Document: 458 U.S. 219 102 S.Ct. 3057 73 L.Ed.2d 721 FORD MOTOR COMPANY, Petitionerv.EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION. No. 81-300. Argued April 20, 1982. Decided June 28, Syllabus Held : An employer charged with discrimination in hiring under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act 1964 can toll continuing accrual backpay liability § 706(g) by unconditionally offering claimant job previously denied, and is not required to offer seniority retroactive date alleged discrimination. Thus, absent special circumstances, rejection an employer's unconditional ends potential back pay liability. Pp. 225-241. (a) This rule serves VII's objective ending through voluntary compliance, for it gives a strong incentive hire claimant. To require addition fails provide same incentive, because makes more costly than another applicant job. 228-230. (b) unemployed or underemployed claimant's statutory obligation minimize damages requires him accept offer, even without seniority. The announced here merely embodies such requirement minimizing damages, affecting right compensation. 230-234. (c) also consistent policy full compensation when has had good fortune find attractive that offered discrimination, availability better terminates ongoing ill effect latter's refusal 234-236. (d) Since rests both on fact he no longer incurs additional injury if been able other work at least as employer's, almost all circumstances object making injured claimants whole. Pp.236-239 (e) would threaten interests innocent incumbent employees disrupting established hierarchy, attendant risk employee be unfairly laid off disadvantaged granted 239-240. 645 F.2d 183 (4th Cir.), reversed remanded. John R. Wester, Charlotte, N. C., petitioner. David A. Strauss, Washington, D. respondent, pro hac vice, leave Court. Justice O'CONNOR delivered opinion 1 case presents question whether VII, 42 U.S.C. 2000e-5(g), simply must discrimination.1 2 considerable practical significance lengthy delays too often attend litigation.2 extended time frequently takes obtain satisfaction courts may force suffer years underemployment unemployment before being awarded deserves. Court delays, course, affect litigants. But victim delay especially unfortunate. cannot afford stand aside while wheels justice grind slowly toward ultimate resolution lawsuit. needs will feed family restore self-respect. A needed—now. In this case, therefore, we determine how best fashion remedies available fulfill basic need. 3 * 4 July 1971, Judy Gaddis, Rebecca Starr, Zettie Smith applied Ford Motor Co. (Ford) parts warehouse located N.C., jobs "picker-packers," "picking" ordered from storage, "packing" them shipment. At time, woman ever worked capacity warehouse. All three women were qualified positions: Gaddis Starr recently equivalent nearby General Motors (GM) warehouse, comparable prior experience. any openings filled, two positions remained available.3 Ford, however, filled vacant men, filed charge federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), claiming discriminated against her sex.4 5 January 1973, GM recalled their former its following July, they still working GM, single vacancy opened up Ford. 1971 application. Ford's did abandon compromise claim job, part she want only lose earned GM. then made who declined reasons. continued but 1974 was closed off. They unsuccessfully sought new employment until September 1975, entered Government training program unemployed. 6 again never hired. She elsewhere, though lower wages have during much between District Court's decision 1977. 7 contrast Gaddis', Starr's, Smith's difficulties, men hired trial B 8 EEOC sued United States Western North Carolina, alleging violated 1964, 78 Stat. 253, amended, 2000e et seq. (1976 ed. Supp.IV), refusing Charlotte injunctive relief victims.5 9 After trial, found basis sex amount equal "the difference August amounts actually reasonably earnable them" court's order. App. Pet. Cert. A-170. rejected contention entitled accruing after dates which employment. Id., A-170 A-171. 10 Appeals Fourth Circuit affirmed finding unlawful well award accrued offer. (1981). court suggested that, promised cut concluded, promise seniority, 1973 "incomplete unacceptable." 