Opinion ID: 2091909
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Reports Regarding Unsafe Driving

Text: [¶ 21] ISI and IFPI argue that the statements of fact are insufficient to support a finding that Currie's reports regarding Ouellette's unsafe driving were causally connected to his discharge. We consider this argument and, finding it unpersuasive, engage in the remainder of the summary judgment analysis.
[¶22] Proof of conduct protected by the WPA[,] . . . followed in close proximity by an adverse employment action, gives rise to an inference that a causal connection is established. DiCentes v. Michaud, 1998 ME 227, ¶ 16, 719 A.2d 509, 514-15. Establishment of such an inference is sufficient to meet the employee's initial burden. Id. [¶ 23] The statements indicate that Ouellette was aware of Currie's reports regarding his driving and that Ouellette generally avoided Currie. They further indicate that, as soon as Ouellette was in a position to recommend Currie's discharge, he did so. Although the parties dispute when the discharge decision was actually made, the discharge itself occurred approximately four months after Ouellette's initial recommendation, during which period Ouellette remained vocal about his desire to discharge Currie. The temporal proximity between Currie's reports regarding Ouellette's unsafe driving, Ouellette's recommendation to discharge Currie, and Currie's actual discharge is sufficient to raise an inference of causation. Currie has, therefore, successfully set forth a prima facie case.
[¶ 24] We next consider whether ISI and IFPI articulated a legitimate, non-discriminatory reason for Currie's discharge. Stanley, 2004 ME 157, ¶ 12, 864 A.2d at 174. ISI and IFPI assert that Currie was discharged because of his report regarding the unauthorized workers rather than because of his reports regarding Ouellette's driving. If, at trial, the fact-finder concludes that Currie's report regarding the unauthorized workers is not protected activity, it would provide a legitimate, non-discriminatory reason for his discharge. Even if it provided such a reason, however, Currie's statements, if proved, would support a finding that his reports regarding Ouellette's driving also motivated his discharge. The summary judgment must, therefore, be vacated on this issue.