter to the Plaintiff, reiterating DePrima's previous termination notice, effective November 30, as well as indicating to the Plaintiff the option of retirement. (D.I. 54-19 at 2). According to his complaint, the Plaintiff has exhausted all administrative remedies, and been granted a Right to Sue. (D.I. 1 at 8). On February 20, 2012, the Plaintiff filed this lawsuit. (Id. at 1). The Defendants filed the instant motion on April 17, 2014. (D.I. 53 at 1).
The Court shall grant summary judgment if the movant shows that there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(a). The moving party bears the burden of proving the absence of a genuine issue of material fact. Matsushita Elec. Indus. Co. Ltd. v. Zenith Radio Corp., 475 U.S. 574, 586-87, 106 S.Ct. 1348, 89 L.Ed.2d 538 (1986). A party asserting that a fact cannot be or is genuinely disputed must either cite to "particular parts of materials in the record, including depositions, documents, electronically stored information, affidavits or declarations, stipulations (including those made for purposes of the motion only), admissions, interrogatory answers, or other materials; or show that the materials
Congress enacted the Family and Medical Leave Act in 1993 to help employees balance the demands of the workplace with the needs of families. 29 U.S.C. § 2601(b)(1). It entitles employees to take reasonable leave for medical reasons and for the care of a spouse who has a serious medical condition. 29 U.S.C. § 2601(b)(2). It accomplishes this purpose in a manner that accommodates the legitimate interests of employers. 29 U.S.C. § 2601(b)(3). There are two types of claims under the FMLA: interference and retaliation claims, the second of which is presented here. Lichtenstein v. Univ. of Pittsburgh Med. Ctr., 691 F.3d 294, 301-12 (3d Cir.2012). In examining retaliation claims, courts utilize the burden shifting framework articulated by the Supreme Court in McDonnell Douglas Corp. v. Green, 411 U.S. 792, 802-03, 93 S.Ct. 1817, 36 L.Ed.2d 668 (1973). Under this approach, the plaintiff has the initial burden of showing that his employer retaliated against him for exercising his FMLA rights. Lichtenstein, 691 F.3d at 301-02. The burden then shifts to the employer to articulate a non-discriminatory reason for the adverse employment decision. Id. at 302. Once the employer adequately meets this showing, the burden shifts back to the plaintiff who must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the employer's explanation is a pretext for discrimination. Id.
The employee must first establish a prima facie case by providing evidence showing that: (1) he or she availed himself or herself of a protected right under FMLA; (2) he or she was adversely affected by an employment decision; and (3) there was a causal connection between the employee's protected activity and the employer's adverse employment action, Lichtenstein, 691 F.3d at 302.
The first prong requires the employee to give adequate notice to his employer about his need to take leave. 29 U.S.C. § 2612(e)(2). This notice requirement is construed liberally and is generally a question of a fact, not law. Lichtenstein, 691 F.3d at 303. The Plaintiff asserts that he invoked his FMLA rights when he submitted FMLA paperwork per Hawkins' request in January 2010, when he took time off following the July 20 meeting with DePrima and Hawkins, and when he took medical leave because of his motorcycle accident. On each of these occasions, the Plaintiff gave notice to Hawkins that he was taking FMLA leave. None of these facts are in dispute. The adverse employment decisions occurred following each of the above instances, including the reassignment with lower pay, and the termination. The Court now turns to the third factor.
In determining whether there is a sufficient evidence of a causal link to survive a motion for summary judgment, courts consider a broad array of evidence. Farrell v. Planters Lifesavers Co., 206 F.3d 271,
The Plaintiff asserts several instances of temporal proximity that he believes are highly suggestive of the Defendants retaliating against the Plaintiff for invoking his FMLA rights. (D.I. 55 at 19). First, the Plaintiff points to the Defendants' investigation starting January 22, 2010, which was three days after he submitted his FMLA paperwork on January 19. (Id.). Further, the Plaintiff asserts that the Defendants first requested he submit FMLA paperwork on January 13, 2010, following the change in nature of his FMLA leave. (Id.). Here, the Court does not find the temporal proximity of these examples to be unduly suggestive. The Defendants' investigation into the Plaintiff's performance began shortly after DePrima discussed with the Plaintiff complaints revealed in the exit interviews, the most recent of which was in December 2009. (D.I. 54-3 at 2). It logically follows that an employer may wish to undertake an investigation or apply more stringent monitoring and review of an employee against whom complaints were received.
