NV Energy, Inc.

National Labor Relations Board - Board Decisions

Jan 29, 2010

355 N.L.R.B. 41 (N.L.R.B. 2010)

NV ENERGY, INC.
355 NLRB No. 7
41
NV Energy, Inc. and Arthur Goodspeed. Case 28–
CA–22476
January 29, 2010
DECISION AND ORDER
BY CHAIRMAN LIEBMAN AND MEMBER SCHAUMBER
On November 5, 2009, Administrative Law Judge
Mary Miller Cracraft issued the attached decision. The
Charging Party filed exceptions and the Respondent filed
an answering brief.
The National Labor Relations Board1 has considered
the decision and the record in light of the exceptions2 and
briefs and has decided to affirm the judge’s rulings, find-
ings,3 and conclusions and to adopt the recommended
Order.
The judge dismissed the complaint, but in doing so did
not address allegations that the Respondent violated Sec-
tion 8(a)(1) of the Act by denying Charging Party Arthur
Goodspeed’s requests for union representation in meet-
ings with the Respondent on March 20 and April 9, 2009.
Based on the judge’s factual findings, we find that the
Respondent did not unlawfully deny Goodspeed’s re-
quests.

1 Effective midnight December 28, 2007, Members Liebman,
Schaumber, Kirsanow, and Walsh delegated to Members Liebman,
Schaumber, and Kirsanow, as a three-member group, all of the Board’s
powers in anticipation of the expiration of the terms of Members Kir-
sanow and Walsh on December 31, 2007. Pursuant to this delegation,
Chairman Liebman and Member Schaumber constitute a quorum of the
three-member group. As a quorum, they have the authority to issue
decisions and orders in unfair labor practice and representation cases.
See Sec. 3(b) of the Act. See Teamsters Local 523 v. NLRB, ___ F.3d
___, 2009 WL 4912300 (10th Cir. Dec. 22, 2009); Narricot Industries,
L.P. v. NLRB, 587 F.3d 654 (4th Cir. 2009); Snell Island SNF LLC v.
NLRB, 568 F.3d 410 (2d Cir. 2009), petition for cert. filed 78 U.S.L.W.
3130 (U.S. Sept. 11, 2009) (No. 09-328); New Process Steel v. NLRB,
564 F.3d 840 (7th Cir. 2009), cert. granted 130 S.Ct. 488 (2009);
Northeastern Land Services v. NLRB, 560 F.3d 36 (1st Cir. 2009),
petition for cert. filed 78 U.S.L.W. 3098 (U.S. Aug. 18, 2009) (No. 09-
213). But see Laurel Baye Healthcare of Lake Lanier, Inc. v. NLRB,
564 F.3d 469 (D.C. Cir. 2009), petition for cert. filed 78 U.S.L.W. 3185
(U.S. Sept. 29, 2009) (No. 09-377).
2 The Charging Party, acting pro se, submitted his exceptions in a
letter titled “Appeal or Exceptions.” The Respondent contends that the
exceptions fail to adhere to Sec. 102.46(b), (c), and (d) of the Board’s
Rules and Regulations. We find that the Charging Party’s exceptions
are in substantial compliance with the Board’s Rules, and thus we have
considered them. See Diversified Enterprises, 353 NLRB 1174 fn. 2
(2009).
3 The Charging Party has excepted to some of the judge’s credibility
findings. The Board’s established policy is not to overrule an adminis-
trative law judge’s credibility resolutions unless the clear preponder-
ance of all the relevant evidence convinces us that they are incorrect.
Standard Dry Wall Products, 91 NLRB 544 (1950), enfd. 188 F.2d 362
(3d Cir. 1951). We have carefully examined the record and find no
basis for reversing the findings.
Under NLRB v. J. Weingarten, 420 U.S. 251 (1971), an
employer violates Section 8(a)(1) when it denies an em-
ployee’s request to have a union representative present at
an investigatory interview that the employee reasonably
believes might result in disciplinary action. The test for
determining whether an employee reasonably believes
that the interview might result in disciplinary action is
measured by an objective standard under all the circum-
stances of the case, rather than by the employee’s subjec-
tive belief. Id. at 257 fn. 5. See, e.g., Southwestern Bell
Telephone Co., 338 NLRB 552 (2002) (finding standard
not met).4
Here, the meetings were held to follow up on com-
plaints that Goodspeed and other employees had made
about two training class instructors. In denying
Goodspeed’s request for union representation at each
meeting, the Respondent’s human resources partner, Mi-
chael Lenear-Liston, told Goodspeed that the meetings
were intended only to follow up on concerns that
Goodspeed had raised about the instructors. The judge
found no facts that would lead Goodspeed to doubt
Lenear-Liston’s assurances or to reasonably believe that
the meetings could have resulted in his discipline.5 We
accordingly dismiss the Weingarten-related allegations.
ORDER
The recommended Order of the administrative law
judge is adopted and the complaint is dismissed.