193.6 11 petitioned writ certiorari, contending, inter alia, should further liability.7 We writ. 454 1030, 565, 70 473 II 12 Section 261, governs cases. pertinent part, provides: 13 "If finds respondent intentionally engaged engaging practice complaint, enjoin practice, order affirmative action appropriate, include, limited to, . employees, pay, equitable deems appropriate. Interim earnings reasonable diligence person persons shall operate reduce otherwise allowable" (emphasis added).8 14 Under 706(g), then, "backpay automatic mandatory remedy; one 'may' invoke" exercise sound "discretion [which] nature." Albemarle Paper v. Moody, 422 405, 415, 416, 95 2362, 2370, 2371, 45 280 (1975). Nonetheless, power discretionary power," id., 447, S.Ct., 2389 (BLACKMUN, J., concurring judgment), "court 'in light large objectives Act,' " and, doing so, guided "meaningful standards" enforced "thorough appellate review." 2371 (opinion Court) (citations omitted). Moreover, emphasized Paper, cases 15 "such choices are left 'inclination, judgment; judgment legal principles.' Burr, 25 F.Cas. 30, 35 (No. 14,692d) (CC Va. 1807) (Marshall, C. J.). 16 "It true '[e]quity eschews mechanical rules [and] depends flexibility.' Holmberg Armbrecht, 327 392, 396 [66 582, 584, 90 L.Ed. 743] (1946). Congress invokes Chancellor's conscience transcendent legislative purposes, what principled application standards those purposes 'equity varies like foot.' Important national goals frustrated regime discretion 'produce[d] different results breaches duty situations differentiated policy.' Moragne Marine Lines, 398 375, 405 [90 1772, 1790, 26 339] (1970)." 416-417, (footnote 17 competing govern argues offers applied, liability.9 EEOC, hand, defends rule,10 contending tolled includes occurred. Our task these coincides "large objectives" VII. III 18 "primary objective" bring end, U.S., 417, 'achiev[ing] equality opportunities remov[ing] barriers operated past favor identifiable group over employees.' Ibid. (quoting Griggs Duke Power Co., 401 424, 429-430, 91 849, 852-853, 28 158 (1971)). See McDonnell Douglas Corp. Green, 411 792, 800, 93 1817, 1823, 36 668 (1973). "[T]he preferred means achieving" goal "[c]ooperation compliance." Alexander Gardner-Denver 415 36, 44, 94 1011, 1017, 39 147 (1974). 19 accomplish objective, fashioned implement designed, policies, encourage defendants promptly make curative, claimants, thereby bringing into "voluntary compliance" far quickly could litigation proceeding ponderous pace. Delays unfortunately now commonplace, forcing victims awarding unlawfully denied them. world, perhaps, lawsuits brought speed so effects behavior parties pendency important consideration. do live illustrates. 20 tolling defendant originally While applicants, free threat damages. paying extra worker came work, proposed decided edge competitors seeks. 21 adopted below, applicants give adjudication liability, willing costs fringe benefits come newly workers usually receive. More important, prepared cope deterioration morale, labor unrest, reduced productivity engendered inserting ladder heads incumbents places many cases, moreover, disruption existing system violate collective-bargaining agreement, violation entails relations.11 hopes his As result, less, rather more, likely 22 sum, Appeals' provides employers claimants. advocated contrast, powerfully motivates put thus possible.12 IV 23 primary goal, end discrimination; jobs, lawsuits.13 does occur, secondary, fallback purpose compensate injuries. aims 'to whole' restoring them, 'so possible position where discrimination.' 421, 2373 118 Cong.Rec. 7168 (1972) (remarks Sen. Williams)). turn consider urged properly compensates 24 If plainly providing claimant, subject set out 706(g).14 duty, rooted ancient principle law,15 use suitable Although need go line demotion, take demeaning position,16 forfeits refuses substantially denied.17 Consequently, sought, opportunity damages.18 supplemented effective, lest defendant's irrationally disfavored relative employers' similar jobs. all, accepting failed grant yet earned.19 Of fulfills remains wins case.20 effective offer,21 seniority,22 losses suffered result lesser judgment.23 short, Acceptance preserves, jeopardizes, whole; 27 defendant's, For example, considered superior outset, employ hold responsible lost require, effect, insure risks independent undertaking. Such 'position discrimination,' (citation omitted); catapult enjoyed absence Likewise, somewhat held initially,24 taken mean believed lingering extinguished later developments. If, thought identical