Amedee v. Shell Chem. LP-Geismer Plant

Full title: LEAH MICHELLE AMEDEE v. SHELL CHEMICAL LP-GEISMER PLANT

Court: UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT MIDDLE DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA

Date published: May 31, 2019

384 F. Supp. 3d 613 (M.D. La. 2019)

Opinion

CIVIL ACTION NO. 18-00487-SDD-RLB

2019-05-31

Leah Michelle AMEDEE v. SHELL CHEMICAL LP-GEISMER PLANT

Dale Edward Williams, Covington, LA, for Leah Michelle Amedee Thomas J. McGoey, II, Jaclyn Elizabeth Hickman, Liskow & Lewis, New Orleans, LA, for Shell Chemical LP-Geismer Plant

CHIEF JUDGE SHELLY D. DICK, UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT, MIDDLE DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA

Dale Edward Williams, Covington, LA, for Leah Michelle Amedee

Thomas J. McGoey, II, Jaclyn Elizabeth Hickman, Liskow & Lewis, New Orleans, LA, for Shell Chemical LP-Geismer Plant

RULING

CHIEF JUDGE SHELLY D. DICK, UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT, MIDDLE DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA This matter is before the Court on the Motion for Summary Judgment¹ by Defendant, Shell Chemical LP ("Shell" or "Defendant"). Plaintiff, Leah Michelle Amedee ("Amedee" or "Plaintiff"), filed an Opposition ² to which Shell filed a Reply. ³ For the following reasons, the Court finds that Defendant's motion for summary judgment should be granted.

1 Rec. Doc. No. 31.

2 Rec. Doc. No. 36.

3 Rec. Doc. No. 42.

I. FACTUAL BACKGROUND

Plaintiff was hired by Shell in August 2012 in the position of ID Process Technician in the Alpha Olefins and Isomerization Unit ("AOID Unit") at the Geismer Plant.⁴ Plaintiff claims that she has worked in this capacity for Shell despite the fact that she suffers from a lifelong condition of scoliosis and back pain.⁵

4 Rec. Doc. No. 31-1, p. 2 (Deposition of Amedee, Rec. Doc. No. 31-3, p. 7).

5 Rec. Doc. No. 36, p. 5 (Declaration of Amedee, Rec. Doc. No. 36-2, p. 1). Amedee refers to numerous exhibits to her opposition to the motion for summary judgment that are purported medical records concerning her medical condition. None of these records are authenticated or proper evidence. See, e.g., Richardson v. Oldham , 811 F.Supp. 1186, 1198 (E.D. Tex. 1992) (excluding from summary judgment evidence "unauthenticated medical reports containing hearsay material, unauthenticated police records and unauthenticated photographs of [plaintiff's] injuries) (citing Duplantis v. Shell Offshore, Inc. , 948 F.2d 187, 191-192 (5th Cir. 1991), aff'd , 12 F.3d 1373 (5th Cir. 1994) ); see also United States v. Rhodes , 788 F.Supp. 339, 342 (E.D. Mich. 1992) (noting that, absent an "affidavit authenticating the [document], the [document 51599 does] not come under the business record exception to the hearsay rule" (citing, inter alia, Duplantis , 948 F.2d at 192 )); Maier-Schule GMC, Inc. v. General Motors Corp. , 154 F.R.D. 47, 57 (W.D.N.Y. 1994) (citing Duplantis ). The Court will not consider any of these documents: Rec. Doc. Nos. 36-3, 36-4, 36-9 through 36-12, 36-22, 36-24, 36-29 through 36-35, 36-40.

Shell had an attendance management policy that informed employees of the "company's expectations regarding attendance: be at work on time; make every reasonable effort to minimize the amount of time away from work; notify your immediate supervisor promptly when not able to be at work as scheduled; and comply with the medical documentation/notification requirements set forth within the policy."⁶ Chargeable offenses include unexcused absences or absences that do not qualify for FMLA leave or an employee's failure to notify the supervisor that he/she is going to miss his/her shift.⁷ After an employee exceeds two incidents within a twelve-month period and has received a counseling session, the employee is subject to the formal discipline process. The formal discipline process in place includes: an oral reminder which includes a written document; a written reminder; and a decision-making leave. Additional absences may result in higher discipline including termination of employment.⁸

6 Rec. Doc. No. 31-1, p. 2 (Declaration of Chad Mason, Rec. Doc. No. 31-4, p. 2, ¶ 4).

7 Rec. Doc. No. 31-1, p. 2 (Dec. of Chad Mason, Rec. Doc. No. 31-4, p. 2, ¶ 5).

8 Id. at ¶¶ 6-7.

Defendant contracted with the Reed Group to facilitate all FMLA leave requests and authorizations. It is the employee's responsibility to submit the appropriate medical certifications to the Reed Group within the allotted time to obtain approved FMLA leave.⁹ Defendant contends that in the twelve-month period leading to Plaintiff's termination, she had the following unapproved absences that did not qualify for FMLA leave: Feb. 22, 2015;¹⁰ Apr. 8, 2015;¹¹ June 22, 2015;¹² July 16, 2015; Sept. 4, 2015; Nov. 9, 2015; Feb. 10, 2016; Feb. 22, 2016; and Feb. 29, 2016.¹³

9 Id. at ¶ 8.

10 The Court notes that Feb. 22, 2015 is not within the twelve-month period prior to Plaintiff's termination. Also, Plaintiff argues that this date is not within "Shell's 12-month roll-off period". Rec. Doc. No. 36, p. 9.

11 Defendant admits that Apr. 8, 2015 was later recoded as a personal day without pay, and this date was not counted towards Plaintiff's unapproved absences or absences that did not qualify for FMLA leave. However, Defendant does not direct the Court to any evidence supporting that this absence due to an automobile accident caused by driving under the influence of alcohol was later recoded and approved as a personal day of leave without pay. (Rec. Doc. No. 31-1, p. 4, n. 15).

12 Plaintiff disputes this date. Plaintiff argues that this date was not included in the written reminder, that it was due to medical treatment, and that the absence was covered by FMLA. Rec. Doc. No. 36-2, Dec. of Amedee, pp. 7-8, ¶ 26.

13 Rec. Doc. No. 31-1, pp. 3-4 (Dec. of Chad Mason, Rec. Doc. No. 31-4, p. 3, ¶ 9; Rec. Doc. No. 31-6).

Plaintiff disputes some of the dates listed as unapproved absences or leave. Plaintiff disputes July 16, 2015, arguing that she left work two hours before the end of her shift because she did not feel well. She claims to have sought medical treatment at an emergency room in Thibodeaux, Louisiana. She claims that her medical issues were related to being "picked on" at work. Plaintiff cites to no admissible evidence to support these "facts". Plaintiff also argues that leaving work early does not equate to a "chargeable absence" under Shell's policy and suggests that this incident was a "non-occupational disability".¹⁴

14 Rec. Doc. No. 36, pp. 9-10.

Plaintiff similarly disputes November 9, 2015 because she missed work due to a medical appointment "connected to an occupational disability" that should have been considered a "non-FMLA Occupational Health Issue".¹⁵ Again, Plaintiff does not direct the Court to any admissible evidence in support of her "facts".¹⁶

15 Rec. Doc. No. 36, pp 10-11.

16 Plaintiff cites to "Exhibit 21, Janet Sanchez to Chad Mason and Monica Hagar, Shell 740" to support her argument that she had a medical appointment that was known and approved by Shell. The exhibit is a non-authenticated email that constitutes hearsay. See Randall v. United Petroleum Transports, Inc. , 131 F.Supp.3d 566, n. 7 (W.D. La. 2015) ("E-mails (like letters and other documents) must be properly authenticated or shown to be self-authenticating.")(citing Uncle Henry's Inc. v. Plaut Consulting Inc. , 240 F.Supp.2d 63, 71-72 (D.Me. 2003) modified on reconsideration , 2002 WL 31833139 (D.Me. Dec. 17, 2002) and aff'd sub nom. Uncle Henry's Inc. v. Plaut Consulting Co. , 399 F.3d 33 (1st Cir. 2005) ; see also U.S. v. Siddiqui , 235 F.3d 1318, 1322 (11th Cir. 2000) ). Plaintiff also directs the Court to the Geismar Attendance Management System policy regarding chargeable and non-chargeable absences; however, Plaintiff does not direct the Court to any evidence supporting a finding by Shell or the Reed Group corroborating Plaintiff's conclusion that her "absences" were non-FMLA and approved.

Plaintiff contends that she took "intermittent FMLA leave" from September 2014 through March 2015 due to her neck and lower back pain.¹⁷ Plaintiff also disputes Defendant's labeling of her absences or calling in to work as sick as "occurrences" that were used against her in the formal disciplinary process. Plaintiff contends that if an employee is scheduled for overtime work and calls in sick, it is not considered an "occurrence" for discipline purposes. Plaintiff contends that she was treated unfairly in this respect.¹⁸

17 Rec. Doc. No. 36-2, p. 3, ¶ 14.

18 Rec. Doc. No. 36-2, Dec. of Amedee, p. 7.

Defendant argues that unsuccessful counseling sessions took place with Plaintiff, after which she received an oral reminder memorialized in writing and a written reminder. This purportedly qualified for the first two steps in Shell's formal disciplinary process.¹⁹ The written reminder is dated March 10, 2016, and Plaintiff does not dispute receiving the written reminder on this date.²⁰ Plaintiff argues that the "occurrences" that are outlined in the written reminder "were undeserved," and this was communicated to Chad Mason ("Mason"), Human Resources Account Manager, at Shell.²¹

19 Rec. Doc. No. 31-1, pp. 4-6 (Dec. of Chad Mason, Rec. Doc. No. 31-4, pp. 3-4, ¶¶ 9-13; Rec. Doc. No. 31-5; Rec. Doc. No. 31-6).

20 Rec. Doc. No. 31-1; Rec. Doc. No. 31-6. See Rec. Doc. No. 36, p. 9.

21 Rec. Doc. No. 36, pp. 9-11; Rec. Doc. No. 36-2, p. 5, ¶ 15.

On the very next day, March 11, 2016, it is undisputed that Plaintiff was operating her vehicle, she was involved in a one-vehicle accident, was arrested and issued a citation for driving while intoxicated.²² Plaintiff testified that the accident occurred some time before midnight on March 10, 2016, and that she was scheduled to report to work at 4:30 a.m. on March 11, 2016.²³ Following the accident, it is undisputed that Plaintiff called Harlan Hart ("Hart"), a supervisor at Shell, just before or around midnight and advised that she was in an accident, that she would not be in to work, and that it should be coded as "sick".²⁴ Plaintiff argues that she was experiencing back pain due to the accident.²⁵ The record evidence does not reflect that Plaintiff applied for FMLA leave for March 11, 2016, which was a Friday. She later applied for FMLA leave beginning March 14 or 15, 2016.²⁶

22 Rec. Doc. No. 31-4, Dec. of Chad Mason, pp. 4-5, ¶¶ 14-15; Rec. Doc. No. 31-7; Rec. Doc. No. 31-2, Depo. of Amedee, pp. 163-173. See Rec. Doc. No. 36, pp. 11-12; Rec. Doc. No. 36-2, Dec. of Amedee, pp. 5-6, ¶¶ 16-20.

23 Rec. Doc. No. 31-3, Depo. of Amedee, pp. 163, 167-169.

24 Rec. Doc. No. 31-3, Depo. of Amedee, pp. 169-171; Rec. Doc. No. 31-7. See Rec. Doc. No. 36, pp. 12-13; Rec. Doc. No. 36-2, Dec. of Amedee, p. 6, ¶ 18.

25 Rec. Doc. No. 36, pp. 13-14 (Dec. of Amedee, Rec. Doc. No. 36-2, ¶ 21).

26 Rec. Doc. No. 31-3, Depo. of Amedee, p. 191, Plaintiff testified that she applied for FMLA leave on March 14, 2016. Rec. Doc. No. 36, p. 14, Plaintiff argues in opposition to Defendant's motion that she contacted the Reed Group on March 15, 2016, "who certified Amedee FMLA eligible, subject to certification". No properly authenticated evidence is offered in support of this statement.