Joel C. Schochet, for the General Counsel.
David C. Lonergan (Hunton & Williams), of Dallas, Texas, for
the Respondent.
DECISION
MARY MILLER CRACRAFT, Administrative Law Judge. This
case was tried in Las Vegas, Nevada, on August 25, 2009,1
pursuant to complaint and notice of hearing2 alleging that Re-
spondent NV Power, Inc. violated Section 8(a)(1) of the Na-
tional Labor Relations Act (the Act)3 by twice denying Charg-
ing Party Arthur Goodspeed’s request for union representation
during investigatory interviews and subsequently discharging
Goodspeed for his protected, concerted activity. On the entire
record, including my observation of the demeanor of the wit-
nesses,4 and after considering the briefs filed by counsel for the

4 Chairman Liebman dissented in Southwestern Bell, supra, but
agreed that the applicable standard is an objective one.
5 There was no evidence that any of the other employees who com-
plained to management about the instructors faced discipline or retalia-
tion for complaining about the instructors. Each of the instructors
received a “coaching” because of the complaints.
1 All dates are in 2009, unless otherwise referenced.
2 The complaint and notice of hearing issued on June 30, pursuant to
an unfair labor practice filed by Goodspeed on April 20, 2009.
3 29 U.S.C. §158(a)(1).
4 Credibility resolutions have been made based upon a review of the
entire record and all exhibits in this proceeding. Witness demeanor and
DECISIONS OF THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD

42
General Counsel and counsel for the Respondent, I make the
following findings of fact and conclusions of law.
Jurisdiction
Respondent, a Nevada corporation, with an office and place
of business in Las Vegas, Nevada, is a public utility engaged in
the business of generating, distributing, and selling electricity
to customers in Nevada and California. During the 12-month
period ending April 20, Respondent derived gross revenues in
excess of $250,000 and sold electricity valued in excess of
$50,000 to customers located outside the State of Nevada.
Respondent admits that it is an employer engaged in commerce
within the meaning of Section 2(2), (6), and (7) of the Act.5
Labor Organization Status
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local
Union 396, AFL–CIO, represents customer service representa-
tives and various other employees at Respondent’s facility pur-
suant to the terms of the parties 2008–20116 collective-
bargaining agreement. Respondent admits and I find that the
Union is a labor organization within the meaning of the Act.
Facts
1. First training course
Goodspeed began employment as a bilingual customer ser-
vice representative with Respondent in late February. He im-
mediately commenced a 7- to 8-week training program with
trainer Madeline Anzinger. After about 2 weeks of training,
Goodspeed was absent due to a family medical emergency
which occurred on Sunday, March 1. At 7 a.m. on Monday,
March 2, Goodspeed left messages for trainer Anzinger and
Rustye Barzoni-Covington, senior human resources representa-
tive, stating that he would not be at work that day due to the
emergency. He did not actually speak to any representative of
Respondent on Monday, March 2.
On Tuesday, March 3, Goodspeed called and spoke with
Anzinger. He told her that he would not be in that day either.
According to Goodspeed, Anzinger responded, “I don’t think
you have employment with NV Energy anymore.” Goodspeed
explained that he really needed the job and asked if there was
anything he could do to prove the medical emergency.
Anzinger told him to bring in the medical records and she
would review them and “I’ll let you know.”
On Wednesday, March 4, Goodspeed reported to work and
gave Anzinger various documents relating to the medical emer-
gency. Anzinger examined the documents, advised Goodspeed
to have a seat at his computer, and she would talk to her boss.
She also told him to take the medical documents to human re-
sources at some point. Goodspeed took the documents to hu-
man resources about 10 days later. He gave the documents to
Barzoni-Covington. In the meantime, Goodspeed remained in
Anzinger’s class until Friday, March 13.

