Mary A. Jones, Complainant,v.Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner, Social Security Administration, Agency.

Equal Employment Opportunity CommissionDec 15, 2009
0120092888 (E.E.O.C. Dec. 15, 2009)

0120092888

12-15-2009

Mary A. Jones, Complainant, v. Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner, Social Security Administration, Agency.


Mary A. Jones,

Complainant,

v.

Michael J. Astrue,

Commissioner,

Social Security Administration,

Agency.

Appeal No. 0120092888

Agency No. DAL-09-0431SSA

DECISION

Complainant filed a timely appeal with this Commission from a final

agency decision dated June 5, 2009, dismissing her 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., for failure to state a claim.

During the relevant period, complainant worked as a Tele-service

Representative at a Texas center of the agency. Complainant filed a

formal EEO complaint alleging that the agency subjected her to hostile

work environment harassment on the bases of race (Black), sex (female),

age (over 40), and reprisal for prior protected EEO activity when a

supervisor, other than her own, stated that complainant was rude and

unprofessional when she asked questions during a staff training session.

In its June 5 final decision, the agency dismissed complainant's claim

pursuant to 29 C.F.R. � 1614.107(a)(1) for failure to state a claim.

Specifically, the agency stated that complainant was not harmed by the

supervisor's statement and that his action does not rise to the level of a

hostile work environment. The instant appeal from complainant followed.

On appeal, complainant stated that she was publicly confronted by the

supervisor and had to endure an investigatory interview regarding the

matter, which affected her health. Further, complainant stated that

she does not feel free to interact in the workplace and such affects

her promotional opportunities.

After a careful review of the record, we agree with the agency. The

Commission finds that the complaint fails to state a claim of hostile

work environment under EEOC regulations because complainant failed to

show that the actions as alleged are sufficiently severe or pervasive

to alter the conditions of her employment. See Harris v. Forklift

Systems, Inc., 510 U.S. 17, 21 (1993). Further, we find that complainant

failed to show that she suffered harm or loss with respect to a term,

condition, or privilege of employment for which there is a remedy.

See Diaz v. Department of the Air Force, EEOC Request No. 05931049

(April 21, 1994). Accordingly, we AFFIRM the agency's final decision

dismissing complainant's complaint.

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

December 15, 2009

__________________

Date

2

0120092888

U.S. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION

Office of Federal Operations

P.O. Box 77960

Washington, DC 20013

3

0120092888