Defendant contends that "after an investigation", Shell decided to terminate Plaintiff. After several attempts to reach Plaintiff by telephone, Shell sent Plaintiff a letter terminating her employment. The first termination letter was dated March 30, 2016, but it was not delivered; therefore, Defendant issued the identical letter dated April 5, 2016.²⁷ Plaintiff admits receiving these letters on "March 30, 2016, and later on April 8^th".²⁸ Plaintiff was terminated for allegedly failing "to show up/properly report off for scheduled work".²⁹ Plaintiff disputes the reason for her termination and argues that she was on FMLA leave at the time she was terminated.³⁰ Plaintiff also contends that she had properly reported her leave, provided the necessary medical information to the Reed Group, and understood that most of her "absences" were approved and not considered "occurrences" subject to formal discipline.³¹ Plaintiff alleges that Defendant terminated her because of her back pain and medical treatment which was perceived as a disability in violation of the ADA.³²

27 Rec. Doc. No. 31-1, p. 7 (Rec. Doc. No. 31-4, Dec. of Chad Mason, pp. 5-6, ¶¶ 15-20; Rec. Doc. No. 31-8).

28 Rec. Doc. No. 36, p. 14.

29 Rec. Doc. No. 31-8.

30 Rec. Doc. No. 36, pp. 14-15.

31 Rec. Doc. No. 36-2, Dec. of Amedee, pp. 8-11.

32 Rec. Doc. No. 36, p. 24, 26; Rec. Doc. No. 7, pp. 4-5, ¶¶ 23-29.

Plaintiff filed a charge of discrimination with the EEOC on July 11, 2016, alleging that she had been terminated in violation of the ADA.³³ Plaintiff filed suit against Defendant, averring that Defendant violated the FMLA and the ADA. Specifically, Plaintiff asserted the following claims: (1) under 29 U.S.C. § 2614(a)(1) of the FMLA for failure to restore to an equivalent position;³⁴ (2) under 29 U.S.C. § 2615(a)(1) of the FMLA for interference with the exercise of FMLA rights; (3) under 42 U.S.C. § 12112(a) of the ADA for disability discrimination; and (4) under 42 U.S.C. § 12112(b)(5)(A) and (B) of the ADA³⁵ for failure to make reasonable accommodations and denying employment opportunities on the basis of a disability.³⁶ Defendant moves for summary judgment on Plaintiff's claims of discrimination under the FMLA and ADA and for claims of interference with Plaintiff's FMLA rights.³⁷ Defendant argues that Plaintiff fails to offer evidentiary support necessary to prevail on her claims and to defeat summary judgment. Defendant further contends that the uncontroverted evidence shows that it had a legitimate, non-discriminatory reason for terminating Plaintiff's employment. Plaintiff contends that Defendant's reasons for termination were merely pretext.

33 Rec. Doc. No. 1-1.

34 Defendant refers to this claim as Plaintiff's claim of discrimination under the FMLA. Rec. Doc. No. 31-1, pp. 8-12. However, see Mauder v. Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Tex. , 446 F.3d 574, 580 (5th Cir. 2006) (explaining that the FMLA contains two distinct provisions: entitlements or substantive rights (such as the right to return to the same position after an absence), and proscriptive rights (protecting employees from retaliation or discrimination)); Haley v. Alliance Compressor LLC , 391 F.3d 644, 649 (5th Cir. 2004) (A claim to restore the employee to the same position is a substantive FMLA right, and claims for violation of this right invokes entitlement or interference theories brought under § 2615(a)(1) ).

35 Defendant treats Plaintiff's claims made pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 12112(b)(5) (A and (B) as claims of discrimination based on a disability. 42 U.S.C. § 12112(a), entitled "General rule" states: "No covered entity shall discriminate against a qualified individual on the basis of disability in regard to job application procedures, the hiring, advancement, or discharge of employees, employee compensation, job training, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment." 42 U.S.C. § 12112(b)(5)(A) and (B), entitled, "Construction", states: "As used in subsection (a) of this section, the term ‘discriminate against a qualified individual on the basis of disability’ includes -- ... (5)(A) not making reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability who is an applicant or employee, unless such covered entity can demonstrate that the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of the business of such covered entity; or (B) denying employment opportunities to a job applicant or employee who is an otherwise qualified individual with a disability, if such denial is based on the need of such covered entity to make reasonable accommodation to the physical or mental impairments of the employee or applicant...". Defendant addresses Plaintiff's third and fourth claims as one claim of disability discrimination. See Taylor v. Principal Financial Group, Inc. , 93 F.3d 155, 161-62 (5th Cir. 1996). However, see Dillard v. City of Austin, Texas , 837 F.3d 557, 562 (5th Cir. 2016) ("Apart from any claim that an adverse employment action was motivated by the employee's disability, an employer's failure to reasonably accommodate a disabled employee may constitute a distinct violation of the Act. "(emphasis added)).

36 Rec. Doc. No. 7, ¶¶ 22, 29.

37 Rec. Doc. No. 31-1, p. 8.

II. LAW AND ANALYSIS

A. Summary Judgment Standard

Summary judgment should be granted if the record, taken as a whole, "together with the affidavits, if any, show that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and that the moving party is entitled to a judgment as a matter of law."³⁸ "When assessing whether a dispute to any material fact exists, we consider all of the evidence in the record but refrain from making credibility determinations or weighing the evidence."³⁹ The Supreme Court has interpreted the plain language of Rule 56(c) to mandate "the entry of summary judgment, after adequate time for discovery and upon motion, against a party who fails to make a showing sufficient to establish the existence of an element essential to that party's case, and on which that party will bear the burden of proof at trial."⁴⁰ A party moving for summary judgment "must ‘demonstrate the absence of a genuine issue of material fact,’ but need not negate the elements of the nonmovant's case."⁴¹ If the moving party "fails to meet this initial burden, the motion must be denied, regardless of the nonmovant's response."⁴²

38 Fed.R.Civ.P. 56(c) ; New York Life Ins. Co. v. Travelers Ins. Co. , 92 F.3d 336, 338 (5th Cir. 1996) ; Rogers v. Int'l Marine Terminals, Inc. , 87 F.3d 755, 758 (5th Cir. 1996).

39 Delta & Pine Land Co. v. Nationwide Agribusiness Ins. Co. , 530 F.3d 395, 398-99 (5th Cir. 2008) (citing Reeves v. Sanderson Plumbing Prods., Inc. , 530 U.S. 133, 150, 120 S.Ct. 2097, 147 L.Ed.2d 105 (2000) ).

40 Celotex Corp. v. Catrett , 477 U.S. 317, 322, 106 S.Ct. 2548, 2552, 91 L.Ed.2d 265 (1986). See also Gunaca v. Texas , 65 F.3d 467, 469 (5th Cir. 1995).

41 Little v. Liquid Air Corp. , 37 F.3d 1069, 1075 (5th Cir. 1994) (en banc )(quoting Celotex , 477 U.S. at 323-25, 106 S.Ct. at 2552 ).

42 Id. at 1075.

If the moving party meets this burden, Rule 56(c) requires the nonmovant to go beyond the pleadings and show by affidavits, depositions, answers to interrogatories, admissions on file, or other admissible evidence that specific facts exist over which there is a genuine issue for trial.⁴³ The nonmovant's burden may not be satisfied by conclusory allegations, unsubstantiated assertions, metaphysical doubt as to the facts, or a scintilla of evidence.⁴⁴ Factual controversies are to be resolved in favor of the nonmovant, "but only when there is an actual controversy, that is, when both parties have submitted evidence of contradictory facts."⁴⁵ The Court will not, "in the absence of any proof, assume that the nonmoving party could or would prove the necessary facts."⁴⁶ Unless there is sufficient evidence for a jury to return a verdict in the nonmovant's favor, there is no genuine issue for trial.⁴⁷

43 Wallace v. Texas Tech Univ. , 80 F.3d 1042, 1046-47 (5th Cir. 1996).

44 Little , 37 F.3d at 1075 ; Wallace , 80 F.3d at 1047.

45 Wallace , 80 F.3d at 1048 (quoting Little , 37 F.3d at 1075 ). See also S.W.S. Erectors, Inc. v. Infax, Inc. , 72 F.3d 489, 494 (5th Cir. 1996).

46 McCallum Highlands v. Washington Capital Dus, Inc. , 66 F.3d 89, 92 (5th Cir. 1995), as revised on denial of rehearing , 70 F.3d 26 (5th Cir. 1995).

47 Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc. , 477 U.S. 242, 249-51, 106 S.Ct. 2505, 2511, 91 L.Ed.2d 202 (1986).

The Court "has no duty to search the record for material fact issues. Rather, the party opposing the summary judgment is required to identify specific evidence in the record and to articulate precisely how this evidence supports his claim."⁴⁸ "Conclusory allegations unsupported by specific facts, however, will not prevent an award of summary judgment; ‘the plaintiff [can]not rest on his allegations ... to get to a jury without any significant probative evidence tending to support the complaint.’ "⁴⁹

48 RSR Corp. v. International Ins. Co. , 612 F.3d 851, 857 (5th Cir. 2010) (citing Ragas v. Tenn. Gas Pipeline Co. , 136 F.3d 455, 458 (5th Cir. 1998) ).

49 Nat'l Ass'n of Gov't Employees v. City Pub. Serv. Bd. of San Antonio, Tex. , 40 F.3d 698, 713 (5th Cir. 1994) (quoting Anderson , 477 U.S. at 249, 106 S.Ct. 2505 )(citation omitted)).

B. Material Issues of Fact

1. Statements of undisputed and disputed facts

In support of its motion for summary judgment, Defendant submitted a Statement of Undisputed Material Facts. ⁵⁰ In opposition to Defendant's motion for summary judgment, Plaintiff submitted Plaintiff's Statement of Disputed Material Facts. ⁵¹ Defendant objects to Plaintiff's statement of disputed facts, arguing that it suffers from "egregious defects" that renders it unworthy of consideration.⁵²

50 Rec. Doc. No. 31-2.

51 Rec. Doc. No. 36-1.

52 Rec. Doc. No. 42, p. 1.

The party opposing summary judgment is obliged to set forth specific facts which demonstrate a genuine issue for trial.⁵³ When the nonmovant "fails to direct the Court to specific evidence in the record to controvert the supporting evidence set forth by the [movant] ... the fact is deemed admitted pursuant to Local Rule 56.2."⁵⁴

53 FRCP 56 ; Local Rule 56.2.

54 Antoon v. Woman's Hospital Foundation d/b/a Woman's Hospital , 2012 WL 1094715, *2 (M.D. La. March 30, 2012).

Plaintiff must demonstrate that there exist issues that merit a trial by directing the Court to record evidence which demonstrates facts which are in dispute. Without countervailing Defendant's Statement of Undisputed Facts , but in an effort to demonstrate a dispute of material facts, Plaintiff offers Plaintiff's Statement of Disputed Material Facts ,⁵⁵ Sworn Declaration of Leah Michelle Amedee ,⁵⁶ and 43 other exhibits.⁵⁷

55 Rec. Doc. No. 36-1.

56 Rec. Doc. No. 36-2.

57 Rec. Doc. Nos. 36-3 through 36-45.

Defendant challenges Plaintiff's statement of disputed facts because it contains "conclusory statements of opinion and unfettered argument".⁵⁸ Specifically, Defendant challenges Paragraph 1⁵⁹ and Paragraph 15⁶⁰ of Plaintiff's statement of disputed facts.⁶¹ Conclusory statements without proper support do not meet the requirements of Rule 56(e).⁶² After reviewing Paragraphs 1 and 15 of Plaintiff's statement of disputed facts, the Court agrees with Defendant and finds that these paragraphs of Plaintiff's statement are conclusory or argumentative statements of opinion without any factual or evidentiary support. Accordingly, the Court will not consider Paragraphs 1 and 15 of Plaintiff's Statement of Disputed Material Facts.

58 Rec. Doc. No. 42, p. 1.

59 Paragraph 1 of Plaintiff's Statement of Disputed Material Facts states: "The actions of Amedee's second line supervisor Rick Guba were impermissibly biased against her continued employment at Shell on account of his baseless assumption that Amedee's physical impairments made her continued employment at Shell undesirable." (Rec. Doc. No. 36-1, ¶ 1). Plaintiff does not cite to any evidence or support for the statement.

60 Paragraph 15 of Plaintiff's Statement of Disputed Material Facts states: "At approximately 11:00 p.m. Amedee called to inform Harlan Hart, a supervisor at Shell of her accident. Hart was the first phone call Amedee made after her accident. The police had not yet even arrived at the accident scene when Amedee made the call to Hart. Amedee truthfully described her condition and what had happened. [Defendant's Material Fact 16]." (Rec. Doc. No. 36-1, ¶ 15). Plaintiff only cites to "Defendant's Material Fact 16". She does not cite to any evidence or other purported support for the statement.