inherent probability of the testimony have been utilized to assess credi-
bility. Testimony contrary to my findings has been discredited on some
occasions because it was in conflict with credited testimony or docu-
ments or because it was inherently incredible and unworthy of belief.
5 29 U.S.C. §152(2), (6), and (7).
6 The contract is effective February 1, 2008, to February 1, 2011.
2. Second training course
Goodspeed was transferred to trainer Susan Penrod’s class
beginning Monday, March 16. There were five students in this
class, plus Goodspeed. The class had commenced about 2
weeks prior to Goodspeed’s transfer into the class.
On Wednesday, March 18, Goodspeed was told to report to
the office of Evelyn Hollins, manager of training and perform-
ance. Both Union Steward Cynthia Wesson and Goodspeed
agree that she was already present in the office with Hollins
when Goodspeed arrived. Wesson testified that Respondent
“always” calls a steward for “any discipline.” Jesse Newman,
senior business manager of the Union, testified that before he
became a union business manager, he worked for Respondent
and for 7 years (roughly 1999 through 2004), he was a union
steward. He testified that Respondent’s policy regarding stew-
ard participation in disciplinary meetings was to call the stew-
ard ahead of time, explain that there is an issue and request the
steward’s presence. Wesson testified there was no difference in
application of this policy between probationary and permanent
employees. HR Partner Lenear-Liston agreed. “We provide a
Union steward when we are giving discipline or we are doing
an investigation that may lead into discipline.” The policy is
not different for probationary employees than for permanent
employees.
In any event, Hollins stated, “This is a meeting to let you
know that you exceeded the time allowed for taking off.” She
informed Goodspeed that he would be suspended for 1 day.
Goodspeed responded that he was unaware of the policy re-
garding allowed time off and he also told Hollins that he
thought the matter was “taken care of” by virtue of the fact that
he showed Anzinger the medical documentation supporting his
absence. Goodspeed recited the steps he had taken to call in on
Monday, March 2, and speaking with trainer Anzinger on
Tuesday, March 3, about supplying medical documentation,
and his meeting with her on Wednesday, March 4, to examine
the documents. Nevertheless, Goodspeed was suspended for
the day of Thursday, March 19. During the course of this meet-
ing, Goodspeed complained to Hollins of Anzinger’s treatment
of him.7 The above account given by Goodspeed is substan-
tially corroborated by the testimony of Wesson and Hollins.
Wesson added that Goodspeed was very upset and threatened a
lawsuit for violation of HIPAA due to his having to bring in
medical documentation. Additionally, Wesson recalled that at
her request, Hollins gave Goodspeed her card and told him she
had an open door policy. According to Lenear-Liston, he found
out that the medical documentation had been placed in
Goodspeed’s personnel file. He retrieved the documents and
returned them to Goodspeed.
On Friday, March 20, Goodspeed was called into a meeting
with human resources partner, Michael Lenear-Liston. After
sitting down in Lenear-Liston’s office, Goodspeed requested a
union representative. Lenear-Liston said no, “I’m just going to
be asking you questions of what the allegations you brought up
against Anzinger.” Lenear-Liston also told Goodspeed that he
wanted to get some information regarding what was happening

7 There is no specific testimony regarding the substance of these
complaints regarding Anzinger in the Hollins/Goodspeed meeting.
NV ENERGY, INC.

