Document: 490 U.S. 900 109 S.Ct. 2261 104 L.Ed.2d 961 Patricia A. LORANCE, et al., Petitionersv.AT & T TECHNOLOGIES, INC., al. No. 87-1428. Argued March 20, 1989. Decided June 12, Syllabus Before 1979 collective-bargaining agreements between respondents AT Technologies, Inc., and Local 1942, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, AFL-CIO, had determined a worker's seniority on the basis years plantwide service, was transferable upon promotion to more skilled "tester" position. A new agreement executed in changed this by making tester jobs dependent amount time spent as tester. In 1982 petitioners women employees who were promoted positions 1978 1980—received demotions that they would not have sustained former system remained place. They filed charges with Equal Employment Opportunity Commission 1983, after receiving right-to-sue letters present action District Court, alleging violated Title VII Civil Rights Act 1964 adopting purpose effect protecting incumbent testers traditionally dominated men—from female greater becoming increasing numbers. The court granted summary judgment for ground been within required period "after alleged unlawful employment practice occurred," § 706(e) VII, 42 U.S.C. 2000e-5(e), Court Appeals affirmed. Held: Under 703(h) 2000e-2(h), operation having disparate impact men is unless discriminatory intent proved. E.g., Pullman-Standard v. Swint, 456 273, 289, 102 1781, 1790, 72 66; American Tobacco Co. Patterson, 63, 65, 69, 1534, 1535-36, 1537-38, 71 748; Trans World Airlines, Inc. Hardison, 432 82, 97 2264, 2275-76, 53 113. It disputed at issue facially nondiscriminatory (treats similarly situated alike) nondiscriminatorily applied. Its invalidity rests claim intentional discrimination produced unfavorable change petitioners' contractual rights when adopted 1979. limitations under therefore commenced point. Delaware State College Ricks, 449 250, 101 498, 66 431; United Air Lines, Evans, 431 553, 1885, 52 571. This rule strikes balance interest valid claims vindicated adjudicating stale claims, which heightened context special reliance interests are protected systems. Pp. 904-913. 827 F.2d 163 (CA7 1987), SCALIA, J., delivered opinion REHNQUIST, C.J., WHITE, STEVENS, KENNEDY, JJ., joined. concurring opinion, post, p. 913. MARSHALL, dissenting BRENNAN BLACKMUN, joined, O'CONNOR, took no part consideration or decision case. Barry L. Goldstein, petitioners. Charles Shanor, E.E.O.C. amici curiae, supporting leave Court. David W. Carpenter, Chicago, Ill., respondents. Justice SCALIA 1 Respondent (AT T), manufactures electronics products its Montgomery Works plant. three petitioners, all whom women, worked hourly wage facility since early 1970's, represented respondent AFL-CIO. Until earners accrued competitive exclusively plant, worker highly better paid retained seniority. July 23, 1979, altered manner calculating seniority.1 Thenceforth tester's be length but actually (though it possible regain full spending five completing prescribed training program). arises from modification. 2 Petitioners became 1980. During economic downturn their low caused them selected demotion; demoted Claiming product an discriminate sex, complaints (EEOC) April 1983. After EEOC issued letters, September 1983 lawsuit Northern Illinois, sought certification class representatives T's plant lost deterred seeking promotions positions. Their complaint among held almost men, nontester principally 1970's number steps necessary qualify exercised become testers. claimed alteration rules governing "conspir[acy] rules, order protect male discourage promoting into traditionally-male jobs," "[t]he manipulation has effects testers' seniority, entering jobs." App. 21-22. 3 On August 27, 1986, before deciding whether certify proposed class, respondents' motion applicable period.2 44 FEP Cases 1817, 1821, 1986 WL 9540. divided panel Seventh Circuit affirmed, concluding barred because "the relevant act triggers occurs employee becomes subject neutral knows, reasonably should know, discriminatory." 163, 167 1987). We certiorari, 488 887, 217, 208 (1988), resolve conflict begins run arising out face presently Compare, e.g., case below Cook Pan Airways, 771 635, 646 (CA2 1985), cert. denied, 474 1109, 106 895, 88 929 (1986). 