0120090444
03-24-2009
Helen M. Ciampi, Complainant, v. John E. Potter, Postmaster General, United States Postal Service, Agency.
Helen M. Ciampi,
Complainant,
v.
John E. Potter,
Postmaster General,
United States Postal Service,
Agency.
Appeal No. 0120090444
Agency No. 4A117000607
Hearing No. 530-2007-00239X
DECISION
Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. � 1614.405, the Commission accepts complainant's
appeal from the agency's October 7, 2008 final order concerning her equal
employment opportunity (EEO) complaint alleging 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 Section 501 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973 (Rehabilitation Act), as amended, 29 U.S.C. � 791 et seq.
Complainant alleged that the agency discriminated against her on the
bases of sex (female), disability (Depression), and reprisal for prior
protected EEO activity under Title VII when: (1) on September 8, 2006, the
Postmaster whispered an inappropriate comment to her; (2) on September
28, 2006, her personal mail was moved; and (3) on October 19, 2006,
she was issued a Notice of Removal based on complainant's involvement
in a threat against the Postmaster.
On October 1, 2008, the Administrative Judge (AJ) issued a summary
decision finding no discrimination. In reaching this decision, the AJ
found that although complainant had established a prima facie case of
reprisal discrimination, complainant has not shown that she was a victim
of illegal workplace discrimination. Complainant proffered no evidence
to show that the Postmaster was involved at all in her missing mail.
Regarding the purported comment at issue, the AJ noted that it showed
a poor relationship between the Postmaster and complainant, but there
was no discriminatory language. Concerning the Notice of Removal, the
AJ determined that the discipline was warranted. Complainant conceded
that she and her friend engaged in a conversation at complainant's window
in which complainant's friend asked complainant whether she was being
harassed and then threatened to "get the baseball bat out" if complainant
had in fact been "harassed." Complainant conceded that in response to
the Postmaster's statement, "let me not say anything to you, you might
get your friends after me," complainant threatened that her friends would
"come after the Postmaster with more than a baseball bat." In addition,
the record shows that complainant has substantial past discipline,
some of which is associated with possible violence in the workplace.
After a review of the record in its entirety, including consideration
of all statements submitted on appeal, it is the decision of the Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission to affirm the agency's final order,
because the Administrative Judge's issuance of a decision without a
hearing was appropriate and a preponderance of the record evidence does
not establish that discrimination occurred.
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
March 24, 2009
__________________
Date
2
0120090444
U.S. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION
Office of Federal Operations
P.O. Box 77960
Washington, DC 20013
3
0120090444