43
in the class relating to the allegations Goodspeed had made
about Anzinger. Goodspeed testified, “That’s the only things
we discussed is just her and what had happened with my medi-
cal records, that she said that I had been, I was already termi-
nated.”
Goodspeed continued in Penrod’s training class during the
weeks of March 23 and 30. Goodspeed observed that although
Penrod treated him “fine,” she treated other employees “very
badly, pretty much like they were stupid” particularly fellow
trainees Rosa [last name unknown] and Doris Barela. Coinci-
dentally, during the week of April 6, according to Goodspeed,
Gloria Virden,8 during the course of a 20-minute presentation,
admonished Penrod’s training class that it was not a good idea
to go to human resources. “If you want to get ahead in this
company you have to stay quiet.” She added that if employees
were called to human resources, they should say that you don’t
know anything.
3. Events of Friday, April 9
As trainees, all the students of Penrod’s class were required
to take and pass the customer service representative certifica-
tion test. During a one-on-one conversation, Goodspeed dis-
cussed the test with Penrod on Wednesday, April 8, and sug-
gested that the students be given an outline of the course to
utilize for studying for the test.
At 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 9, Gloria began the training
class by reviewing certification test materials and telling the
trainees to ask any questions they had about the materials. The
test was scheduled for about 2 weeks later. Rosa responded to
Gloria’s directive by stating that she did not understand why
the trainees were going to work on the floor for 1 week before
taking the certification test. Doris stated the same concern. All
the students including Goodspeed asked Gloria for an outline or
syllabus in order to study for the certification test. Goodspeed
testified that he asked Gloria if there was any way she could
give them an outline or tell them how she would study for the
test. Gloria responded that she thought Goodspeed was asking
for the answers to the certification test.
When Penrod entered the room around 9 a.m., the students
were still rather heatedly discussing with Gloria how they
should study for the exam and they were also working on their
computers, practicing taking orders. Penrod asked what was
going on and Gloria responded that the students wanted to find
out about the test—they wanted an outline to study. Penrod
recalled speaking to Goodspeed about his outline idea and said
it was a good idea. However, Penrod then said, “You know
what guys? I ought to just give you the test right now and get
this out of the way because I’m getting tired of it. You guys
just get me frustrated, why don’t you guys just go to break right
now.”
Goodspeed spoke to the five other students (Doris, Elizabeth,
Rosa, and two whose names he could not recall). He told them
he had had enough. Rosa responded, “I know, I’ve never
worked for a company that—I mean the way they behave,
they’re so unprofessional.” Elizabeth added, “That’s what I

8 Virden is a bargaining unit employee who served as a mentor dur-
ing this training class.
told you about these guys, that’s the way they are. You should
have seen when I told them that I was going to resign. Boy,
Evelyn, she just jumped all over me and says, ‘You lied on
your application.’” Doris added that Penrod treated her like a
child. Goodspeed suggested that the group go to human re-
sources “right now.” Elizabeth and Doris said they would ac-
company him. One of the other trainees declined to join them
citing Gloria’s advice to not complain.
According to Union Steward Cynthia Wesson, she encoun-
tered the three employees as they walked toward human re-
sources. Goodspeed told her the group had an issue with Pen-
rod. Wesson suggested that the group meet with Hollins who
was in charge of training, rather than going to human resources.
Goodspeed declined and said they were going to human re-
sources. Wesson explained to the group that she could accom-
pany them to see Hollins but that she did not go to human re-
sources unannounced.
The group encountered Barzoni-Covington upon entering
human resources. She escorted the three employees to Lenear-
Liston’s office. Elizabeth told Lenear-Liston that Penrod was
treating Doris “real bad.” Elizabeth added that she was resign-
ing from the training but would cooperate in any investigation.
There was no mention of Anzinger during the 5- to 10-minute
meeting. The three employees returned to their training class
immediately. HR Partner Lenear-Liston recalled that the meet-
ing probably was about 15 minutes and the employees com-
plained about how they were spoken to by their trainer and the
fact that they had been “thrown out” of the training department
during their training. His notes reflect that he wrote down that
the employees told him that Gloria advised against going to
human resources with any problems. Lenear-Liston asked the
three employees to go back to training and he would look into
the matter.
Lenear-Liston then met with Hollins, manager of training,
and told her about the employees’ concerns. Hollins scheduled
the employees to come to her office so that she could investi-
gate their concerns.
Elizabeth submitted her resignation and left the training class
shortly thereafter. Around 11 or 11:30 a.m., Penrod told
Goodspeed that he was to meet with Eveyln Hollins at 11:45
a.m. She told Doris that when Goodspeed returned, Doris
should leave the class and go meet with Hollins.
When Goodspeed arrived at Hollins office, he testified that
Wesson9 looked into the office and asked if Hollins needed a
union steward in the meeting. Hollins replied no and the union
steward left. Both Hollins and Wesson deny that Wesson came
to the door and asked if she was needed. Based on their rela-
tive demeanors, I credit their testimony over that of Goodspeed.
Moreover, Hollins and Lenear-Liston both testified that they
were both present in the office when Goodspeed arrived.10