4 Section 1964, 78 Stat. 260, amended, provides "[a] charge . shall [with EEOC] [the period] occurred." 2000e-5(e). Assessing timeliness "requires us identify precisely 'unlawful practice' [petitioners] complai[n]." 257, 503, (1980). 703(a) "unlawful practice" employer 5 "(1) against any individual respect his compensation, terms, conditions, privileges employment, such individual's race, color, religion, national origin; 6 "(2) limit, segregate, classify applicants way deprive tend opportunities otherwise adversely affect status employee, origin." 2000e-2(a). 7 Petitioners' allegation ordinarily suffice state 703(a)(2), provision reaches "practices fair form, operation," Griggs Duke Power Co., 401 424, 431, 91 849, 853, 28 158 (1971); see Connecticut Teal, 457 440, 446, 2525, 2530, 73 130 (1982). "[S]eniority systems," however, "are afforded treatment VII," 81, 2275, 113 (1977), reason 703(h), states: 8 "Notwithstanding other subchapter, apply different standards pursuant bona fide system, provided differences result intention origin. ." 2000e-2(h). 9 construed mean "absent purpose, cannot even if some consequences." supra, S.Ct., 2276; 748 Thus, liability incurred "there must finding actual statutorily proscribed] grounds those negotiated maintained [seniority] system." 10 do allege treats differently operated intentionally manner. Rather, differential sexes "ha[d] genesis [sex] discrimination." Teamsters States, 324, 356, 1843, 1865, 396 (1977). Specifically, alleges "conspired testers," resulting effected "manipulation rules" "purpose." See 20-22 (emphasis added). essence rights. Seniority right, Aaron, Reflections Legal Nature Enforceability Rights, 75 Harv.L.Rev. 1532, 1533 (1962), establishes "hierarchy [of rights] according various benefits distributed," Franks Bowman Transportation 424 747, 768, 96 1251, 1266, 47 444 (1976). prior each petitioner earned right receive favorable position hierarchy (if she tester), eliminated reasons discriminatory. Because diminution occurred 1979—well outside 1983—the correct find 706(e). 11 recognize, course, establish theoretical construct: regard guilty continuing violation "occurred," purposes 706(e), only also concrete elimination felt. Or interpret 703 fashion proviso met ("provided origin") subsection's protection unavailable, nothing prevents suits later disparate-impact 703(a)(2). answer these alternative approaches our cases rejected them. 12 theory contradicted most clearly two decisions, (1980), 571 we treated allegedly denial tenure rather than termination one year later—as triggering Ricks did terminated differed discriminatorily professors denied tenure," occurred—and filing periods commenced—at made communicated Ricks." U.S., 258, 504. "That so," found, "even though tenure—the eventual loss teaching position—did occur until later." Ibid. original). concluded " '[t]he proper focus acts, consequences o acts painful.' "3 original); accord, Chardon Fernandez, 454 6, 8, 28, 29, 70 (1981) (per curiam). 13 Lines dismissed plaintiff several flight attendant, rehired her later, gave credit earlier service. Evans conceded dismissal barred, impermissibly "present past 558, 1889. While agreeing assessment, "a challenge may predicated mere fact event legal significance affected calculation credit, might justified employer." Id., 560, 1890. Like asserted wholly conduct occurring well limitations, complain violation. 14 second mentioned above view merely providing affirmative defense cause brought element challenging system. availability alter causing statute As original matter plausible, perhaps natural, reading 703(h). (We 703(e), 2000e-2(e)—which deals occupational qualifications—in t fashion. Dothard Rawlinson, 433 321, 333, 2720, 2728-29, 786 (1977).) But interpretation foreclosed cases, treat proof actions At least concerns plans, regarded subsection (h) illegality described (a)(2), itself "delineates practices illegal thereby prohibited not." Franks, 758, 1261. alone sufficient invalidate system; proved." 1535 "To cognizable," held, accompanied purpose." 