0120130811
05-10-2013
David R. Mason, Complainant, v. Janet Napolitano, Secretary, Department of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration), Agency.
David R. Mason,
Complainant,
v.
Janet Napolitano,
Secretary,
Department of Homeland Security
(Transportation Security Administration),
Agency.
Appeal No. 0120130811
Agency No. HS-TSA-21217-2012
DECISION
Complainant filed a timely appeal with this Commission from the Agency's final order dated November 16, 2012, dismissing a 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. and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), as amended, 29 U.S.C. � 621 et seq.
BACKGROUND
During the period at issue, Complainant worked as a Transportation Security Administration Financial Specialist, and was assigned to the Nashville, Tennessee International Airport.
On February 14, 2012, Complainant filed the instant formal complaint. Therein, Complainant claimed that the Agency subjected him to discrimination on the bases of race, sex, color, and age when:
on October 18, 2011, he became aware that other employees who had failed to pay bills as part of their official duties had not received a Letter of Reprimand as he did on September 17, 2008.
After the investigation of the instant formal complaint, Complainant was provided with a copy of the report of investigation and with a notice of the right to request a hearing before an EEOC Administrative Judge (AJ). Thereafter, the Agency filed a Motion to Dismiss. On October 12, 2012, the AJ issued an Order of Dismissal. Therein, the AJ dismissed Complainant's complaint pursuant to 29 C.F.R. � 1614.107(a)(1), for stating the same claims that is pending before or has been decided by the Agency of Commission. Specifically, the AJ found that this claim raises the same matter in Agency Case No. HS-09-TSA-006828.
On November 16, 2012, the Agency issued the instant final order, fully implementing the AJ's decision.
The instant appeal followed.
ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS
The regulation set forth at 29 C.F.R. 1614.107(a)(1) provides that the Agency shall dismiss a complaint that states the same claim that is pending before or has been decided by the agency or Commission.
The instant formal complaint states the same claim that has already been decided by the Agency. In the prior formal complaint identified as Agency Case No. HS-09-TSA-006828, Complainant alleged that he was discriminated when on June 12, 2008, he was issued a Letter of Guidance and on September 17, 2008, he was issued a Letter of Reprimand.
In the instant formal complaint, Complainant alleges that the Agency subjected him to discrimination when on October 18, 2011, he became aware that other employees who had failed to pay bills as part of their official duties had not received a Letter of Reprimand as he did on September 17, 2008.
Based on a thorough review of the record and contentions on appeal, we AFFIRM the Agency's final order implementing the AJ's dismissal of Complainant's formal complaint.
STATEMENT OF RIGHTS - ON APPEAL
RECONSIDERATION (M0610)
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), at 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 (S0610)
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 (Z0610)
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
May 10, 2013
__________________
Date
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U.S. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION
Office of Federal Operations
P.O. Box 77960
Washington, DC 20013
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