9 Goodspeed’s testimony was that it was the same union steward as
was present when he received the 1-day suspension. He agreed, when
reminded of the name, that the union steward was Wesson.
10 In both his statement to the NLRB and to the Union, Goodspeed
wrote that Lenear-Liston was in Hollins’ office when he arrived for the
meeting. He testified that he was confused when he made the written
statements and realized later that Lenear-Liston came in after the union
steward left.
DECISIONS OF THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD

44
Goodspeed thought Lenear-Liston arrived after the union stew-
ard left.
In any event, according to Goodspeed, Lenear-Liston initi-
ated the meeting stating, “We want to talk with you about the
things that are going on. This is not a disciplinary thing . . . we
just want to get you on the phones as soon as possible because
. . . they really need you up there.” By “get you on the
phones,” Lenear-Liston was referring to completion of training
so that Goodspeed could begin working as a bilingual customer
service representative. Next, Lenear-Liston told Goodspeed
that all complaints should come to Hollins and he told
Goodspeed that he was a probationary employee and could be
terminated at any time. Lenear-Liston agreed that he told
Goodspeed he was a probationary employee during the course
of the meeting. He denied that he said Goodspeed could be
terminated at any time. Lenear-Liston could not recall why he
mentioned Goodspeed’s probationary status. He thought it was
in connection with something that came up during the meeting
but could not recall anything more specific. Based upon Re-
spondent’s disciplinary process which requires consensus up
and down the management personnel involved, I credit Lenear-
Liston’s denial. It would have been impossible to discharge
any employee on the spot and saying that an employee could be
discharged at any time appears to be in contradiction to this
practice.
At this point, Goodspeed requested a union representative.
Lenear-Liston said, “No, this is not investigatory or anything
like that. You don’t need a union rep.” Goodspeed persisted
that he would like to have a union representative. According to
Goodspeed, Lenear-Liston said, “Listen to me, Arthur, you’re
not going to get union representation here.” Goodspeed esti-
mated that during the course of the meeting, he asked for a
union representative about six times and each time, Lenear-
Liston denied the request. Goodspeed also testified that
Lenear-Liston denied his request to consult with a union stew-
ard to verify that he was not entitled to representation. Accord-
ing to Goodspeed, Lenear-Liston’s voice was loud and this
caused Goodspeed to begin experiencing a panic attack. Al-
though a full blown panic attack may cause confusion,
Goodspeed testified that he was not confused during this meet-
ing because the symptoms were not full blown.
After Goodspeed explained that he needed this job in order
to qualify for a home loan modification, Lenear-Liston told
Goodspeed to give him his badge and follow him. When they
arrived at the training room, Goodspeed was instructed to re-
main in the hall. Lenear-Liston entered the training room, re-
trieved Goodspeed’s jacket and lunch bag, came back to the
hall, handed the jacket to Goodspeed and the lunch bag fell on
the floor. At this point, Goodspeed’s panic attack became full
blown. Lenear-Liston told Goodspeed to follow him. They
proceeded to security and Goodspeed left the building.
Lenear-Liston agreed that he told Goodspeed that the meet-
ing was for the purpose of investigating the concerns he
brought up that morning. Lenear-Liston testified that