61 Rec. Doc. No. 42, n. 1.

62 See Goodman v. Life Ins. Co. of North America , 244 F.3d 138 (5th Cir. 2000) (citing Boyd v. State Farm Ins. Cos. , 158 F.3d 326, 331 (5th Cir. 1998) ; Duffy v. Leading Edge Products, Inc. , 44 F.3d 308, 312 (5th Cir. 1995) ("Although we consider the evidence in the light most favorable to the nonmoving party, ... conclusory allegations unsupported by concrete and particular facts will not prevent an award of summary judgment.")(internal citations omitted); and Galindo v. Precision American Corp. , 754 F.2d 1212, 1216 (5th Cir. 1985) ); See also Miller Exploration Co. v. Energy Drilling Co. , 130 F.Supp.2d 781, 785 (W.D. La. 2001).

Defendant next argues, "[e]ven where she does offer facts, they are almost entirely without support: only four of eighteen ‘facts’ contain any citation whatsoever."⁶³ However, Defendant does not cite to or challenge any specific paragraphs of Plaintiff's statement of disputed facts on these grounds. While the Court is able to determine which statements contain citations to purported factual and evidentiary support, the Court is unclear to which "facts" Defendant contends are "without support" and whether Defendant is seeking to strike all statements that contain no citation whatsoever.

63 Rec. Doc. No. 42, pp. 1-2.

Defendant continues, "[a]nd the e-mails and other documents that she does cite are also defective because they consist of unauthenticated hearsay and/or pertain to facts that are not material to Shell's motion for summary judgment."⁶⁴ The Court construes Defendant's argument to be that Plaintiff (1) did not support her statements of disputed facts by citing to proper evidentiary support, and (2) where Plaintiff did cite to purported support for her statement of fact, the document was not proper evidence because it was unauthenticated hearsay or immaterial to the motion before the Court. With that in mind, the Court considers Plaintiff's Statement of Disputed Material Facts with the exception of Paragraphs 1 and 15 which have already been ruled upon.

64 Rec. Doc. No. 42, p. 2.

Paragraphs 5-18, 20-21, and 23 of Plaintiff's Statement of Disputed Material Facts do not contain any citation to any evidentiary support.⁶⁵ A party asserting that a fact is genuinely disputed must support the assertion by (A) citing 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 (B) showing that an adverse party cannot produce admissible evidence to support the fact.⁶⁶

65 Rec. Doc. No. 36-1, pp. 2-6.

66 See Oxford House, Inc. v. Browning , 266 F.Supp.3d 896, n. 2 (M.D. La. 2017).

But merely stating that a fact is disputed, as the plaintiffs did in their statement, is not sufficient to establish a genuinely disputed factual issue. Instead, as explained in Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(c)(1), a party asserting that a fact is genuinely disputed must support that assertion by citing to the record or showing that cited materials establish a genuine dispute. There is not a single record citation in the plaintiffs' statement.... The plaintiffs' effort in opposing the defendants' motion for summary judgment fell short of establishing any genuinely disputed issues of material fact.⁶⁷

67 Skelton v. Iberia Parish School Board , No. 16-00289, 2017 WL 4228724, *10 (W.D. La. Sept. 22, 2017). See also Flores v. Cheddar's Casual Café, Inc. , 2015 WL 12748639, *1 (S.D. Tex. July 17, 2015).

The Court finds that the same holds true here. Plaintiff's statement of "disputed facts" is insufficient where Plaintiff has not cited to the record and evidentiary support. As such, the Court will not consider Paragraphs 5-18, 20-21, and 23 of Plaintiff's Statement of Disputed Material Facts.

The Court turns to consideration of Paragraphs 2-4, 19, and 22 of Plaintiff's Statement of Disputed Material Facts. ⁶⁸ Paragraph 2 of Plaintiff's statement asserts:

68 Rec. Doc. No. 36-1.

Leah Amedee was examined by her physician on November 7, 2014 and Dr[.] Isaza concluded, ‘I spoke with Leah about work. At this time I think that if she feels like she can do it physically, then that would be okay, so we will give her a full work release.’ Exhibit 9, Amedee 005.⁶⁹ She was also given a Return to Work on November 10, 2014 by Nurse Stone at Shell. Ex. 42,⁷⁰ ‘Return to Work’, Shell 0225.⁷¹

69 Exhibit 9 is an unauthenticated "Clinic Note" by Dr. Isaza, constituting one page and dated November 7, 2014. Rec. Doc. No. 36-11.

70 Exhibit 42 is an unauthenticated document from "Shell Health" dated November 10, 2014, that appears to be a "Return to Work" form. Rec. Doc. No. 36-44.

71 Rec. Doc. No. 36-1, p. 1.

Defendant challenges Paragraph 2 of the statement because "Amedee quotes a medical record from 2014 completely unrelated [to] Shell's argument and then offers no authentication or any support that would make this record admissible. The Fifth Circuit and Middle District of Louisiana have frequently noted that unauthenticated documents are not competent summary judgment evidence under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 56."⁷² "Similarly, hearsay documents are not competent summary judgment evidence under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 56."⁷³ The Court agrees with the basis of Defendant's challenge to Paragraph 2 of Plaintiff's statement of facts. The statement contained in Paragraph 2 relies upon unauthenticated/hearsay documents that are insufficient evidence for purposes of summary judgment. The Court will not consider Paragraph 2.

72 Rec. Doc. No. 42, p. 2, n. 2 (citing Quibodeaux v. Nautilus Ins. Co. , 655 Fed.Appx. 984, 987 (5th Cir. 2016) ("[T]he document is unauthenticated and thus is improper as summary judgment evidence.")(citing King v. Dogan , 31 F.3d 344, 346 (5th Cir. 1994) ); Duplantis v. Shell Offshore, Inc. , 948 F.2d 187, 192 (5th Cir. 1991) ); Sanford v. Tropicana Entm't, Inc. , No. 14-144, 2015 WL 7185536, *7 (M.D. La. Nov. 13, 2015) ; Alleman v. Louisiana Dep't of Econ. Dev. , 698 F.Supp.2d 644, 667 (M.D. La. 2010).

73 Id. (citing Okoye v. Univ. of Texas Houston Health Sci. Ctr. , 245 F.3d 507, 510 n.5 (5th Cir. 2001) (citing Fowler v. Smith , 68 F.3d 124, 126 (5th Cir. 1995) ); Holladay v. Deutsche Bank Nat. Trust Co. , No. 10-448, 2010 WL 4902445, *1 (M.D. La. Nov. 1, 2010) ("On summary judgment, evidence may only be considered to the extent not based on hearsay or other information excludable at trial"); Beta Tech., Inc. v. State Indus. Prod. Corp. , No. 06-35, 2008 WL 4330105, *5, n.8 (M.D. La. Sept. 15, 2008).

Paragraph 3 of Plaintiff's Statement of Disputed Material Facts cites to and relies upon the Declaration of Leah Amedee⁷⁴ at Paragraph 11.⁷⁵ Defendant does not offer any specific objection to Paragraph 3 of Plaintiff's statement of disputed facts or to Paragraph 11 of Plaintiff's declaration. Upon the Court's review of both Paragraph 3 of Plaintiff's statement of disputed facts and Paragraph 11 of Plaintiff's declaration, the basis for excluding these statements is not apparent to the Court. It is not for the Court to guess or speculate as to Defendant's grounds for same.⁷⁶ As such, the Court will consider Paragraph 3 of Plaintiff's Statement of Disputed Material Facts.

74 Rec. Doc. No. 36-2, pp. 2-3.

75 Rec. Doc. No. 36-1, p. 2.

76 See U.S. v. Jimenez Lopez , 873 F.2d 769, 773 (5th Cir. 1989) (citing New Amsterdam Cas. Co. v. W. D. Felder & Co., Inc. , 214 F.2d 825, 829 (5th Cir. 1954) ("A trial court judge must be fully appraised of the grounds of an objection.").

Paragraph 4 of Plaintiff's Statement of Disputed Material Facts avers:

The series of ‘Return to Work’ examinations which Amedee was subjected to in December 2014 was impermissible because it failed to meet the criteria established by the FMLA and its implementing regulations. Memorandum, p. 3 ff. The examinations included Shell's ‘Fitness to Work Certificate’, dated Feb. 11, 2016. Exhibit 41,⁷⁷ Shell 0012, ‘Medical Examination Record’, Shell 0013, Cardiac Risk Assessment Screening Form, Shell 0015, (impermissibly requiring certification from a medical examiner who is not Amedee's healthcare provider) Titmus II Vision Tester Record, Shell 0016, a ‘Fit for Duty Medical Examination’ performed by Amedee's treating physician Jorge Isaza on December 19, 2014, Shell 0020, a ‘Health Status Questionnaire’, (Shell impermissibly asking Amedee about a number of disability-related health issues), Shell 0024-27, and Hearing Evaluation Questionnaire, (Shell impermissibly asking about health conditions unrelated to FMLA leave) Shell 0028-29. See FMLA implementing regulation 29 C.F.R. § 825.312.⁷⁸

77 Exhibit 41, in globo , contains all of the documents listed in Paragraph 4. Rec. Doc. No. 36-43.

78 Rec. Doc. No. 36-1, p. 2.

None of the documents, forms, or medical documents are authenticated and are, therefore, unreliable evidence on summary judgment. For the same reasons applicable to the analysis of Paragraph 2 of Plaintiff's statement of disputed facts, the Court will not consider Paragraph 4 of Plaintiff's statement of disputed facts.

Paragraph 19 of Plaintiff's Statement of Disputed Material Facts contains three parts.⁷⁹ The first section of Paragraph 19 relies upon "Exhibit 25, Shell 798".⁸⁰ Exhibit 25 is a one-page document reflecting two email messages in an email string. Plaintiff relies upon the top portion of the email attachment in Paragraph 19 of her statement of disputed facts, which has not been authenticated and contains hearsay.⁸¹ For the reasons applicable to the analysis of Paragraphs 2 and 4 of Plaintiff's statement, the first portion of Paragraph 19, as quoted by the Court herein, will not be considered on summary judgment.

79 Rec. Doc. No. 36-1, p. 5.

80 Id. ("Rick Guba, as Amedee's second line supervisor was customarily and habitually involved with any personnel decision involving Amedee. As such he was copied by the plan General Manager Ryan Schmidt ‘For Discussion Monday’ on an email sent by Plaintiff Leah Amedee requesting reconsideration of her termination. Exhibit 25, Shell 798. The other individuals copied on this correspondence included Chad Mason and Monica Hagar in Human Resources.").

81 The Court notes that Plaintiff attempts to authenticate the bottom portion of Exhibit 25, the initial email from Plaintiff, in her declaration at paragraph 28. However, it is the subsequent, forwarding email upon which Plaintiff relies in Paragraph 19, which has not been authenticated. Rec. Doc. No. 36-2, p. 9. See Cantor v. Wachovia Mortg., FSB , 641 F.Supp.2d 602, 609 (N.D. Tex. 2009) ("The e-mail is unauthenticated, and constitutes inadmissible hearsay....").

The second portion of Paragraph 19 states, "Both he and Monica Hagar were identified by Chad Mason as being involved in the decision to terminate Amedee. Declaration of Chad Mason, Shell[']s MSJ Exhibit 2, ¶ 17."⁸² The record does not reflect that any party challenges the Declaration of Chad Mason, and the Court is not aware of any basis to disregard this portion of Paragraph 19 of Plaintiff's statement of disputed facts.⁸³

82 Rec. Doc. No. 36-1, p. 5.

83 See U.S. v. Jimenez Lopez, supra.

The final sentence of Paragraph 19 relies upon "Exhibit 3, Deposition of Richard Guba ["Guba"], p. 61 ll. 1-6".⁸⁴ The cited deposition testimony reads:

84 Rec. Doc. No. 36-1, p. 5. ("On or about the time Harlan Hart wrote the email relied upon by Shell, Hart, who received Amedee's call after the accident, was in communication with Rick Guba. Exhibit 3, Deposition of Richard Guba, p. 61 ll. 1-6. [Defendant's Material Fact 18].").

Q. Well, let me ask it this way: Did you have any communication in your recollection at all with Mr. Harlin Hart, the PTL supervisor, in the days prior to Ms. Amedee's termination?