every respect, conditions employment, layoff, utterly indifferent had—Ford's GM's. Assuming economic caused ceased reason offers. lands requiring form insurance refused be, something 29 situations, replacement acceptance preserve fully ultimately victorious redress discrimination.25 chooses follow path inadequate compensation, value outweighs prospect court-ordered words, suffers stemming C 30 comfortably incurring things considered, defendant's. reason, 31 sole raised regarding adequately arises narrow category believes inferior present less satisfactory initially. confronted options. accepted preserving prevailed claims, forfeiting favorable Alternatively, kept retaining possibility there, but, operation losing below concluded "intolerable choice," F.2d, 192, depriving receive 32 agree choose alternatives. agree, deprived option seek comport chose remaining plus claims valuable court.26 It hard see adequate venture upon seemed court. 33 choice presented difficult, assess likelihood prevailing trial. surely contended alone life risky plaintiff might either wrongly, error, rightly, innocent. decide defendant, rights judgment, or, instead, limitation already accrued. perverse win 34 Therefore, conclude rejects establishing considers hands ended elsewhere. circumstances,27 simple comports V depend primarily discussed above, statute permits us "innocent third parties." City Los Angeles Department Water & Manhart, 435 702, 723, 98 1370, 1383, 55 657 (1978). Teamsters States, 431 324, 371-376, 97 1843, 1872-1875, 52 (1977). particularly onerous burden rule, cap yield proved, prove, acknowledged numerous occasions, plays central role allocating burdens among employees.28 'overriding importance' rights, American Tobacco Patterson, 456 63, 76, 1534, 1541, 71 748 (1982) Humphrey Moore, 375 335, 346, 84 363, 370, 370 (1964)), wary encourages compel sacrifice claimed, demanded leaves displaced remedy fail establish claims. layoffs occur suit pending, furlough indefinitely given subsequently prove relegated lines wrong done him. believe 'the objectives' omitted), carry heavy burden.29 VI 37 conclusion, disserves getting deserve possible. threatens other, 38 On normally responsibility neither disadvantages, nevertheless satisfying goals. Most potent behalf litigation. reasons reverse remand proceedings opinion. So ordered. 40 BLACKMUN, whom BRENNAN MARSHALL join, dissenting. 41 petitioner Company sex, "as proper founded clearly erroneous factual determinations." 183, 201 (CA4 1981). today reverses unremarkable holding wide-ranging advisory ruling stretching beyond confines case. practices unilateral device justify mischaracterizes Appeals, undertakes intricate analysis hypothetical here, 'innocent parties,' ante, 3069, By doing, supplants traditional district mold relief, ensures Starr—the whose issue lawsuit whole indisputably suffered. I unnecessary unfair. dissent. 43 44 frames "whether [Title VII] discrimination." Ante, 220. my view, completely misstates issue. inflexible constituted abuse discretion. frequent puzzling reference "onerous burden[s]" "sacrifice rule." 227 ("the rule"); 229 ("[t]he below"); ibid. 230, n. 238 241 below"). fact, "rule" all. Rather, well-settled flexible principles review prescribed (1975), Franks Bowman Transportation 424 747, 96 1251, 47 444 (1976). 46 Albemarle, directed most matters, standard [appellate] familiar 'clearly erroneous' findings 'abused' locate 'a just result' peculiar case," 2375 With regard specified [district] render decree eliminate discriminatory bar future.' 418, 2372, quoting Louisiana 380 145, 154, 85 817, 822, 709 (1965). achieve purpose, "Congress took care arm powers. historic equity 'secur[e] complete justice.' 2372 omitted).1 clear presumption awards. "Rather limiting equity, insures accomplished." 786, 1275 (POWELL, dissenting part). exercising broad underlying First, certain 'provide[s] spur catalyst causes self-examine self-evaluate endeavor eliminate, possible, last vestiges' 417-418, 2371-2372 Second, awards "make injuries account 2372. 48 ensure exercised remedial way "allow[s] achievement attainable facts specific case." 770-771, 1266-1267. "The appeals maintain provision, consonant VII's] twin objectives, recognizing keener appreciation particular cases." 421-422, 2373. 