Goodspeed interrupted and spoke over him about his treatment
being unfair, about an Obama plan dealing with refinancing his
house, and several different things. Lenear-Liston recalled that
about mid-meeting Goodspeed twice requested a union steward
and Lenear-Liston replied, “This is not a disciplinary meeting.
We were just talking about the concerns you were trying to
bring up.” Goodspeed said, “You guys are stressing me out and
I’m just going to have to resign.” Lenear-Liston questioned,
“Arthur, are you going to resign?” and he responded that he
was. Lenear-Liston asked, “Are you sure?” and Goodspeed
replied that he was sure. Lenear-Liston asked for his badge,
walked him to training to get his personal possessions, and
escorted him from the building. According to Lenear-Liston,
during the time they were in transit, Goodspeed said he was not
going to go quietly. “He wanted to talk to the president of the
company, he was going to go to the NLRB, he was going to go
to the union, [and] the PUCN [Public Utilities Commission]
. . . .” An employee turnaround document dated April 13 states
that the reason for turnaround is “termination/voluntary,” “per-
sonal reasons.”
Lenear-Liston recalled that when he handed Goodspeed his
jacket and lunch bag, the lunch bag fell to the floor. Lenear-
Liston apologized. He testified that he did not intentionally
throw anything on the floor.
Hollins recalled that when Goodspeed came to her office,
Lenear-Liston was already seated in the office. Lenear-Liston
told Goodspeed that the purpose of the meeting was to investi-
gate the earlier complaints of the three trainees. Goodspeed
asked for a union steward and Lenear-Liston told him there was
no discipline, he was merely performing his “due diligence”
investigation of the employees’ complaints. Goodspeed reiter-
ated his request for a union steward and Lenear-Liston again
denied the request stating that this was not disciplinary.
Goodspeed then spoke about a stimulus bill that affected his
house. He needed to be employed in order to receive stimulus
package money for his house. Goodspeed asked to speak to the
president of the union. Goodspeed was quite agitated. Lenear-
Liston again stated the purpose of the meeting was to investi-
gate claims made by Goodspeed about his training instructor.
Goodspeed said, “I’m out of here.” Lenear-Liston said, “Art,
are you resigning.” Goodspeed replied, “Yes.” Lenear-Liston
said, “Well, I’ll take your badge and we’ll go and get your
things.” Hollins described Lenear-Liston’s demeanor as calm.
Following Goodspeed’s meeting with Lenear-Liston, Doris
Barela met with him. They went over the complaints Barela
and the group had regarding Penrod’s training. According to
Barela, Lenear-Liston told Barela that he wanted her to know
that Goodspeed had left of his own accord—he was not fired.
Lenear-Liston agreed that he told Barela that Goodspeed had
resigned of his own accord.
Lenear-Liston investigated a prior complaint about training.
In March, employee Raenell Kruessen complained about the
treatment her trainer, Madeline Anzinger, provided. Lenear-
Liston interviewed the entire class. One of the employees in-
terviewed was Goodspeed. After concluding the investigation,
Hollins conducted a coaching for trainer Anzinger.
Lenear-Liston testified that as an HR partner, he had no au-
thority to fire or discipline employees. His job, rather, is to
look over the discipline that a supervisor recommends to ensure
“we are doing things in compliance.” Lenear-Liston testified
that he did not discipline or fire Goodspeed on April 9, but he
did ask him to leave the premises.
NV ENERGY, INC.