A. Yes, sir. I don't remember the specifics, but yes, I did.⁸⁵

85 Rec. Doc. No. 36-5.

Exhibit 3, quoted in its entirety above, only supports that Guba communicated with Hart in the "days prior" to Plaintiff's termination. The deposition testimony does not reflect that this communication occurred "on or about the time Harlan Hart wrote the email relied upon by Shell". Therefore, while Exhibit 3 is proper summary judgment evidence, the discrepancies between the statement and the cited evidence cannot be resolved by the Court on summary judgment. The Court will not resolve factual disputes on summary judgment.⁸⁶ The Court will not disregard the last portion of Paragraph 19.

86 See Overman v. City of Baton Rouge , No. 13-614, 2015 WL 224805, *3 (M.D. La. Jan. 15, 2015).

Paragraph 22 of Plaintiff's Statement of Disputed Material Facts relies solely upon "Plaintiff's Verified First Amended Complaint ¶ 27".⁸⁷ Defendant challenges Plaintiff's reliance on the allegations in her Complaint as being inappropriate "evidence" for summary judgment purposes. The Court agrees. "In the context of a motion for summary judgment, it is well-settled that a plaintiff may not rest upon mere allegations or assertions contained in his Complaint in opposing a motion."⁸⁸ Therefore, the Court will not consider Paragraph 22 of Plaintiff's statement of disputed facts.

87 Rec. Doc. No. 36-1, pp. 5-6 ("Amedee requested and obtained a largely sedentary position on the Control Board in the AO/ID production room in October 2015. Her new assignment was to begin in January 2016. In October 2015 Plaintiff requested a $ 100 chair which would have made it possible for her to work for 12-hour shifts and possible overtime and remain seated. When no action was taken, Plaintiff requested the chair in writing by email, several times. Shell refused to engage Plaintiff in dialog. The requested chair was neither ordered nor forthcoming; instead Plaintiff's supervisor Rick Guba, on or about April 24, 2016 caused Plaintiff to be terminated on the pretextual reason that she failed to call in on one occasion when she saw a doctor for treatment. Plaintiff's Verified First Amended Complaint ¶ 27.").

88 Foster v. Coody , 2010 WL 1752131, *4 (M.D. La. Mar. 29, 2010) (citing Celotex Corp. , 477 U.S. 317, 106 S.Ct. 2548, 91 L.Ed.2d 265 (1986) ); See also Dragna v. A&Z Transp., Inc. , 2015 WL 729844, *2 (M.D. La. Feb. 19, 2015) ("the plaintiff [can]not rest on his allegations to get to a jury without any ‘significant probative evidence tending to support the complaint"); Johnston v. City of Houston, Tex. , 14 F.3d 1056, 1060 (5th Cir. 1994) (for the party opposing the motion for summary judgment, "only evidence – not argument, not facts in the complaint – will satisfy the burden.")(citing Solo Serve Corp. v. Westowne Assoc. , 929 F.2d 160, 164 (5th Cir. 1991).

2. Plaintiff's declaration

Defendant next challenges paragraphs of Plaintiff's declaration.⁸⁹ First, Defendant challenges Paragraphs 22 and 35 of Plaintiff's declaration⁹⁰ because the attestations are not within Plaintiff's own personal knowledge.⁹¹ " Rule 56(e) requires declarations offered in support of summary judgment to be based on personal knowledge."⁹² Rule 602 of the Federal Rules of Evidence further requires a submitting party to lay proper foundation that witnesses have personal knowledge of the matter about which they will testify. "[A] court may strike any affidavit that is not based on personal knowledge."⁹³ To demonstrate personal knowledge, an affidavit "must include enough factual support to show that the affiant possesses that knowledge."⁹⁴

89 Rec. Doc. No. 42, p. 2.

90 Rec. Doc. No. 36-2, pp. 6-7 and 10-11.

91 Rec. Doc. No. 42, p. 2.

92 Bright v. Ashcroft , 259 F.Supp.2d 494, 498 (E.D. La. 2003) (citing Fed.R.Civ.P. 56(e) ; Akin v. Q-L Invs., Inc. , 959 F.2d 521, 530 (5th Cir. 1992) ).

93 Bright , 259 F.Supp.2d 494, 498 (E.D. La. 2003) (citing Akin , 959 F.2d at 530 ; CMS Indus., Inc. v. L.P.S. Int'l, Ltd. , 643 F.2d 289, 295 (5th Cir. 1981) ).

94 Thomas v. Atmos Energy Corp. , 223 Fed.Appx. 369, 374 (5th Cir. 2007).

Plaintiff attests at paragraph 22:

I have worked in training status on the Control Board. As long as an employee works twelve hours in a training status, it does not matter if you occasionally come in late. An employee in a training status is allowed to make up the time. In a training status an employee just trained and was not responsible for operations or making relief of another employee.⁹⁵

95 Rec. Doc. No. 36-2, pp. 6-7.

After reviewing the declaration, the Court finds that Plaintiff attempted to lay the proper foundation to support her statements. She attests that she has worked in training status on the Control Board, which, presumably, provided her with the background to attest to the quoted matters. However, while the attestations appear to be based on personal knowledge (given Plaintiff's work history and experience), the statement invites the Court to make a credibility determination as to whether Plaintiff's opinions (i.e. , "it does not matter if you occasionally come in late"; "allowed to make up the time"; "was not responsible for operations or making relief of another employee") are well-founded and based in fact. As stated previously, it is not proper for a Court to make credibility determinations and make findings of fact on summary judgment. Therefore, the Court declines to consider Paragraph 22 of Plaintiff's declaration as a statement of undisputed fact.

Paragraph 35 of Plaintiff's declaration contains statements regarding Guba, a supervisor to Plaintiff's direct supervisor, and the scope of his duties as supervisor.⁹⁶ After reviewing Paragraph 35 of the declaration, the Court finds that Plaintiff did not lay the proper foundation to evidence that this affiant possesses personal knowledge about this subject.⁹⁷ The Court will not consider Paragraph 35 of the declaration.

96 Rec. Doc. No. 36-2, pp. 10-11. ("Rick Guba was Production Supervisor over the ID section of the AOID unit. All in all, he supervised over 80 employees. He was the immediate supervisor of my immediate supervisor Desi Grover and it was common knowledge that Guba could not rate and recommend bonuses for Grover. Guba was instrumental and involved with each and every personnel decision which happened in the AOID unit. He was involved in the day to day approval and disapproval of time off. He instituted discipline and decided when to recommend employees he supervised for discipline. For Guba not to have been consulted when it came to the termination of one of the employees he supervised would have been unheard of and anomalous.").

97 Bright, supra ; Fed. Rule of Evid. Rule 602.

Defendant challenges Paragraphs 12 and 29 of the declaration because these attestations contain argument rather than fact.⁹⁸ On review of Paragraph 12⁹⁹ and Paragraph 29,¹⁰⁰ the Court agrees that these attestations contain unsupported argument and opinion and are not statements of fact.¹⁰¹ For the reasons set forth herein, these paragraphs will not be considered by the Court.

98 Rec. Doc. No. 42, p. 2.

99 Rec. Doc. No. 36-2, p. 3. ("As a result of my unnecessary ‘return to work’ issue, brought about by Guba and Grover's fabricated story about my inability to open valves, I was subjected to a number of medical evaluations by Shell and was prevented from returning to work as ordered by my treating physician. See Contested Material Facts, ¶ 4.").

100 Rec. Doc. No. 36-2, p. 10. ("I was finally terminated by Shell on or about April 5, 2016, for reasons which were, and are, objectively false, while I was on protected FMLA leave.").

101 See Goodman, supra , and the internal citations.

Defendant objects to Paragraph 28 of the declaration as it contradicts statements in Plaintiff's "disputed facts" or prior deposition testimony.¹⁰² Defendant specifically compares Paragraph 28 of the declaration to Paragraph 22 of Plaintiff's statement of disputed facts. Defendant does not direct the Court to deposition testimony that contradicts the declaration; therefore, the Court is not in a position to determine whether attestations and prior testimony are conflicting. Specifically, Defendant argues that Paragraph 28 of the declaration reflects a termination date of "April 8^th" and "April 5^th", representing conflicting dates within the same paragraph,¹⁰³ and Paragraph 22 of the statement of contested facts reflects a termination date of "April 24, 2016".¹⁰⁴ Paragraph 22 of the statement of contested facts has previously been determined to be disregarded by the Court for the reasons previously stated. Regarding the conflict within Paragraph 28, the precise date is unimportant to the Court's analysis.

102 Rec. Doc. No. 42, p. 2.

103 Rec. Doc. No. 36-2, p. 9.

104 Rec. Doc. No. 36-1, p. 6.

Defendant challenges Paragraphs 3 and 13 of the declaration on the grounds that they are not material to the issues in this case.¹⁰⁵ Defendant does not offer any grounds or authority to support its challenge to these paragraphs other than a brief statement that the attestations are not material to the present motion.¹⁰⁶ Based on these grounds alone, the Court will not disregard these paragraphs.

105 Rec. Doc. No. 42, p. 2.

106 See U.S. v. Jimenez Lopez, supra.

3. Other miscellaneous exhibits

In addition to the statements, declaration, e-mails, and medical records ruled upon herein and based upon the reasoning and legal authority previously stated, the Court addresses the remaining exhibits attached to Plaintiff's opposition:

• Rec. Doc. No. 36-5, 36-28, deposition testimony, admissible as proper summary judgment evidence;

• Rec. Doc. No. 36-6, e-mail to Plaintiff authenticated by Plaintiff, admissible as proper summary judgment evidence;

• Rec. Doc. No. 36-7, 36-13 through 36-20, 36-23, 36-25, 36-26, 36-36 through 36-39, 36-42, 36-43, unauthenticated documents or communications, inadmissible , hearsay evidence;

• Rec. Doc. No. 36-8, declaration of Chad Mason, admissible as proper summary judgment evidence;

• Rec. Doc. No. 36-41, unauthenticated photograph, inadmissible , hearsay evidence; and

• Rec. Doc. No. 36-45, unauthenticated calendar, inadmissible , hearsay evidence.

C. Family and Medical Leave Act ("FMLA")

Congress enacted the FMLA to permit eligible employees "to take reasonable leave for medical reasons, for the birth or adoption of a child, and for the care of a child, spouse, or parent who has a serious health condition."¹⁰⁷ The statute guarantees eligible employees a total of twelve weeks of leave in a one-year period when the leave relates to an employee's serious medical condition.¹⁰⁸ Upon the employee's timely return, the employer must reinstate the employee "to the same position as previously held or a comparable position with equivalent pay, benefits, and working conditions."¹⁰⁹ An employer's failure to restore an employee to the same or equivalent position gives rise to an entitlement claim under 29 U.S.C. § 2615(a)(1).¹¹⁰

107 Elsensohn v. St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office , 530 F.3d 368, 372 (5th Cir. 2008) (citing 29 U.S.C. § 2601(b)(2) ).

108 29 U.S.C. § 2612(a)(1).

109 Smith v. E. Baton Rouge Parish Sch. Bd. , 453 F.3d 650, 651 (5th Cir. 2006) (citing 29 U.S.C. § 2614(a)(1) ).

110 Haley v. Alliance Compressor LLC , 391 F.3d 644, 649 (5th Cir. 2004).

The FMLA prohibits an employer from interfering with, restraining, or denying the exercise or attempted exercise of an employee's right to take FMLA leave.¹¹¹ The statute also makes it unlawful for an employer to discharge or retaliate in any other manner against an individual for opposing the employer's unlawful FMLA practices.¹¹² An employer's prohibited discrimination or retaliation gives rise to a claim under 29 U.S.C. § 2615(a)(2). "To prove FMLA retaliation, the employee must demonstrate: ‘(1) he was protected under the FMLA; (2) he suffered an adverse employment action; and (3) he was treated less favorably than an employee who had not requested leave under the FMLA or the adverse decision was made because he sought protection under the FMLA.’ "¹¹³ Plaintiff claims that Defendant interfered with the exercise of FMLA rights under 29 U.S.C. § 2615(a)(1) and failed to restore Plaintiff to an equivalent position under 29 U.S.C. § 2614(a)(1) of the FMLA.¹¹⁴ The Court addresses each claim below.

111 29 U.S.C. § 2615(a)(1).

112 29 U.S.C. § 2615(a)(2).