49 uncontroverted. automotive "Because experience, each 'picker-packer.' A-159 (District Findings Fact). stated fill vacancies "taking earliest applications first," selecting interviewing candidates. A-157. warehouse.2 A-167—A-168. When received forms, "a receptionist told substance warehouse." A-159. 50 Despite Gaddis' persistent requests interviews, interviewed immediately, supposedly existed. A-160—A-161. unit supervisor testified: "Ms. called me several occasions asked hiring, said no, sit down interview people I'm hiring." 31. Shortly thereafter, male four openings. A-159—A-160. "At applied." A-160 original). 51 1971. A-154. vague first Starr.3 Courtfound "[t]he learned (and prompted desire some response charge)." A-162—A-163.4 turned petitioner's "refused since having January, 1973. Neither wished wanted employed A-163. 53 Based findings, matter law "Ford failing August, 1971." A-167. rulings contested prima facie A-168. 54 entitled, attached women's decline beginning nearly six months begun accumulating elsewhere.5 implicitly discretion, "[b]ack due affected inasmuch implications Applying Franks, supra, 200, 201. particular, failure terminate 1973.6 56 rested key facts: "Gaddis [Ford's] accumulated compensating alleviate 192. (Emphasis added.) expressed view Nor obliged encompassed short 57 Contrary suggestion today, general occurred." 228 added). announce "accept include loss rights." approach, decided, frustrate permitting discriminatees choice."7 58 accepts invitation, wisely adopts governing cases: henceforth, "absent liability."8 241. disturbing respects. 59 First: flatly inconsistent Albemarle's unambiguous directive "that, which, generally, eradicating throughout economy Applied interferes objectives. 60 approach authorizes "cheap offers" Employers unilaterally extending accept. Once applicant, mitigated obtaining earlier. very obtained elsewhere charges EEOC. declines security, successfully future applicant. insulating discriminating acts, reduces "incentive shun dubious legality," hinders eradication 61 violates second Again, rule's anomalies illustrated Had Because experienced long periods temporary elsewhere.9 therefore determined awards, 62 truncates Yet offers, Deprived health, life, benefits, wages, eligibility promotion transfer, greater vulnerability Tr. Oral Arg. 30; Brief Respondent 17. Even litigate spent "subordinate who, illegal been[,] respect entitlement [competitive seniority] benefits[,] [their] inferiors." 768, 1266. 63 "powerfully possible." 230. ended, offer" disadvantage, act. alleges promotes "cooperation giving incentives "unconditional" 228-229. furthers weakening bargaining vis-a-vis employer. Discrimination forced unacceptable know recovery. shields coerces bona fide incomplete fundamentally incompatible 64 Second: unjustifiably limits individual backpay. suggests circumstances," abuses per se point "[i]n read creating backpay." part) added).10 supplied "emphatic confirmation empowered restitution, insofar 764, 1264 65 recognizes expressly preserves deference "sound discretion" "exceptional circumstances." 238-239, n.27. Yet, curiously, explanation why satisfy own circumstances" test.11 Given concession retain advantage prescribing blanket displaces equally justified. 66 Third: am disturbed efforts relying partially "unemployed damages" 234. finally nor exempted Ford's.12 Similarly, analyzes "has defendant's." But, recognizes, there assurance fits either. speculating length about valued worth 234-236, acknowledges paper record, "[w]e infer" "valued solely offer." 235, 24. 67 Equally unconvincing repeated invocation of, preoccupation with, 239, "disruption system[s]," 229, adoption "rule." nowhere demonstrates relations Starr. details agreement litigated Appeals. 30-31. passed disrupted systems.13 decide, matter, adversely employees.14 reversal hand classes extent seeks argument irrelevant advisory. 68 finally: struck concern studied indifference real-life concerns directly affected. confronts faced 236-239, blithely "[a]fter trial" 237. earlier "[d]elays them." 228. 69 difficult," continues, "it trial." 238. Without consulting states: presumably (Ford's award) discounted known going [their lawsuit], combination un litigation." 