45
Later that day, Goodspeed visited the union and left an ac-
count of the events immediately above. Early the following
morning, around 1 or 2 a.m., Goodspeed called the Respon-
dent’s ethics line and spoke with a man for about 2 hours. The
man said someone would get back to Goodspeed. Vil
Southasarn called back on the following Monday, April 13, and
made an appointment for Goodspeed. The Union filed a griev-
ance on behalf of Goodspeed regarding the events of April 9.11
On Friday, April 10, Goodspeed requested his termination
papers from human resources. He did not receive these papers.
Rather, he was told by a representative of human resources that
he had resigned.
Jesse Newman, who served as a union steward at Respon-
dent’s facility from roughly 1999 through 2004, and then be-
came a business agent for the union, testified that the decision
to terminate an employee at Respondent’s facility was not, in
his experience, made on the spot. He had never experienced
such a termination either when he was union steward or busi-
ness manager. Newman described Respondent’s disciplinary
process as follows:

The person would be put on suspension pending investigation
and the investigation would start. The company would do
their fact-finding and at that time they would do a concur-
rence thing depending on which particular group it is. It could
go all the way up to the Executive VP all the way back down,
basically stating the fact, the reason to terminate and the deci-
sion behind that. And it would go all the way down through a
chain of supervisors concurring or not concurring. If there
was a concurrence, then everything would continue on. If
there wasn’t then they would reschedule a meeting and figure
out why they weren’t on the same page until they made a de-
cision whether it was best to terminate or not terminate.

HR Partner Lenear-Liston characterized the disciplinary
process as a review process going “through the supervisor to
the manager and to the HR manager an[d] on up to get ap-
proval.” He explained that all managers have to be in concur-
rence to terminate an employee. Lenear-Liston was unaware of
any employee being terminated “on the spot” during his eight-
een months in human resources. Manager of training and per-
formance, Evelyn Hollins, agreed. A termination of a training
employee would go through her to higher levels before it could
be approved.
Analysis
Based upon the record as a whole, I find that Goodspeed re-
signed his employment with Respondent. Having thoroughly

11 Following the filing of the grievance, the Union conducted an in-
vestigation of the allegations of the grievance. Resolution of the griev-
ance is outside the scope of this proceeding.
reviewed the testimony of Goodspeed, Hollins, and Lenear-
Liston, their relative demeanors, and the inherent probability of
each of their testimony, I find the testimony of Hollins and
Lenear-Liston genuine and credible. Their testimony provided
context and a coherent scenario for the April 9 meeting with
Goodspeed. Moreover, many of their assertions were corrobo-
rated by the disinterested testimony of the union steward and
the senior business manager.
On the other hand, although I was impressed with
Goodspeed’s effort to recount the facts, I found his testimony
about the April 9 meeting somewhat confusing, lacking in con-
text, and improbable. Goodspeed provided confusing and often
nonresponsive answers to questions he was asked. His asser-
tion that he was discharged on April 9, is belied by the uniform
testimony of Respondent’s witnesses, including two union offi-
cials, that a corporate decision to discharge is multilevel. Not
one instance of an immediately effected discharge is contained
in the record. Moreover, the record is replete with evidence of
Respondent’s generally positive attitude toward Goodspeed’s
future with Respondent. Finally, it is undisputed that
Goodspeed had previously complained to human resources
about his instructor during his first training course. All wit-
nesses agree that Goodspeed was questioned in human re-
sources about that instructor and that no action was taken
against him for making these complaints or for requesting a
union steward during that session. In fact, his instructor was
coached about the offending behavior.
Upon entering a second training course with a new instruc-
tor, Goodspeed and others complained about the new instructor.
On the same day the group made these complaints, Goodspeed
was asked to come to human resources to provide information
about the complaints. Goodspeed’s account of this session is
difficult to believe given the corporate investment in providing
training to Goodspeed including the coaching program for in-
structors, Respondent’s expressed need for his help on the
phones, and the fact that another employee was questioned on
the same day in human resources regarding the same instructor
and was not disciplined or discharged. Thus, I find that
Goodspeed resigned his employment with Respondent on April
9.
CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
1. Respondent NV Energy, Inc., Las Vegas, Nevada, is an
employer engaged in commerce within the meaning of Section
2(2), (6), and (7) of the Act.
2. Respondent did not violate the Act as alleged in the com-
plaint and, accordingly, the complaint is dismissed.