113 Acker v. GM, L.L.C. , 853 F.3d 784, 790 (5th Cir. 2017) (quoting Mauder v. Metro. Transit Auth. of Harris Cty., Tex. , 446 F.3d 574, 583 (5th Cir. 2006) ).

114 Rec. Doc. No. 7, ¶¶ 22.

1. FMLA Interference

To establish a prima facie interference case, a plaintiff must show that: (1) she was an eligible employee, (2) the Defendant was an employer subject to the FMLA's requirements, (3) she was entitled to leave, (4) she gave proper notice of her intention to take FMLA leave, and (5) the Defendant denied her the benefits to which she was entitled under the FMLA.¹¹⁵ At issue is prong 5, did Shell deny the Plaintiff FMLA benefits to which she was entitled?

115 Donald v. Sybra, Inc. , 667 F.3d 757, 761 (6th Cir. 2012) ; see also Burris v. Brazell , 351 Fed.Appx. 961, 963 (5th Cir. 2009) (per curiam )("To make a prima facie case for interference with FMLA rights, [the plaintiff] must first demonstrate that she took leave that was protected under the FMLA.")(citing Mauder v. Metro. Transit Auth. of Harris Cnty., Tex. , 446 F.3d 574, 580 (5th Cir. 2006) ).

The Court finds that the March 11, 2016, vehicle accident and arrest which prompted Plaintiff to call in sick and not fulfill her scheduled overtime shift was the final "occurrence" which prompted Defendant to terminate Plaintiff's employment with Shell.¹¹⁶ There is no evidence in the record that supports a finding that Plaintiff sought approval for FMLA leave for or beginning March 11, 2016. Rather, the record evidence demonstrates that Plaintiff was neither on FMLA leave, nor requested FMLA leave, on March 11, 2016. It was not until March 14 or 15, 2016, the exact date is not clear from the record evidence, that Plaintiff sought FMLA leave.¹¹⁷ The leave continued until approximately March 30, 2016. Neither party disputes that FMLA leave was from March 14, 2016 to March 30, 2016.¹¹⁸ The decision to terminate Plaintiff was made before Plaintiff's FMLA leave expired (March 30, 2016), but Defendant claims that it was unable to reach Plaintiff. Regardless, the first termination letter was issued March 30, 2016, and the second was issued April 5, 2016.¹¹⁹

116 Rec. Doc. No. 31-4, Dec. of Chad Mason, pp. 4-5, ¶¶ 14-16.

117 Rec. Doc. No. 36, p. 14. Plaintiff represents that her FMLA was "certified" on March 15, 2016. Defendant does not dispute this. There is no evidence or representation in the record that leave commenced or was requested prior to March 14, 2016.

118 Rec. Doc. No. 31-3, Depo. of Amedee, pp. 191-194

119 Id. ; Rec. Doc. No. 31-8.

The issue is whether Defendant improperly interfered with Plaintiff's FMLA rights by terminating her employment during a time of leave. The law is clear that the fact that Plaintiff was on leave when she received her termination letter is not an ipso facto interference with FMLA rights.¹²⁰ Simply being on FMLA leave did not insulate Plaintiff from being lawfully terminated.

120 See Varise v. H & E Healthcare, LLC , No. 10-666, 2012 WL 5997202 (M.D. La. Nov. 30, 2012) (citing Stallings v. Hussmann Corp. , 447 F.3d 1041, 1050-51 (8th Cir. 2006) (citing Throneberry v. McGehee Desha County Hosp. , 403 F.3d 972, 980 (8th Cir. 2005) ). See Shirley v. Precision Castparts Corp. , 726 F.3d 675, 682-83 (5th Cir. 2013).

Relying upon Serio v. Jojo's Bakery Restaurant ,¹²¹ the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in Grubb v. Southwest Airlines found:

121 Serio v. Jojo's Bakery Restaurant , 102 F.Supp.2d 1044 (S.D.Ind. 2000).

As a general proposition, "[a]n employee who requests or takes protected leave under the FMLA is not entitled to any greater rights or benefits than he would be entitled to had he not requested or taken leave."¹²² This principle is not only reflected in FMLA regulations on reinstatement, see 29 C.F.R. § 825.216(a), but is also a matter of common sense.¹²³ Moreover, at least for purposes of the FMLA – if not the ADA – one can be fired for poor performance even if that performance is due to the same root cause as the need for leave.¹²⁴ Therefore, given that [defendant's] termination of [plaintiff] was otherwise appropriate, any right to leave would have been extinguished by [defendant's] exercise of that prerogative.¹²⁵

122 Serio , 102 F.Supp.2d at 1051.

123 See Throneberry , 403 F.3d at 977 (describing as ‘uncluttered logic’ its holding that ‘an employer who interferes with an employee's FMLA rights will not be liable if the employer can prove it would have made the same decision had the employee not exercised the employee's FMLA rights’).

124 See McBride v. CITGO Petroleum Corp. , 281 F.3d 1099, 1108 (10th Cir. 2002) (observing that "the FMLA does not protect an employee from performance problems caused by the condition for which FMLA leave is taken.").

125 Grubb v. Southwest Airlines , 296 Fed.Appx. 383, 391 (5th Cir. 2008).

In Nero v. Industrial Molding Corp. ,¹²⁶ the plaintiff was not restored to his position after completing FMLA leave. The jury determined that the employer made the decision to terminate Nero's employment after he took FMLA leave. The Fifth Circuit in Nero stated, "[b]ecause the issue is the right to an entitlement, the employee is due the benefit if the statutory requirements are satisfied, regardless of the intent of the employer. "¹²⁷ The Fifth Circuit then clarified its ruling in Nero in the opinion of Shirley v. Precision Castparts Corp. :

126 Nero v. Industrial Molding Corporation , 167 F.3d 921 (5th Cir. 1999).

127 Matamoros v. Ysleta Independent School Dist. , 916 F.Supp.2d at 723, 727 (W.D. Tex. 2012) (citing Nero , 167 F.3d at 926-27 )(internal citations omitted)(emphasis added). Based on this statement from the Fifth Circuit, the Matamoros plaintiff argued that intent is irrelevant, and the employer is legally required to restore an employee to his previous position after returning from FMLA leave. The Matamoros defendant disagreed with this interpretation, arguing that the employer's intent matters and that an employer may deny reinstatement if it can prove that a plaintiff's employment would have ended regardless of the FMLA leave. The Matamoros court found the defendant's argument persuasive but found that it was bound to follow Fifth Circuit precedent in Nero. Matamoros , 916 F.Supp.2d at 727. The Fifth Circuit noted the Grubb decision but declined to follow it because it was not published and "not precedent". Matamoros at n. 6.

Our opinion in Nero v. Industrial Molding Corp. is not to the contrary. There, having accepted that § 2614(a)(3) provides an employee only those rights to which he would have been entitled had he not taken leave, we noted that, because reinstatement was an FMLA entitlement, ‘the employee [was] due the benefit if the statutory requirements [were] satisfied, regardless of the intent of the employer.’ A few district courts have interpreted the italicized phrase as imposing a strict liability standard, requiring employers, in all circumstances, to reinstate employees after returning from FMLA leave. These courts misread Nero. It is true that an employer may not fail to reinstate an employee following his return from FMLA leave, but only if the statutory requirements have been satisfied. Among those requirements is one dictating that an employee must actually be entitled to the position to which he seeks reinstatement, 29 U.S.C. § 2614(a)(3) ; and an employer may challenge that entitlement by offering evidence that the employee would have lost his position even had he not taken FMLA leave, 29 C.F.R. § 825.216(a). Thus, although denying an employee the reinstatement to which he is entitled generally violates the FMLA, denying reinstatement to an employee whose right to restored employment had already been extinguished – for legitimate reasons unrelated to his efforts to secure FMLA leave – does not violate the Act. Although we might have been clearer in Nero , we in fact considered the employer's reasons for terminating the employee, which, of course, would have been unnecessary had those reasons been irrelevant.¹²⁸

128 Shirley v. Precision Castparts Corp. , 726 F.3d 675, 682-83 (5th Cir. 2013).

The reasoning above is equally applicable in the present case. An employer may challenge the employee's "entitlement" to reinstatement by offering evidence that the employee would have lost his/her position even had he/she not taken FMLA leave.¹²⁹ Here, Defendant challenges Plaintiff's position of entitlement to reinstatement and has offered evidence that Plaintiff would have lost her position even if she had not taken FMLA leave commencing March 14 or 15, 2016. Defendant offered supporting evidence that the decision to terminate Plaintiff was made because of, and immediately after, the March 11, 2016, car accident, arrest, and inability to appear for a scheduled overtime shift. Defendant offered summary judgment evidence that Plaintiff would have been terminated regardless of subsequent FMLA leave.¹³⁰

129 Id.

130 Rec. Doc. No. 31-4, pp. 5-6; Rec. Doc. No. 31-8.

Defendant cites to Varise v. H&E Healthcare, LLC ,¹³¹ arguing that the mere fact of discharge during FMLA leave by no means demands an employer be held strictly liable for violating the FMLA's prohibition of interfering with an employee's FMLA rights.¹³² Varise involved a plaintiff who was not restored to his former position following FMLA leave because the position itself was eliminated. An employer is not required to restore an employee to a position when the position has been eliminated.¹³³ Although the facts in this case are distinguishable, the reasoning nonetheless applies. Approval of FMLA leave does not create the guarantee of employment. FMLA was intended to guarantee the ability to take leave without risk of loss of employment. While the taking of FMLA leave should not expose an employee to job loss owing to the taking of leave, the leave itself does not create a job guarantee where factors unrelated to the leave affect continued employment.¹³⁴

131 Varise v. H & E Healthcare, LLC , No. 10-666, 2012 WL 5997202 (M.D. La. Nov. 30, 2012).

132 Rec. Doc. No. 31-1, p. 15, n. 73 (citing Varise , at *3 ).

133 Id. , at *3 (internal citations omitted).

134 See Johnson v. Roehl Properties of Indiana LLC , No. 10-0081, 2012 WL 1144027, *6 (N.D.Ind. 2012) (holding that there is no right to continual employment while on FMLA leave and so there is no interference claim when there has been a termination and that this claim was ‘really "only a retaliation claim masquerading" as an interference claim.’)(citing Dressler v. Community Service Communications, Inc. , 275 F.Supp.2d 17, 25 (D.Me. 2003) (holding that only a retaliation claim is available when the employee on FMLA leave is terminated)); Mascioli v. Arby's Restaurant Group, Inc. , 610 F.Supp.2d 419, 433 (W.D. Pa. 2009) ; Stallings v. Hussmann Corp. , 447 F.3d 1041, 1050-51 (discussing the relationship between FMLA interference and FMLA retaliation claims: ‘[E]very discharge of an employee while [he] is taking FMLA leave interferes with an employee's FMLA rights. However, the mere fact of discharge during FMLA leave by no means demands an employer be held strictly liable for violating the FMLA's prohibition of interfering with an employee's FMLA rights.")(citing Throneberry , 403 F.3d at 980 ).

Based on the foregoing, the Court grants summary judgment in favor of the Defendant on Plaintiff's FMLA interference claim.

2. Retaliation or Discrimination

Plaintiff also claims that Defendant failed to restore Plaintiff to an equivalent position under 29 U.S.C. § 2614(a)(1) of the FMLA.¹³⁵ Plaintiff pleads this as a separate claim from her FMLA interference claim although the argument is, essentially, the same.¹³⁶ Defendant refers to this claim as Plaintiff's claim of discrimination under the FMLA.¹³⁷ Claims for failure to restore to an equivalent position are often treated as retaliation or discrimination claims.¹³⁸

135 Rec. Doc. No. 7, ¶ 22.

136 Rec. Doc. No. 36, pp. 17-22.

137 Rec. Doc. No. 31-1, pp. 8-12. However, see Mauder , 446 F.3d at 580 (explaining that the FMLA contains two distinct provisions: entitlements or substantive rights (such as the right to return to the same position after an absence), and proscriptive rights (protecting employees from retaliation or discrimination)); Haley , 391 F.3d at 649 (A claim to restore the employee to the same position is a substantive FMLA right, and claims for violation of this right invokes entitlement or interference theories brought under § 2615(a)(1) ).