While the temporal proximity of the above examples is not unduly suggestive, there are other instances that do weigh in favor of finding causation. For instance, on June 14, 2010, the Plaintiff submitted a rebuttal to DePrima regarding his most recent performance evaluation. One month later, on July 23, 2010, the Plaintiff's attorney sent a letter to DePrima regarding the Plaintiff's FMLA rights. On July 29, DePrima notified the Plaintiff that he was reassigning him to a different position. The Plaintiff's reassignment was only six days after his attorney sent DePrima a complaint letter. In Lichenstein, the retaliatory action occurred seven days after the plaintiff invoked her FMLA rights. 691 F.3d at 307. The court found this to be in line with other cases finding two days to three weeks to be sufficient regarding temporal proximity. Id. Therefore, when viewed in a light most favorable to the Plaintiff, the proximity of these events favor an inference of causation sufficient to meet the third factor.
The Defendants argue that the Plaintiff's demotion and subsequent termination were related to the exit interviews and the Plaintiff's failure to improve despite multiple complaints. As previously mentioned, following the second exit interview, the Defendants began to closely monitor the Plaintiff's performance. After a number of meetings, the Defendants noted the Plaintiff's failure to improve, which was pointed out to the Plaintiff during the July 21 meeting. On July 29, he was reassigned on an interim basis. The Defendants assert that the existence of this position was temporary and dependent on the amount of work available for the Plaintiff. (D.I. 54 at 8). A few months later, the Defendants terminated the Plaintiff's employment. The Defendants considered the Plaintiff's termination a "reduction in force," reasoning that there were insufficient projects to justify continuing his position. (Id.).
In arguing that the Defendants' explanation is a pretext for discrimination, the Plaintiff must point to evidence, direct or circumstantial, that could lead a factfinder
The Court does have concerns with the Defendants' lack of investigation and the reasoning for the Plaintiff's termination, the "reduction in force." The Defendants' lack of investigation into the Plaintiff's FMLA complaints, especially when compared to its extensive investigation into the IT staffs complaints, indicates a difference in treatment calling into question the Defendant's aggregate treatment of the Plaintiff. In addition, a reduction in force that results in a single employee being terminated also suggests a lack of credibility regarding this explanation for the Plaintiff's termination. The Defendants provide no rebuttal to the lack of investigation claim. Regarding the "reduction in force," the Defendants assert that it was characterized as such in order to enable the Plaintiff to obtain unemployment insurance. (D.I. 58-6 at 28, 29). However this does little to support the Defendants' position that the Plaintiff's termination was non-discriminatory. In light of the factors discussed above, the court finds, drawing all inferences in favor of the Plaintiff, that the evidence provided establishes genuine issues of fact regarding the circumstances leading to the Plaintiff's reassignment and termination.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 prohibits covered entities from discriminating against "qualified individuals" with a disability, because of that disability, with regard to discharge of employees. 42 U.S.C. § 12112(a). In addressing disability discrimination claims,
The Court first looks at whether the Plaintiff has established a prima facie case. The Defendants have conceded the second factor.
The ADA defines a disability, with respect to an individual, as (A) a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of such individual; (B) a record of such impairment; or (C) being regarded as having such an impairment. 42 U.S.C. § 12102(1). The ADA further instructs courts to construe the definition of disability in favor of broad coverage of individuals. 42 U.S.C. § 12102(4)(A). In his Amended Complaint, the Plaintiff asserts that he is disabled as his mental state has substantially limited his performing major life activities, including, but not limited to: thinking, concentrating, sleeping, caring for himself, and interacting with others. (D.I. 3-1 at 3, n. 15). As the Defendants have correctly indicated, "transitory, temporary or impermanent impairments are not considered an impairment that substantially limits major life activities." Rinehimer v. Cemcolift Inc., 292 F.3d 375, 380 (3d Cir.2002); 42 U.S.C. § 12102(3)(B). The ADA defines a transitory impairment as an impairment with an actual or expected duration of 6 months or less. 42 U.S.C. § 12102(3)(B).