1538 added); Pullman-Standard, 277, 1784, 1790; 2275-76. Indeed, California Brewers Assn. Bryant, 598, 100 814, 63 55 challenged policy noted remand "remain free show 'bona fide' conditions 'the race,' id., 610-611, 822. depends adoption period. 15 That being case, Machinists NLRB, 362 411, 80 822, 832 (1960), will date (at where effective available). National Labor Relations (NLRA), often observed NLRA model VII's remedial provisions, found interpreting persuasive construing latter. Ford Motor EEOC, 458 219, 226, n. 3057, 3062, 721 (1982); Teamsters, 366, 1870; 768-770, 1266; Albemarle Paper Moody, 422 405, 419, 95 2362, 2372-73, 45 280 (1975). Such particularly appropriate presented here, unusual feature requiring administrative civil can private party common statutes. NLRA's limitations—which "no based unfair labor six months Board," 29 160(b)—is substantively similar 706(e)—which states hundred eighty days Zipes 455 385, 1127, 234 (1982), specifically relied timely requirement determining 706(e)—the very construe here—constituted waivable jurisdictional prerequisite action. "Because operates recognized equitable doctrines restr ction jurisdiction said, likewise." 395, 11, 1133, (citations omitted). 16 considered approach identical advanced here. suit involved directed so-called "union security clause," join union contract's execution. NLRB's precedents, clause lacked majority constituted practice, continued enforcement clause. 413-414, 824-825. (outside period), enforced limitations. "Conceding execution here limitations," NLRB contended "its nonetheless 'based upon' parties' enforcement, clause." 415, 826 entire foundation charged Union's time-barred lack signed," "[i]n absence benign." 417, 827. "[W]here time-barred," reasoned, "to permit itself" cloak lawful" "in results reviving legally defunct practice." Ibid.4 analysis squarely point neutrally applied signing underlying agreement, governs 17 holding that, form application, period, 706(e)'s general 'value concerning favor outweighed prohibiting prosecution [claims],' 505 (citation omitted), considerations "special treatment" accorded systems 2275. work many years—in th validity lawful There doubt, (one differently) time,5 motive, adoption. allowing challenged, entitlements altered, disrupt meant protect. could defeat settled (and worked-for) expectations co-workers whenever 1993, 2003, beyond. given sue successively promoted, demoted, laid off, awarded sufficiently pension, so long acts—even themselves—could attributed Our adhere today, declined follow disruptive implications. 18 * 19 For foregoing reasons, 20 Affirmed. 21 O'CONNOR 22 concurring. 23 Although I remain convinced misconstrued 86-90, 1546-49 (dissenting opinion), 265-267, 508-509 correctly decisions hand. And Court's construction statute—rather views Justice—that law. Johnson Agency, Santa Clara County, 480 616, 644, 107 1442, 1458, 94 615 (1987) (STEVENS, concurring); Dougherty County Bd., Education White, 439 32, 47, 99 368, 376-77, 58 269 (1978) concurring). Accordingly, opinion. 24 BLACKMUN join, dissenting. 25 holds today discriminating 2000e seq., set forth immediately Ante, 909-911. subsequently challenges expecte concretely harmed adoption, and, indeed, working division company system's severe come surprise Congress, whose goals enacting surely never included conferring absolute immunity survive first 300 days.1 harsh reality today's decision, anticipatorily forever hold peace, glaringly odds compelled neither text nor precedents it, respectfully dissent. 26 facts illustrate austere practical majority's holding. day adopted, there believe woman ever seniority; intervening potentially endangered. Lorance, already it; four terms harm Janice King Carol Bueschen speculative. modified, like restructured 1982. (Indeed, absent nationwide recession 1980's, affected.) Today, concludes bringing failed anticipate, contingencies place casualties. 