138 Shirley, supra.

Following FMLA leave, an employer ordinarily must restore the returning employee to the same position previously held or "an equivalent position with equivalent employment benefits, pay, and other terms and conditions of employment."¹³⁹ An employer's failure to restore an employee to the same or equivalent position gives rise to an entitlement claim under 29 U.S.C. § 2615(a)(1).¹⁴⁰ The FMLA also "protects employees from interference with their leave as well as against discrimination or retaliation for exercising their rights."¹⁴¹ An employer's prohibited discrimination or retaliation gives rise to a claim under 29 U.S.C. § 2615(a)(2).

139 29 U.S.C. § 2614(a)(1).

140 Haley , 391 F.3d at 649.

141 Bocalbos v. Nat'l W. Life Ins. Co. , 162 F.3d 379, 383 (5th Cir. 1998).

Summary judgment for a retaliation claim under the FMLA is subject to the McDonnell Douglas test.¹⁴² To establish a prima facie case for FMLA retaliation, the Plaintiff must show that: (1) she was protected under the FMLA, (2) she suffered an adverse employment action, and (3) she either was treated less favorably than a similarly situated employee who had not requested leave or the adverse decision was made because she took FMLA leave.¹⁴³

142 Varise , at *2.

143 Hunt v. Rapides Healthcare Sys., LLC , 277 F.3d 757, 768 (5th Cir. 2001).

It is undisputed that Plaintiff has satisfied the first two elements of her prima facie case: Plaintiff was protected under the FMLA, and she suffered an adverse employment action when she was terminated.¹⁴⁴ The issue is whether Shell terminated Amedee because she sought protection under the FMLA.

144 See, e.g., Royal v. CCC & R Tres Arboles, LLC , 736 F.3d 396, 400 (5th Cir. 2013) ("It is clear that an adverse employment action occurred here – Royal was fired.").

An employee must "show ‘there is a causal link’ between FMLA-protected activity and the adverse action."¹⁴⁵ Neither the Fifth Circuit, nor the Supreme Court, has decided whether the heightened "but for" causation standard required for Title VII retaliation claims applies to FMLA retaliation claims.¹⁴⁶ However, "the Supreme Court has held that in order to establish the causal link, temporal proximity, if offered by itself, must be ‘very close.’ "¹⁴⁷ Here, the basis for Defendant's decision to terminate Plaintiff occurred on March 11, 2016; Plaintiff began approved FMLA leave on March 14 or 15, 2016; and while the end date of Plaintiff's FMLA leave is unclear from the record, it is clear that she remained on FMLA leave at the time of termination, as evidenced by letters dated March 30, 2016 and April 5, 2016. This is "very close" according to the applicable standards and demonstrates a causal link to establish a prima facie case of FMLA retaliation.

145 Acker v. GM, LLC , 853 F.3d 784, 790 (5th Cir. 2017) (quoting Mauder , 446 F.3d at 583.

146 Wheat v. Florida Parish Juvenile Justice Com'n , 811 F.3d 702, 706 (5th Cir. 2016) (citations omitted).

147 Leal v. BFT, Ltd. P'ship , 423 Fed.Appx. 476, 479 (5th Cir. 2011) (citing Clark Cnty. Sch. Dist. v. Breeden , 532 U.S. 268, 273-74, 121 S.Ct. 1508, 149 L.Ed.2d 509 (2001) (per curiam )(noting that the time periods of three and four months had been found by the appellate courts to be "very close" and holding that a period of twenty months was not "very close")).

Once the prima facie showing is made, the burden shifts to the employer to demonstrate a legitimate, non-retaliatory reason for the employment decision.¹⁴⁸ A plaintiff must then show either: (1) that the employer's reason is a pretext for discrimination; or (2) that the employer has a discriminatory or retaliatory motive in addition to a legitimate reason, or mixed motives.¹⁴⁹ If the employee demonstrates that the employer had a mixed motive, then the employer must show that it would have conducted the same employment action regardless of the discriminatory motivation.¹⁵⁰

148 Richardson v. Monitronics Intern., Inc. , 434 F.3d 327, 333 (5th Cir. 2005).

149 Id.

150 Id.

Defendant argues that it is "undisputed that on March 10, 2016, Amedee had a meeting with her supervisors in which she was warned about her excessive non-FMLA absences and her failure to appropriately call off of work".¹⁵¹ Plaintiff was cautioned that further violations could result in her termination.¹⁵² It is undisputed that the same day as Plaintiff's most recent counseling on her absences, she consumed alcohol, wrecked her truck, was arrested for her second DWI, causing her to call-in "sick" and not make her overtime shift of 4:30 a.m. on March 11, 2016.¹⁵³ Defendant claims that these facts alone "unquestionably" equate to a legitimate, non-discriminatory reason for termination.¹⁵⁴

151 Rec. Doc. No. 31-1, p. 9 (citing Rec. Doc. No. 31-4, p. 4, ¶ 13; Rec. Doc. No. 31-6).

152 Rec. Doc. No. 31-5; Rec. Doc. No. 31-6.

153 Rec. Doc. No. 31-4; Rec. Doc. No. 31-7; Rec. Doc. No. 31-3, Depo. of Amedee, pp. 181-84; Rec. Doc. No. 36-2.

154 Rec. Doc. No. 31-1, p. 9.

The burden to articulate a legitimate nondiscriminatory reason for termination "is one of production, not persuasion, it can involve no credibility assessment".¹⁵⁵ Further, the Fifth Circuit has held that excessive absenteeism and/or a failure to show up for work is a legitimate, nonretaliatory reason for the termination of employment.¹⁵⁶ Louisiana District Courts have made the same finding.¹⁵⁷ Here, the summary judgment evidence and record support that: Plaintiff had numerous non-FMLA approved absences, early departures, or late arrivals;¹⁵⁸ Plaintiff was made aware of these instances;¹⁵⁹ although Plaintiff disputed some of these instances, the record does not reflect that she resolved her dispute by providing the required information to the Reed Group and having the instances converted to approved leave;¹⁶⁰ Plaintiff contends some of these instances were due to back pain, but the record evidence does not reflect that this was provided to and considered by the Reed Group in accordance with the policies and procedures;¹⁶¹ Shell followed its internal procedures for a formal disciplinary process, which Plaintiff does not dispute;¹⁶² and Plaintiff's final unapproved failure to report to her shift was one day following a counseling for excessive absenteeism. Absent from the record is any evidence of a connection between a retaliatory animus for Plaintiff's prior FMLA leave to the subject termination based on recorded absences, early departures, late arrivals, and discussion in accordance with the Defendant's formal disciplinary process.¹⁶³ The Court finds that Defendant has presented summary judgment evidence of a legitimate non-discriminatory reason for Plaintiff's termination.¹⁶⁴

155 Talbott v. Time Warner Entertainment-Advance/Newhouse Partnership , 2013 WL 152179, *5 (W.D. Tex. Jan. 11, 2013) (citing Reeves v. Sanderson Plumbing Prods., Inc. , 530 U.S. 133, 142, 120 S.Ct. 2097, 147 L.Ed.2d 105 (2000) ; see also Patrick v. Ridge , 394 F.3d 311, 315 (5th Cir. 2004) (citing Tex. Dep't of Cmty. Affairs v. Burdine , 450 U.S. 248, 255, 101 S.Ct. 1089, 67 L.Ed.2d 207 (1981) )).

156 See Trautman v. Time Warner Cable Texas, LLC , 756 Fed.Appx. 421 (5th Cir. Dec. 12, 2018) ; Bell v. Dallas Cnty. , 432 F.App'x 330, 334 (5th Cir. 2011) (affirming summary judgment where an employee was discharged "because his non-FMLA absences were excessive" and "grounds for termination" under the employer's attendance policy); Edmonsond v. Brookwood Cmty. , 114 F.App'x 148, 148-49 (5th Cir. 2004) ; Richardson v. Monitronics Int'l, Inc. , 434 F.3d 327, 335 (5th Cir. 2005) ; Williams v. Roy O. Martin Lumber Co. LLC , 2002 WL 31319337, *4 (5th Cir. 2002).

157 See, e.g., Hypes v. First Commerce Corp. , 3 F.Supp.2d 712, 723 (E.D. La. Aug. 27, 1996) ("[Plaintiff] was dismissed because of excessive absenteeism. This reason is legitimate and veils no discriminatory intent on the part of [Defendant].").

158 Rec. Doc. No. 31-1, pp. 3-4 (Dec. of Chad Mason, Rec. Doc. No. 31-4, p. 3, ¶ 9; Rec. Doc. No. 31-6).

159 Rec. Doc. No. 31-5; Rec. Doc. No. 31-6.

160 See pp. 2-4 and footnotes 10-21 herein.

161 The record evidence is void of any certification or acknowledgement by the Reed Group of these instances of alleged back pain and converting to approved leave.

162 Rec. Doc. No. 31-1, pp. 4-6 (Dec. of Chad Mason, Rec. Doc. No. 31-4, pp. 3-4, ¶¶ 9-13; Rec. Doc. No. 31-5; Rec. Doc. No. 31-6); See Rec. Doc. No. 36, p. 9.

163 See, e.g., McKenna v. Liberty Mut. Group, Inc. , 468 Fed.Appx. 413, 417 (5th Cir. 2012) ; Wiseman v. New Breed Logistics, Inc. , 72 F.Supp.3d 672, 678 (N.D. Miss. 2014).

164 Rec. Doc. No. 31-3, Depo. of Amedee, pp. 169-171; Rec. Doc. No. 31-7. See Rec. Doc. No. 36, pp. 12-13; Rec. Doc. No. 36-2, Dec. of Amedee, p. 6, ¶ 18.

Plaintiff argues that her retaliation claim should be analyzed "under the mixed-motive framework".¹⁶⁵ Plaintiff argues that this analysis "permits a finding of discrimination despite the co-existence of legitimate motives".¹⁶⁶ However, Plaintiff's argument and showing based on proper summary judgment evidence ends here. Plaintiff does not articulate the alleged mixed-motives. Plaintiff's burden is to demonstrate with summary judgment evidence that discrimination was a motivating factor in her termination, a retaliatory animus.¹⁶⁷ Plaintiff seems to admit that Shell had a legitimate reason for terminating her employment, but that Shell also had discriminatory motives as well. The Court is left at this juncture in Plaintiff's argument guessing what that discriminatory motive was and what evidence supports such a finding.¹⁶⁸

165 Rec. Doc. No. 36, p. 20.

166 Id. (citing Desert Palace, Inc. v. Costa , 539 U.S. 90, 98-102, 123 S.Ct. 2148, 156 L.Ed.2d 84 ); Richardson , 434 F.3d at 332-33 ).

167 Allain v. Board of Supervisors of Univ. of La. System , 81 F.Supp.3d 502, 511 (W.D. La. 2015) (citing Richardson , 434 F.3d at 333 ).

168 Rec. Doc. No. 36, pp. 20-21 (where Plaintiff sets forth the legal support for arguing a mixed-motives theory, as opposed to pretext, but provides no explanation, argument, or evidence of same). See Carroll v. Sanderson Farms, Inc. , 2012 WL 3866886, *11 (S.D. Tex. Sept. 5, 2012) ("it is well established that ‘discrimination laws [are not] vehicles for judicial second-guessing of business decisions’ "; "The question is not whether an employer made an erroneous decision; it is whether the decision was made with discriminatory motive."; "In sum, [defendant] states that there is ample evidence that the discharge decision was supported by legitimate nondiscriminatory reasons, and since there is no competent evidence of pretext, Plaintiff's subjective belief that she was discriminated against based on her disability and her FMLA leave is insufficient to create a genuine issue of material fact for trial.")(citing Walton v. Bisco Indus. , 119 F.3d 368, 372 (5th Cir. 1997) ; Perez v. Region 20 Educ. Serv. Center , 307 F.3d 318, 325 (5th Cir. 2002) ).