237, comfortable rationale sidelines. Unfortunately, abstract technical calculations bear little resemblance motivated cross-examination "I [at Motors] knew wasn't danger week weeks low seniority." testified cross-examination: Motors. fifteen me. lay off." 365-366 72 living real security outstrips future. elaborate speculation "presumably" meant Starr—a moment. Unlike Court, recognized traded become again, chance vindicate knowledge someday merits solace immediate pressing personal needs. Starr's testimony reveals her: 74 couple days [started working] job] is, wanting bad you can't, woman, you've got children, needed money, bad. hard. I'll forget day [the supervisor] said, few days, let go. broke heart hard." 356.15 75 lawsuits." also, 221 ("The needed—now"). despite conclusion uncertain won penalizing "discounted" rate today. 76 hearing witnesses appraising evidence, shape penalize declining correct remedies, properly. Sitting remove, say acted unreasonably. affirm thereby, fulfill, defeat, dissent asserts "fram[ing] presented" "simply misstate[d] issue." Post, 242. Apparently, party agrees summarizes continues accrue pay." Petitioner i. sums "[w]hether obtained, in, jobs." buttress assertion addressed presented, "misrea[d]" decision, "transform[ing] one, [we could] install [our] choosing," post, 249, 8, attempt, able, us. correctly fairly framed question, address ad hominem argument. refusals involved occurred ago. claimed contrary, upheld findings. November 1972, issues concerned Smith. Senior Judge Walter E. Hoffman, sitting designation, dissented portion decision. petition issues. suggesting already-accrued hold, concedes lump-sum payment parties. involving disputed women, reached erroneously allocated proof. persuaded, Texas Dept. Community Affairs Burdine, 450 248, 101 1089, 207 (1973), forth allocation presentation proof treatment. Furnco Construction Waters, 438 567, 2943, 957 (1978), Board Trustees Sweeney, 439 24, 99 295, 216 decisions, confusion exist. Burdine reiterated proved shifts articulate legitimate, nondiscriminatory employee's rejection.' 1093 "ultimate persuading trier times plaintiff." that: persuade proffered sufficient evidence raises genuine 254-255, 1094 cited (apparently decided), restate foregoing principles. conclude, undisturbed plaintiffs carried persuasion. commands, place persuasion Instead, began discussion straightforwardly declaring "ha[d] Smith, sex." supported pointing, EEOC's "its showing November, [its] procedures based highly subjective criteria." A-167 court, discrediting justifications women. A-155 A-161. progression conclusions indicates preponderance "unworthy credence," 256, 1095, company sex. These Burdine. points out, contains statements arguably That corrected misimpression generated statements, focusing burden-of-proof 189, n.5 discussion, proof, merit "expressly modeled," 419, n.11, analogous provision National Labor Relations (NLRA), 10(c), 454, 160(c). 10(c) unfair been, being, committed, (NLRB) "take action, including reinstatement effectuate policies" Act. developed NLRA generally guide, bind, tailoring See, e.g., 366-367, 1870, (1977); 768-770, 1266, (1976); n.11. refer stems period unemployed, i.e., closed. own, reads narrowly discerning outlines "general rule" 248 deleted), regard, note evidently interpreted broadly do. Saunders Hercules, Inc., 510 F.Supp. 1137, 1142 (WD Va.1981) ("in recent Company, Cir. 1981) [i]t reemployment offered"). ("Seniority provisions collective bargaining, 'are universally included contracts' ") (1964), Trans World Airlines, Inc. Hardison, 432 79, 2264, 2274, 113 (1977)). dissent, BLACKMUN speak "comfor[t]" "sidelines," somewhere outside world," ibid., dissent's rhetoric, seriously challenge our adopt motivate denied. eloquently explains need: bad." 356. manifests "studied concerns," 255, 7569 Rep. Dent debate 1972 amendments VII) ("Most work. trying us, race, religious ethnic background, employment"). states "[i]nterim allowable." 2000e-5(g). Claimants dissimilar mandated forfeit Merriweather 631 1161 (CA5 1980) (voluntary minimization work); Thornton East Freight, 497 (CA6 1974) moonlighting). McCormick, Law Damages 127-158 (1935). McCormick follows: "Where committed tort, breach contract, another, latter avoid wronged recover item damage avoided." 127. connection NLRA, said: "Making vindication public enforces. actual good, seems fair deductions willfully incurred." Phelps Dodge NLRB, 313 177, 197-198, 845, 853-854, 1271 (1941). NLRB Madison Courier, 153 U.S.App.D.C. 232, 245-246, 472 1307, 1320-1321 (employee "seek skills, experience" "which involves previous position"); Wonder Markets, 236 N.L.R.B. 787, 787 (1978) (offer ineffective discharged existed), enf'd, 598 666, 676 (CA1 1979), supplemental 249 294 (1980); Good Foods Manufacturing Processing Corp., 195 419 benefits), 200 623 (1972), 492 1302 (CA7 1974); Harvey Carlton, 143 304 (1963) return probation). Some indicated, searching success, taking lower-paying position. U.S.App.D.C., 1320-1321; Southern Silk Mills, 242 697, 700 (CA6), cert. 355 821, (1957). decides deducted eventual award. 