Opinion ID: 435884
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Computation of Backpay for Hughes

Text: 16 In her cross-appeal, Hughes contends that the district court erred when it limited her backpay to the period commencing in August, 1980, rather than the period beginning in March, 1979. Although Hughes, Williamson, and Garrett all completed their correctional officer training and certification in March, 1979, the district court awarded only Williamson and Garrett backpay to March, 1979, because they personally requested reclassification then. The district court awarded Hughes backpay only to August, 1980, at which time she first personally requested reclassification by joining the other plaintiffs in a letter to Sheriff Mills. The district court did find, however, that Hughes was interested in reclassification as early as Williamson and Garrett. Moreover, the district court found that Hughes did not request reclassification prior to August 1980 because she believed such a request would be futile. 17 Hughes argues that the finding that she was interested in a position as a correctional officer as early as March, 1979, coupled with the finding that she believed (with good reason, based on the experience of her co-workers) that it would be futile to apply for the position, is sufficient to entitle her to backpay from the earlier period. We agree. See International Brotherhood of Teamsters v. United States, 431 U.S. 324, 362-71, 97 S.Ct. 1843, 1868-1873, 52 L.Ed.2d 396 (1977). 18 Accordingly, the judgment of the district court is AFFIRMED with respect to defendants' appeal, and REVERSED with respect to plaintiff Hughes's cross-appeal to permit a new determination of her backpay award. 19 AFFIRMED IN PART, REVERSED IN PART, AND REMANDED.