Plaintiff argues in a separate section of her opposition that Guba played a role in her termination that was somehow improper.¹⁶⁹ Plaintiff contends that, after she received her notice of termination, she issued an email appealing this decision.¹⁷⁰ Ryan Schmidt ("Schmidt"), Guba's supervisor and the AOID Unit Manager, then forwarded Plaintiff's email appeal to Mason, Monica Hagar ("Hagar") in Human Resources, and Guba, allegedly stating that Plaintiff's email would be "discuss[ed] Monday".¹⁷¹ Plaintiff suggests that this email exchange and presumed/speculative discussion raises a fact issue of whether her points of reconsideration were, in fact, raised and considered and whether Guba had influence over this decision.¹⁷² Plaintiff then submits that a reasonable factfinder "could conclude that since the General Manager of the Geismar plant referred Amedee's request for a reconsideration of her termination only to Guba, his two senior Human Resources personnel Chad Mason and Monica Hagar on the question of Amedee's Investigation Findings, that Guba must have played a part in the ‘discussion Monday’ ".¹⁷³ Plaintiff does not elaborate on this conclusory statement, offer supporting legal authority, or offer any evidence other than the email appeal.¹⁷⁴

169 Rec. Doc. No. 36, pp. 21-22.

170 Id. (citing Rec. Doc. No. 36-27).

171 Id.

172 Rec. Doc. No. 36, p. 21.

173 Id.

174 Rec. Doc. No. 36, p. 22 (citing Rec. Doc. No. 36-27).

The burden shifted to Plaintiff to demonstrate through summary judgment evidence that Defendant's reason for termination was a pretext or that the mixed-motives theory applied.¹⁷⁵ Plaintiff does not articulate how this theory applies.¹⁷⁶ On summary judgment, the Court is not required to assume a party's argument or survey the record for evidence and argument suggesting Plaintiff's position and support for same. It appears that Plaintiff argues that Guba's involvement in the post-termination discussion improperly influenced any decision, action or inaction by Shell; however, Plaintiff does not explain how Guba's influence, assuming same, impacted Plaintiff's termination in a discriminatory or retaliatory way. Plaintiff argues a "cat's paw theory of liability", citing to Zamora v. City of Houston ; however, Plaintiff goes no further – she states the theory but does not apply it to this matter or engage in any analysis.¹⁷⁷ Plaintiff also does not dispute her absenteeism;¹⁷⁸ the procedure followed for her termination; or specifically articulate how the presumed post-termination discussion is connected to her termination, a retaliatory animus, or reinstatement to her former position.¹⁷⁹ Simply put, Plaintiff has failed to present summary judgment evidence to demonstrate a genuine issue of material fact regarding her allegation that there were mixed motives for her termination.¹⁸⁰ For these reasons, the Court finds that Plaintiff has failed to carry her burden, and Plaintiff's retaliation claim fails.

175 See, e.g., Swenson v. Schwan's Consumer Brands North America, Inc. , 500 Fed.Appx. 343, 345 (5th Cir. 2012) (applying this shifting burden analysis in an age discrimination context); Gordon v. Peters , 2008 WL 162866, *2 (5th Cir. 2008) (applying this shifting burden analysis in a gender discrimination context); Gillaspy v. Dallas Independent School Dist. , 278 Fed.Appx. 307, 312-13 (5th Cir. 2008) ; Morrison v. Dallas County Community College , 273 Fed.Appx. 407, 409-10 (5th Cir. 2008) ; Breeding v. U.S. Dept. of Interior , 2015 WL 1809977, *2 (E.D. La. Apr. 21, 2015).

176 Rec. Doc. No. 36, pp. 21-22.

177 Rec. Doc. No. 36, p. 21 (citing Zamora v. City of Houston , 798 F.3d 326, 331 (5th Cir.2015). See Pete v. City of Houston , 719 Fed.Appx. 334, 339 (5th Cir. 2018) (where the court agreed with the district court's conclusion but criticized the analysis for failing to address the "cat's paw theory of liability"; the court conducted a full analysis under Zamora , unlike Plaintiff in the matter before the Court).

178 Plaintiff disputed some of the specific dates of absenteeism or reasons for same but offered no reliable evidence to support her contention. She does not dispute that she frequently missed work.

179 See Power Equities, Inc. v. Atlas Telecom Services-USA, Inc. , 2007 WL 43843, *4 (N.D. Tex. 2007) (where the defendant "has woefully failed to meet its burden" where it offered no legal authority, no "scholarly argument", and no evidence).

180 See Higgins v. Lufkin Industries, Inc. , 633 Fed.Appx. 229, 232-34 (5th Cir. 2015).

Additionally, Plaintiff's FMLA retaliation claim fails for the same reasons that her interference claim failed, as articulated herein.

For these reasons, the Court grants Defendant's motion for summary judgment on Plaintiff's retaliation or discrimination claim under the FMLA.

3. Fitness-for-Duty Certification

In her opposition, Plaintiff argues facts relevant to a fitness-for-duty certification claim under provisions of the FMLA.¹⁸¹ However, Plaintiff does not plead a claim regarding improper fitness-for-duty certification in her Complaint. ¹⁸² Defendant does not move for summary judgment on a fitness-for-duty certification claim.¹⁸³ In fact, Defendant argues in reply to Plaintiff's opposition that Plaintiff has not alleged any claims related to an impermissible fitness to work examination in her Complaint. ¹⁸⁴ The law is well-settled that a plaintiff may not rely on new claims raised for the first time in response to a motion for summary judgment.¹⁸⁵ The Court will not consider any facts, offered exhibits, or argument related to Plaintiff's fitness-for-duty certification claim that is raised for the first time in her opposition to Defendant's motion for summary judgment.

181 Rec. Doc. No. 36, pp. 5-9.

182 Rec. Doc. No. 7.

183 Rec. Doc. No. 31-1.

184 Rec. Doc. No. 42, p. 9.

185 Cutrera v. Bd. of Supervisors of La. State Univ. , 429 F.3d 108, 113 (5th Cir. 2005) ("A claim which is not raised in the complaint, but, rather, is raised only in response to a motion for summary judgment is not properly before the court.").

D. Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA")

Plaintiff also claims that she was subjected to discrimination based on a disability that Defendant perceived Plaintiff to have. The McDonnell Douglas burden-shifting analysis set forth above also applies to Plaintiff's disability discrimination claim under the ADA.¹⁸⁶ "In a discriminatory-termination action under the ADA, the employee may either present direct evidence that [she] was discriminated against because of [her] disability or alternatively proceed under the burden-shifting analysis first articulated in McDonnell Douglas Corp. v. Green , a Title VII case."¹⁸⁷ The analysis first requires the plaintiff to establish a prima facie case of discrimination.¹⁸⁸ To prove a prima facie case for a violation of the ADA, a plaintiff must show that (1) she is disabled or regarded as disabled within the meaning of the ADA, (2) she is qualified for the job position, and (3) she was subjected to an adverse employment action on account of his disability or perceived disability.¹⁸⁹

186 Robertson v. Corval Constructors, Inc. , 2015 WL 1650367, *4 (M.D. La. Apr. 14, 2015).

187 E.E.O.C. v. LHC Group, Inc. , 773 F.3d 688, 694 (5th Cir. 2014) (internal citation omitted).

188 Id.

189 Id. at 697. See also Suggs v. Central Oil of Baton Rouge, LLC , 2014 WL 3037213, *5 (M.D. La. July 3, 2014).

1. Disability Discrimination

a. Prima Facie Case

To prove a prima facie case for a violation of the ADA, a plaintiff must show that (1) she is disabled or regarded as disabled within the meaning of the ADA, (2) she is qualified for the job position, and (3) she was subjected to an adverse employment action on account of his disability or perceived disability.¹⁹⁰

190 Id. at 697. See also Suggs , at *5.

i. Disabled or Regarded as Disabled

Under the ADA, an individual is regarded as disabled if she has been subjected to an action prohibited under the ADA "because of an actual or perceived physical or mental impairment whether or not the impairment limits or is perceived to limit a major life activity."¹⁹¹ Employers may "defend against a claim of regarded as coverage by proving the perceived impairment actually is ‘both transitory and minor.’ "¹⁹²

191 41 U.S.C. § 12102(3)(A).

192 Suggs , at *5 ; Kennedy v. Parkview Baptist School, Inc. , 2014 WL 6959940, *8 (M.D. La. Dec. 4, 2014).

Plaintiff argues that her disability is "coronary heart disease" and that Defendant has not contested this "qualifying disability" under the ADA.¹⁹³ This is the extent of Plaintiff's "disability" argument. Plaintiff does not direct the Court to any evidence or legal authority to support this position. The Court has reviewed all record evidence and finds no mention of "coronary heart disease". Therefore, the Court is unable to consider, much less make a finding, of a disability of coronary heart disease in this matter.

193 Rec. Doc. No. 36, p. 23.

Plaintiff then argues that Defendant regarded her as being disabled. Here, Plaintiff argues that Guba considered her to be "substantially limited with her bad back", and his "illegal efforts" to have her subjected to Shell's return-to-work examinations "show this clearly". Guba's "subsequent attempts to build an ‘occurrences’ case against Plaintiff and have her fired spring from the same impermissible motivation".¹⁹⁴ Plaintiff does not direct the Court to any admissible evidence to support these arguments, to properly evidence a "bad back", or to show Guba's improper motives. Plaintiff makes no effort to explain Guba's "illegal efforts" or to show through proper summary judgment evidence that Guba was building a case against her with "impermissible motivation".

194 Rec. Doc. No. 36, p. 24. Plaintiff does not cite to any exhibits or record evidence in support of this argument.

Thus, Plaintiff fails to show a prima facie case under this theory of recovery. The record is void of admissible evidence establishing that Plaintiff was disabled owing to coronary artery disease or that Defendant considered Plaintiff to be physically impaired, allegedly due to her back condition. Plaintiff offered nothing more than an unsubstantiated conspiracy theory involving Guba. There is no admissible evidence from which a reasonable trier of fact could infer that the Defendant regarded Plaintiff as disabled or that this perceived disability motivated her termination. Not one item of evidence produced by Defendant demonstrating Plaintiff's alleged misconduct referenced Plaintiff's alleged health problems or came close to suggesting that Defendant considered them in Plaintiff's termination.

The Plaintiff failed to present competent evidence of the first element of a prima facie case under the ADA. However, even if the Plaintiff was disabled or regarded as disabled, Plaintiff fails to show through competent summary judgment evidence that she was qualified for the position.

ii. Qualified Individual

The second element of a prima facie case for a violation of the ADA is that plaintiff must show that she is qualified for the job position.¹⁹⁵ An individual is "qualified" under the ADA if she can perform the essential functions of her job, with or without a reasonable accommodation.¹⁹⁶ Defendant argues on summary judgment that Plaintiff is prevented from arguing that she can perform the essential functions of her job because she represented to the Social Security Administration, when applying for disability benefits, that she was unable to work.¹⁹⁷

195 Id. at 697. See also Suggs , at *5.

196 42 U.S.C. § 12111(8).

197 Rec. Doc. No. 31-1, pp. 12-14. Defendant relies upon Cleveland v. Policy Management Systems Corp. , 526 U.S. 795, 119 S.Ct. 1597, 143 L.Ed.2d 966 (1999), and Holtzclaw v. DSC Commc'ns. Corp. , 255 F.3d 254, 259 (5th Cir. 2001), in advancing this argument.

In Cleveland v. Policy Management Systems Corp. , the key issue for the United States Supreme Court was that the Social Security Administration defines a disability differently than the ADA, not allowing for an individual that can perform his/her job functions "with or without a reasonable accommodation".¹⁹⁸ The Supreme Court held that an ADA plaintiff cannot simply ignore the apparent contradiction that arises out of the earlier SSDI claim. Rather, the plaintiff must proffer "a sufficient explanation".¹⁹⁹

198 Cleveland , 526 U.S. at 795-96, 119 S.Ct. 1597.

199 Cleveland , 526 U.S. at 805-06, 119 S.Ct. 1597.("Nonetheless, in some cases an earlier SSDI claim may turn out genuinely to conflict with an ADA claim. Summary judgment for a defendant is appropriate when the plaintiff ‘fails to make a showing sufficient to establish the existence of an element essential to [her] case, and on which [she] will bear the burden of proof at trial.’ ... An ADA plaintiff bears the burden of proving that she is a ‘qualified individual with a disability’ – that is, a person ‘who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions’ of her job. 42 U.S.C. § 12111(8). And a plaintiff's sworn assertion in an application for disability benefits that she is, for example, ‘unable to work’ will appear to negate an essential element of her ADA case – at least if she does not offer a sufficient explanation. For that reason, we hold that an ADA plaintiff cannot simply ignore the apparent contradiction that arises out of the earlier SSDI total disability claim. Rather, she must proffer a sufficient explanation."). See also Voisin v. Georgia Gulf Corp. , 245 F.Supp.2d 853, 860-61 (M.D. La. Nov. 4, 2002) (applying Cleveland ).

