Opinion ID: 2973279
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: The United Coin Meter factors

Text: Because the Local has demonstrated that it is not culpable under Rule 60(b)(1), we next consider the remaining two United Coin Meter factors: a meritorious defense and the lack of prejudice to Burrell. These factors clearly weigh in favor of the Local. A defense is meritorious if “there is some possibility that the outcome of the suit after a full trial will be contrary to the result achieved by the default.” Williams, 346 F.3d at 614 (citation and quotation marks omitted) (emphasis in original). If a defense is “good at law,” regardless of the likelihood of success, it will be considered meritorious. Id. (quoting United Coin Meter, 705 F.2d at 845). The Local has raised meritorious defenses to Burrell’s claims of unfair representation under the Labor Management Relations Act and of age discrimination under the ADEA. First, the Local asserts that it carefully reviewed Burrell’s records and determined that the lack of supporting documentation rendered her case distinguishable from other cases in which the Local decided to pursue arbitration. The Local argues, therefore, that it did not engage in discrimination of any kind against Burrell. This defense is certainly “good at law.” See Williams, 346 F.3d at 614. Construing the defense “in the light most favorable to [the Local],” id. (citation and quotation marks omitted), the existence of the Local’s defense creates “some possibility” of a different outcome in this case. In addition, unions are permitted a “wide range of reasonableness” in determining which cases to arbitrate. Garrison v. Cossems Transp. Co., 334 F.3d 528, 538 (6th Cir. 2003). The Local’s defense that its behavior was reasonable is similarly “good at law.” See id. Finally, under the third United Coin Meter factor, there is no evidence in the record that Burrell will be prejudiced if the judgment is reopened. See United Coin Meter, 705 F.2d at 845. Delay in adjudicating a plaintiff’s claim does not qualify as sufficient prejudice under Rule 55. Id. Instead, Burrell would have to show that the delay would result in a loss of evidence, increased opportunities for fraud, or discovery difficulties. See Berthelson v. Kane, 907 F.2d 617, 621 (6th Cir. 1990). She has made no such showing. The Local has therefore more than satisfied its burden of demonstrating an entitlement to relief under Rules 55(c) and 60(b)(1), and the district court abused its discretion in denying that relief. Because we hold that relief from the default judgment is warranted under Rule 60(b)(1), we have no need to analyze the Local’s alternative claims for relief under Rules 60(b)(4) and 60(b)(6).