0120083905
02-26-2009
Cynthia M. Brown, Complainant, v. John E. Potter, Postmaster General, United States Postal Service, Agency.
Cynthia M. Brown,
Complainant,
v.
John E. Potter,
Postmaster General,
United States Postal Service,
Agency.
Appeal No. 0120083905
Agency No. 1H-378-0012-08
DECISION
Complainant filed a timely appeal with this Commission from the final
agency decision dated August 9, 2008, dismissing her formal complaint of
unlawful employment discrimination in violation of Title VII of the Civil
Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), as amended, 42 U.S.C. � 2000e et seq.
On May 19, 2008, complainant initiated EEO Counselor contact. Informal
efforts to resolve her concerns were unsuccessful.
In a formal complaint filed on July 31, 2008, complainant alleged that
she was subjected to discrimination on the basis of reprisal for prior
protected EEO when she was given an investigative interview, subsequently
issued a Letter of Warning (LOW) on March 24, 2008, and then received
written verification on April 21, 2008 that there was no present written
policy stating employees cannot leave the premises on break.
In the instant final decision, the agency dismissed the formal complaint
pursuant to 29 C.F.R. � 1614.107(a)(2), on the grounds of untimely EEO
Counselor contact.
The record reflects that complainant had, or should have had, a reasonable
suspicion of unlawful employment discrimination on March 24, 2008.
However, complainant's initial EEO contact on May 19, 2008, occurred
after the expiration of the 45-day limitation period for making timely EEO
contact. Complainant has failed to present adequate justification for
extending the limitation period beyond 45 days. Accordingly, the agency's
decision to dismiss appellant's complaint for failure to initiate contact
with an EEO Counselor in a timely fashion was proper and is AFFIRMED.
Because we affirm the agency's dismissal of the instant complaint for
the reason stated herein, we will not address the agency's alternative
dismissal grounds.
STATEMENT OF RIGHTS - ON APPEAL
RECONSIDERATION (M1208)
The Commission may, in its discretion, reconsider the decision in this
case if the complainant or the agency submits a written request containing
arguments or evidence which tend to establish that:
1. The appellate decision involved a clearly erroneous interpretation
of material fact or law; or
2. The appellate decision will have a substantial impact on the
policies, practices, or operations of the agency.
Requests to reconsider, with supporting statement or brief, must be filed
with the Office of Federal Operations (OFO) within thirty (30) calendar
days of receipt of this decision or within twenty (20) calendar days of
receipt of another party's timely request for reconsideration. See 29
C.F.R. � 1614.405; Equal Employment Opportunity Management Directive for
29 C.F.R. Part 1614 (EEO MD-110), 9-18 (November 9, 1999). All requests
and arguments must be submitted to the Director, Office of Federal
Operations, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, P.O. Box 77960,
Washington, DC 20013. In the absence of a legible postmark, the request
to reconsider shall be deemed timely filed if it is received by mail
within five days of the expiration of the applicable filing period.
See 29 C.F.R. � 1614.604. The request or opposition must also include
proof of service on the other party.
Failure to file within the time period will result in dismissal of your
request for reconsideration as untimely, unless extenuating circumstances
prevented the timely filing of the request. Any supporting documentation
must be submitted with your request for reconsideration. The Commission
will consider requests for reconsideration filed after the deadline only
in very limited circumstances. See 29 C.F.R. � 1614.604(c).
COMPLAINANT'S RIGHT TO FILE A CIVIL ACTION (S0408)
You have the right to file a civil action in an appropriate United States
District Court within ninety (90) calendar days from the date that you
receive this decision. If you file a civil action, you must name as the
defendant in the complaint the person who is the official agency head
or department head, identifying that person by his or her full name and
official title. Failure to do so may result in the dismissal of your
case in court. "Agency" or "department" means the national organization,
and not the local office, facility or department in which you work. If you
file a request to reconsider and also file a civil action, filing a civil
action will terminate the administrative processing of your complaint.
RIGHT TO REQUEST COUNSEL (Z1008)
If you decide to file a civil action, and if you do not have or cannot
afford the services of an attorney, you may request from the Court that
the Court appoint an attorney to represent you and that the Court also
permit you to file the action without payment of fees, costs, or other
security. See Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended,
42 U.S.C. � 2000e et seq.; the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended,
29 U.S.C. �� 791, 794(c). The grant or denial of the request is within
the sole discretion of the Court. Filing a request for an attorney with
the Court does not extend your time in which to file a civil action.
Both the request and the civil action must be filed within the time
limits as stated in the paragraph above ("Right to File A Civil Action").
FOR THE COMMISSION:
______________________________
Carlton M. Hadden, Director
Office of Federal Operations
February 26, 2009
__________________
Date
2
0120083905
U.S. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION
Office of Federal Operations
P.O. Box 77960
Washington, DC 20013
3
0120083905