27 Nothing compels result. contrary, concedes plausible 703(a)(1), 2000e-2(a)(1), wing statute, 906; 166 1987) (describing "logically appealing"). theory, applied, salary structure independent 703(a)(1) takes place, anew. Bazemore Friday, 478 395-396, 3000, 3006-3007, 92 315 (1986) ("Each week's paycheck delivers less black white wrong actionable VII"); cf. Havens Realty Corp. Coleman, 363, 380, 1114, 1125, 214 (1982) ("Where one, staleness concern disappears"). Viewing application serves equal opportunity ensuring victims prevented court. Today's latest example how flouting gradually diminished First, requires peration (1977); (1982).2 Then, narrow margin protects put passage VII. Co 71, 1538-39, contends dictated ill-advised involving systems, my view, compounds decisional errors giving unnecessarily broad scope. extension inappropriate forces reach bizarre impractical Never intimated inquiry, evaluate born moment concession plan flatly precedent. 912. goes creation flawed is, all, informs one. To impute ongoing situation latter untenable. distinction erects reward employers ingenious enough guise, 30 Neither premises rejection unlike instant up discriminate. "does attack fides United's system" "makes designed discriminate." 1890; 557, 1888. sole plaintiff's discharge, which, alleged, enhanced return failure accord served discharged. denying [Evan's discharge] credit." plainly inapposite neutral. conclusion "past event" cited case—the challenge—has 'no significance,' ibid., quoted ante, 908, ipse dixit. 31 likewise inapposite. notice "delayed, inevitable consequence," 257-258, 504 thus appropriate, areas statutes doctrine, clock running discovery herself. King, Bueschen, advance warning. them, holds, began running, ran out, apparent stands proposition passively perpetuate themselves bred constitute wrongs suggests same legitimate (or tenure) motives, particular reinforcing prior, discrimination. 32 Nor, finally, say "establishes adopted," 909, controls Initially, bears mention arose §§ 151-169, involve instead defectively adopted. Significant role hardly indicia controlling Moreover, sound support bar Machinists, consequence nonunion alike, inception mystery about By contrast, long-range impact, hurting group but, inception, theoretically employees. Unlike indication anyone employed was, during chosen majority, tangibly create incentive sue.3 33 continues process immunizing requirements addition hurdles previously now initiate prevent, future adverse applications speculative unlikely be. observation "limitations commence soon difficult layman invoke statutes," 262, 16, 506, increasingly hollow ring. framing remotely contemplated putting predicament makes inevitable, type "benefit seniority," used "compute noncompetitive contract employment," 766, 1265, (1976) added), "competitive "used allocate scarce benefits" nondemotion, 766-767, 1265-1266. 180 complainant instituted proceedings local agency, extended maximum days. ruled both courts 165, avoid ruling dissent attempts distinguish 'delayed, consequence.' Post, 917 original; citation builds criticism "[o]n system," prospect suffering "concret[e] harm" "speculative." 914 Of course insurance payable occurrence noninevitable event, nature speculative—if depend employee's desire employer. sense "concrete patently desirable guarantee what law requires, does accident value $10,000, $25,000. true injury substantially causes demotion, just policyholder payment $15,000 irrelevant outset. What means 504, referred "most painful"—and reference liability. Accord, curiam ). attempt cure untimeliness asserting violation: "The applicability principles avoided invoking doctrine execution, collective bargaining constitutes logically separate violations, discrete terms. Nevertheless, vice manifestly legality example, invalid validly executed, unlawfully administered." 422-423, 829-830. mistaken equate 916-917. With (seniority accrues basis). (e.g., assigns twice served) definition discriminates material difference Ricks—which focuses timing why dissent's citation, 915, (1986)—in "[e]ach deliver[ed] white," 3006—is misplaced. Or, 2000e-(5)(e); 903, 2. remains astonishing me sheltered 377-394, 1875-1885, (1977) (opinion J.). Even "[a]s 703(h)" regards 908. accepting believe, does, prohibit colorable 2000e-2(a)(2). Airlines exempted claims. Accepting entitled Tellingly, none Courts reached reaches. interpreted 64 1985); General Electric, 840 132, 135 (CA1 1988). Circuit, review, far narrower

Category: 1