706(g); 1168; Taylor Philips Industries, 593 783, 1979) (per curiam). Arduini Mfg. 394 420 1968). settle employer, part. condition compromised. St. Marys Sewer Pipe 146 995, 996 (CA3 1945). reasons, backpay, front-end, bonus. Midwest Hanger 550 1101, 1103 (CA8) ("It Company's conditioned strenuously argues, invalidated"), 434 830, 112, Reliance Clay Products 105 135, 137 (1953) consistently discriminatorily refuse" unconditioned unaccompanied backpay; tolls backpay). 'has (1965)). Huntington Hospital, 921, 924 1977). Zipes 455 385, 1127, 234 (1982); Decisions construing 160(c), accord. re Nevada Consolidated Copper 1182, 1235 (1940) (persons "any privileges acquired, them") (quoted 770, 1267), enf. 122 587 (CA10 1941), rev'd, 316 105, 960, 86 1305 (1942). Both point. 19; Reply 9. contrary suggestion, outset "hypothetical infer 232-234. Employees besides including, presence recreational facilities worksite, staggered hours, health vacations, forth. What another. essence, turns sure lawsuit, win, contend unless stay sum (1) (2) addition, (3) discern, concluding prevail move great distance reflect relocation superior, exceptional weight factors deciding attempts characterize [a] jo[b]" cost relocation. 252-253, 11. confuses changing whatever respective advantages disadvantages be—with differences Seniority govern, 'not rest shift assignments, prerogative scheduling vacation, possibilities lateral transfer 'bumping' face recall, opportunities, conditions, layoff endured reducing recall withstand, overtime parking privileges, [even] punch-out line.' 766-767, 1265 Stacy, Remedies Time Economic Downturn, Vand.L.Rev. 487, 490 (1975)). employers. employer—or himself innocent—has weak baseless. endorsed undermines wishes mounting bill, surrender defense prevails recourse received. stem compelling defenses. Cf. Moro Ltd., 193 (1975) ("were [an employer] employee, allegedly [employer's] discharge nullified") original); Screen 746, 747-748 (1964). passing 103, specifically limit judicial 420, 2373, Section-by-Section Analysis accompanying Conference Committee Report reaffirmed whole" provision: subsection intended wide powers dealing section stressed scope whole, attainment aggrieved consequences restored quoted found, month apply "was woman." A-157—A-158. asked: "Q. Did clerk manager] you, discuss interview, job? "A. couldn't pinpoint anything down. type [parts] picking sheet metal putting stock night shift, permanent secure grounds, it." 43. remember be. have, fifteen, don't fourteen truth [it,] scared. Whenever before, badgered know, just, look fear back. didn't facing." 54. operations manager illuminates motives: Whose call Ms. Starr? Why? Well, mainly suit, maybe time. Mr. Ely, indicated your Is correct? Yes, that's correct. You Company. That's correct." 17-18. reconstructed probable history calculating steps mitigate Accordingly, subtracted eminently result. permit double recovery deducting awards." 193. "[I]f stayed Motors, forego benefits. policy, Motors." misreading Virginia stating proposition. 227, 10. misconstrued Circuit's opinion, Circuit. transform choosing. South Carolina "at various places, car dealers, Chrysler-Plymouth, Lewis hosiery mills, Radiator Specialty Company," 362, cites language limitless. 226-227. conspicuously omits statement way, leaving 'little room reimbursement.' Mitchell DeMario Jewelry, 361 288, 296, 80 332, 337, 323 (1960) suggests, "claimant job." 238, 27. certainly reflected "costs relocation" substantial high moving expenses. expect meaningful distinction worker's incur costs, costly. reasonableness 706(g)'s "mitigation adjudicated. deny seeking litigating foreclose terminated provisional defeasible event preclude pointed objected determining abused shaping relief. event, injure vastly overstated. soon necessarily small, relatively Any court-ordered, 221. delaying final significant number comparatively numbers adversely. embarrassment, support "rule," 12. somehow concerns, confirms removed world is.

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