In his deposition, the Plaintiff indicates treatment for depression dating back to the mid-80s. (D.I. 54-1 at 11, 40:20). The Plaintiff also states that from 2002 to 2009, he took time off not only to take care of his wife, but also to take care of himself and his mental issues. (Id. at 14, 49:10-12, 50:23-51:6). In addition, the city manager who preceded DePrima was apparently aware of the hospital the Plaintiff put himself in for depression. (Id. at 14, 51:12-15). Further, the Plaintiff informed Hawkins of his mental condition, and accordingly filled out FMLA paperwork. (D.I. 54-5 at 2; D.I. 56-5 at 22:10-23:13). Drawing all inferences in favor of the Plaintiff, the Court finds that a reasonable jury could find that the Plaintiff is "disabled" within the meaning of the ADA.
The Court now turns to the third element, whether the Plaintiff suffered an
The Defendants assert that the main impetus for the Plaintiff's dismissal was the exit interviews conducted in July 2009 and December 2009. Following these interviews, the Defendants began paying closer attention to the Plaintiff's management of the IT department. When little improvement was shown, the Defendants demoted and subsequently terminated the Plaintiff. As mentioned above, in order to survive summary judgment, the Plaintiff must show that the exit interviews and the Plaintiff's poor managerial abilities were a pretext for his dismissal. Further, the Plaintiff must point to evidence sufficient to convince the court that discrimination was the real basis for the Defendants' decision to terminate his employment.
In response, the Plaintiff incorporates the same arguments used to defend against summary judgment regarding the FMLA claim. (D.I. 55 at 22). First, the Plaintiff points to the change in the Defendants' treatment towards him once the nature of his FMLA leave altered. (D.I. 55 at 14). However, as previously indicated, the timeline of the exit interviews lend credence to the Defendants' heightened monitoring of the Plaintiff. Second, the Plaintiff argues that there are genuine issues of material fact regarding the exit interviews. (Id. at 16). As the Court has already noted, there is little doubt that the Plaintiff's employees had significant grievances against him that warranted intervention. Any factual disputes are immaterial. Finally, the Plaintiff points to the Defendant's failure to conduct adequate investigation and the weakness in the Defendant's "reduction in force" argument. (Id. at 20, 21). Regarding the Defendants' lack of investigation and "reduction in force" explanation for the Plaintiff's dismissal, the Court finds there to be issues regarding the legitimacy of this reasoning. However, the Plaintiff must also show that discrimination was the basis of the Defendant's employment action. While the Court questions the legitimacy of the Defendants' need to reduce the workforce as the reason for terminating the Plaintiff's employment, it does not necessarily follow that discrimination was the impetus for this decision. This is especially so, whereas here, the Plaintiff has submitted little evidence to support its belief that the Defendants discriminated against him on the basis of his disability. Significantly, the Plaintiff has stated that the Defendants have been aware of his disability since at least 2002. However, no adverse employment decision was taken until 2010. The Plaintiff offers no direct evidence that his disability was the real reason for his reassignment and eventual termination. For these reasons, and after a careful review of the record, the Court finds that the Plaintiff has not met his burden to defeat the summary judgment motion regarding his ADA claim.
The Plaintiff also asserts a claim arising under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. (D.I. 3-1 at 10-12). A majority of courts have held that FMLA provides the exclusive means of recovery for violation of rights created by FMLA. See Hayduk v. City of Johnstown, 580 F.Supp.2d 429, 485 (W.D.Pa. 2008), aff'd, 386 Fed.Appx. 55 (3d Cir. 2010). The Plaintiff cites a single case, Knussman v. State of Maryland, 16 F.Supp.2d 601,
For the reasons discussed above, the Defendants' Motion for Summary Judgment is
Having reviewed the relevant papers, for the reasons stated in the accompanying Memorandum Opinion, IT IS ORDERED:
The Defendants' Motion for Summary Judgment (D.I. 53) is