Opinion ID: 2974916
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Interrogation of Godbey

Text: Godbey’s interaction with management differed from those of Groves and Reynolds because he was not offered a “Vote No” button. Instead, Lawrence, a supervisor, asked him where his “ornament” was, which was a reference to the “Vote Yes” button Godbey usually wore. (J.A. at 4849). Admittedly, nothing about this incident taken alone would tend to coerce an employee. However, as the Board pointed out, this incident should not be considered in isolation. The fact that a number of these interrogations had taken place, the fact that they happened so close to the election, along with the fact that the questioning was being done by supervisors to their subordinates, all create substantial evidence that the questioning about Godbey’s wearing “Vote Yes” buttons was coercive in nature. Further, it was well-known that the supervisors did not support the union and 17 Nos. 05-1138; 05-1268; 05-1324, 05-2244, 05-2354 from their actions seemed hostile to those supporting the union. Lawrence’s reference to Godbey’s “ornaments” was obviously facetious, and the tone of the conversation in light of the atmosphere at DynCorp gives the conversation on the whole a tendency to coerce. This was not the environment the Board found in Sunnyvale Medical Clinic, Inc., where there was no reason for employees to fear anti-union animus. See 277 N.L.R.B. at 1218. By asking Godbey about his support of the union, the questioning necessarily had a coercive element to it. Thus, there was substantial evidence supporting the Board’s conclusion and we therefore affirm this finding. c. Interrogation of Henderson and threat of onerous working conditions Henderson was also asked by Lawrence where his “medals of honor” were, which was a reference to Henderson’s “Vote Yes” button. (J.A. at 48). Lawrence then questioned Henderson about his involvement in the union organizing efforts, and when Henderson answered the questions and confirmed that he was involved in the campaign, Lawrence responded that he was “disappointed.” (J.A. at 49). The tone of this conversation weighs strongly in favor of the N.L.R.B.’s finding that it was coercive. Lawrence’s reference to “medals of honor,” again, was obviously facetious and that, coupled with his expression of “disappointment” at Henderson’s prounion loyalties creates strong evidence that this interaction was improper. Further, the mere fact that Lawrence put Henderson in the position to have to reveal his level of activity in the union campaign when Lawrence was such a vocal opponent was improper. It effectively placed Henderson in a position similar to those employees being offered buttons in that it forced him to have to disclose his loyalties to a superior who did not share those loyalties. See ITT Auto, 188 F.3d at 386. Accordingly, the Board had substantial evidence to support its finding that this was impermissible. 18 Nos. 05-1138; 05-1268; 05-1324, 05-2244, 05-2354 Henderson was then denied assistance that he had always received in the past, which he interpreted as a threat about how things would be if the union were elected. It is worth noting that there is some discrepancy about the timing of Moore’s and Lawrence’s refusal to give Henderson the assistance that he requested. Henderson originally testified that he was interrogated in early February. He also testified that he was denied his requested assistance on February 19, 2000, and counsel corrected him that it had to be January 19, 2000. Thus, DynCorp points out that if these dates are correct, Henderson was denied assistance before the interrogation, so the denial cannot be seen as a reaction to that interrogation. However, Henderson additionally testified that he remembered the denial of assistance to come “the very next day” after the interrogation. (J.A. at 552; J.A. at 557). Thus, it is just as likely that Henderson was confused about the actual dates of the events as it is likely that he was confused about which incident came first. It is not the job of this Court to decide which of these equally plausible explanations is more likely. Because there is substantial evidence to support the conclusion that the Board made, we must sustain its finding. Henry I. Siegel Co., 417 F.2d at 1214.