To defeat summary judgment, the explanation by the plaintiff must be sufficient to warrant a reasonable juror concluding that, assuming the truth of or plaintiff's good faith belief in the earlier statement that she was totally disabled, the plaintiff could nonetheless perform her job with reasonable accommodation.²⁰⁰

200 Johnson v. Hoechst Celanese Corp. , 127 S.W.3d 875, 881 (Tex.App. 2004) (citing Cleveland , 526 U.S. at 807, 119 S.Ct. 1597 ).

In Holtzclaw v. DSC Commc'ns. Corp. , the district court granted summary judgment because the plaintiff was not physically able to do his job "with or without reasonable accommodation" and he failed to establish a prima facie case of discrimination. The Fifth Circuit affirmed²⁰¹ and stated:

201 Holtzclaw , 255 F.3d at 257.

Cleveland teaches that a plaintiff cannot change his story during litigation without a sufficient explanation for his inconsistent assertions. Holtzclaw has offered no sufficient explanation for the contradiction between his disability applications and his claim that, when he reapplied for the job, he could have worked even without reasonable accommodation. He therefore has failed to create a material issue of fact whether he is qualified

for the position he sought. Because he cannot establish that element of his prima facie claim, summary judgment was appropriate on the ADA claim.²⁰²

202 Holtzclaw , 255 F.3d at 259.

Here, Defendant argues on summary judgment that Plaintiff must address the inconsistency between the allegations of her ADA claim (that she is capable to perform the essential functions of her job) and her prior representations to the Social Security Administration (that she is unable to work).²⁰³ The record evidence reflects that Plaintiff testified that she was unable to work due to her "disabling condition of her back" caused by the March 11, 2016, incident;²⁰⁴ that she was disabled due to this condition at the time she filed her claim for disability benefits with the Social Security Administration;²⁰⁵ and that she has been unable to work since March 11, 2016.²⁰⁶ Based on this evidence, Defendant argues that Plaintiff cannot demonstrate a prima facie case for disability discrimination under the ADA because she cannot show that she is qualified to perform her job responsibilities.²⁰⁷

203 Rec. Doc. No. 31-1, p. 12.

204 Rec. Doc. No. 31-3, Depo. of Amedee, p. 244.

205 Id. at pp. 245-46.

206 Id. at p. 247.

207 Rec. Doc. No. 31-1, p. 14.

Plaintiff argues in response that she testified that her back pain that rendered her disabled on March 11, 2016, was the aggravation of a pre-existing condition; that she has had these same flare-ups in the past; that she has been able to work "through it" in the past; but she was not able to do so this time. She claims that she has been forced to receive Medicaid benefits, which does not afford her the same treatment as she had in the past when she had "flare-ups".²⁰⁸ Plaintiff claims that this is sufficient evidence to convince a reasonable factfinder that since she was able to defeat previous flare-ups of back pain, there is no reason to believe that she could not have done so here.²⁰⁹

208 Rec. Doc. No. 36, p. 25 (Rec. Doc. No. 31-3, Depo. of Amedee, pp. 245-47).

209 Rec. Doc. No. 36, pp. 25-26.

Although not argued by Plaintiff, the Court notes that the record reflects that Plaintiff has plead a claim for failure to provide reasonable accommodations under the ADA.²¹⁰ Also, the Plaintiff's declaration reflects that there was work that she was capable of doing and that she made a request for a special chair to reasonably accommodate her back condition and office work.²¹¹ This evidence calls into question whether, even if Plaintiff was disabled from March 11, 2016, forward as she represented to the Social Security Administration, would she have been qualified to do her job with a reasonable accommodation under the ADA. As such, the Court finds that there are genuine issues of material fact as to whether Plaintiff would have been qualified to perform her job duties with a reasonable accommodation and whether a reasonable juror could conclude that, despite her representations of disability to the Social Security Administration and in her deposition testimony, she could have returned to her job duties with reasonable accommodation.

210 Rec. Doc. No. 7, ¶ 29.

211 Rec. Doc. No. 36-2, ¶¶ 11, 31-33.

b. Legitimate Non-Discriminatory Reason for Termination

Plaintiff has not made a prima facie showing of her claim for disability discrimination under the ADA. Even assuming she did, Defendant advances the same argument for a legitimate non-discriminatory reason for termination as is set forth above regarding her FMLA claims.²¹² Based on the same analysis and reasons stated previously regarding Plaintiff's FMLA claims, the Court finds that the Defendant has made a proper evidentiary showing supporting a legitimate, non-discriminatory reason for termination of Plaintiff's employment under the ADA.

212 Rec. Doc. No. 31-1, pp. 8-9. Because the same burden-shifting framework applies to discrimination claims under the FMLA and ADA, Defendant addressed Defendant's purported legitimate, non-discriminatory reason for terminating Plaintiff and Plaintiff's argument of pretext or mixed-motives theory at the same time.

Both the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and the district courts of Louisiana have granted and affirmed summary judgment where, regardless of the showing on the prima facie case, the fact that there was a legitimate, non-discriminatory reason for termination with no showing of pretext, warranted summary judgment on the discrimination claim.²¹³ As with Plaintiff's FMLA retaliation claim, absent from the record is any evidence of a connection between a discriminatory animus based on a disability to the subject termination based on recorded absences, early departures, late arrivals, and discussion in accordance with the Defendant's formal disciplinary process.²¹⁴ As such, the Court grants summary judgment in Defendant's favor on Plaintiff's claim of disability discrimination under the ADA.

213 See Reed v. Neopost USA, Inc. , 701 F.3d 434, 439 (5th Cir. 2012) ("Here, the district court assumed, without deciding, that Reed articulated a prima facie case. Neopost responded with a legitimate nondiscriminatory reason for Reed's termination: that he falsified customer surveys. Thus, the central question facing the court was whether Reed could demonstrate a genuine issue of material fact that Neopost intentionally discriminated against him." Plaintiff could do so by showing pretext or mixed motive.); Kennedy , at *14 ("Assuming the plaintiff could establish this element of her prima facie case ..., the defendant has produced evidence that the plaintiff was terminated for a legitimate, non-discriminatory reason unrelated to her disability.... For the same reasons explained in the analysis of the ADEA claim, the evidence on which the plaintiff relies does not dispute the defendant's legitimate, nondiscriminatory reasons. Evidence of a prima facie case, without evidence to dispute the defendant's legitimate, nondiscriminatory reasons, is insufficient for a reasonable trier of fact to find the defendant's explanation for terminating the plaintiff is a pretext for discrimination based on her disability."); Minnis v. Board of Sup'rs of Louisiana State Univ. and Agricultural and Mech. College , 55 F.Supp.3d 864, 883 (M.D. La. Oct. 21, 2014) ("That notwithstanding, even if this Court were to accept that Minnis has satisfied the first two prongs of the retaliation analysis, Minnis's claim must still fail. As discussed previously, LSU has ‘produc[ed] evidence that its employment decision was based on a legitimate nondiscriminatory reason,’ ... namely, that Minnis was terminated because of his inadequate job performance, and in particular, his deficient competitive record, which had been exhaustively documented. Accordingly, the burden shifts back to Minnis to show that LSU's ‘proffered reasons were a pretext for discrimination’.... Minnis offers no facts of substance to rebut LSU's proffered reason for his termination.")(citations omitted).

214 See, e.g., Pinkerton v. Spellings , 2006 WL 8437217, *7 (N.D. Tex. Apr. 6, 2006).

2. Request for Accommodation

Plaintiff separately alleges Defendant violated the ADA by failing to provide her with a reasonable accommodation.²¹⁵ The ADA obligates an employer to reasonably accommodate the known physical or mental impairments of "a qualified individual with a disability".²¹⁶ This obligation arises once an employer is put on notice of an employee's need to be reasonably accommodated—which usually, but not always, occurs after the employee requests an accommodation.²¹⁷ Once the employer is put on notice, the ADA requires both parties to engage in a good faith interactive process to develop a reasonable accommodation.

215 Rec. Doc. No. 7, p. 5, ¶ 29.

216 42 U.S.C. §§ 12112(b)(5)(A)-(B) (employer violates ADA by "not making reasonable accommodations").

217 Loulseged v. Akzo Nobel Inc. , 178 F.3d 731, 736 n. 5 (5th Cir.1999).

The precise "contours of the interactive process must be determined on a case-by-case basis."²¹⁸ An employer that demonstrates a good faith effort to engage in the interactive process and to make a reasonable accommodation is shielded from liability for compensatory and punitive damages. On the other hand, "[w]hen an employer's unwillingness to engage in a good faith interactive process leads to a failure to reasonably accommodate an employee, the employer violates the ADA."²¹⁹ But if the breakdown of the interactive process is traceable to the employee rather than the employer, there is no violation of the ADA.²²⁰

218 Picard v. St. Tammany Parish Hosp. , 611 F.Supp.2d 608, 621 (E.D. La. 2009).

219 Jenkins v. Cleco Power, LLC , 487 F.3d 309, 316 (5th Cir.2007).

220 Loulseged. , 178 F.3d at 736.

Here, Defendant claims that it moves for summary judgment on all of Plaintiff's claims and seeks dismissal of this entire matter without the need for trial.²²¹ However, Defendant's motion for summary judgment does not move for dismissal of or in any way address Plaintiff's claim for failure to make a reasonable accommodation under the ADA.²²² In opposition, Plaintiff sets forth the standard and applicable elements of a failure to accommodate claim in two very brief paragraphs, even though the Defendant did not move for summary judgment on this claim specifically.²²³

221 Rec. Doc. No. 31-1, p. 1.

222 Rec. Doc. No. 31-1. See Loulseged , 178 F.3d at 734 (5th Cir. 1999) ("[I]t is perhaps arguable that the failure to accommodate an employee standing alone may give rise to a claim under the ADA. Cf. Penny v. United Parcel Service , 128 F.3d 408 (6th Cir. 1997)."); Dillard v. City of Austin, Texas , 837 F.3d 557, 562 (5th Cir. 2016) (Apart from any claim that an adverse employment action was motivated by the employee's disability, an employer's failure to reasonably accommodate a disabled employee may constitute a distinct violation of the Act.").

223 Rec. Doc. No. 36, p. 24.

Defendant argues in its reply memorandum, "Amedee asserts that she requested a chair for her position in the unit control room beginning in January 2016, but she was not provided with one prior to her termination and therefore has a claim under the ADA for failure to accommodate. This is more misdirection."²²⁴ Defendant argues that Plaintiff cannot "establish an entitlement to relief under the ADA", and Defendant concludes that "Amedee has not established a genuine issue of fact that she requested a medical accommodation or that she did not have access to the desired chair that remained in the control room."²²⁵ However, Defendant does not acknowledge that Plaintiff plead this claim in her First Amended Complaint ; that Defendant did not address this claim and put forth an evidentiary showing to support summary judgment on this claim; or that Defendant was addressing this issue as a separate claim for the first time in its reply memorandum.²²⁶

224 Rec. Doc. 42, p. 10.

225 Rec. Doc. 42, pp. 10-11.

226 Id.

The Court previously found that Plaintiff has not made a showing that she is disabled or regarded as disabled, the first prong of her prima facie case under the ADA. Therefore, Defendant is not obligated to reasonably accommodate Plaintiff's purported physical impairment.²²⁷ Because Plaintiff has not made a prima facie showing of a disability under the ADA, Plaintiff's claim for failure to make a reasonable accommodation also fails and is hereby dismissed.

227 See Jenkins v. Cleco Power, LLC , 487 F.3d 309, 315 (5th Cir. 2007) ("Assuming that Jenkins is disabled, he must still prove that Cleco failed to reasonably accommodate him. See 42 U.S.C. § 12112(b)(5)(A)."); Loulseged , 178 F.3d at 734, n. 2 ("The ADA requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for disabled employees.... At oral argument, [defendant] argued that [plaintiff] did not qualify as disabled under the ADA. This was not the ground on which the district court granted judgment as a matter of law, and our resolution of the case makes it unnecessary to address this contention."); Demarce v. Robinson Property Group Corp. , 642 Fed.Appx. 348, 354 (5th Cir. 2016) ("Ultimately, in order to prevail on a failure-to-accommodate claim, a plaintiff must prove: ‘(1) [she] is a "qualified individual with a disability," (2) the disability and its consequential limitations were "known" by the covered employer; and (3) the employer failed to make ‘reasonable accommodations’ for such known limitations.").

III. CONCLUSION

For the reasons set forth above, Shell Chemical LP's Motion for Summary Judgment²²⁸ is granted.

228 Rec. Doc. No. 31.

Judgment shall be entered accordingly.

IT IS SO ORDERED.