Document: 452 U.S. 549 101 S.Ct. 2510 69 L.Ed.2d 226 Roger D. MONROE, Petitioner,v.The STANDARD OIL COMPANY. No. 80-298. Argued March 4, 1981. Decided June 17, Syllabus The Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 provides in 38 U.S.C. § 2021(b)(3) that any employee a private employer "shall not be denied retention employment or promotion other incident advantage because obligation as member reserve component the Armed Forces." Petitioner was an respondent's refinery, which operated 24 hours day, every day year, and whose employees worked five 8-hour days weekly but different 5-day sequence each week. As military reservist, petitioner had to attend training with his unit one weekend month for two weeks summer. On number weekends, required on when he scheduled work at most instances unable exchange shifts permitted do. Respondent provided him leaves absence training, by 2024(d), it did pay nor take steps permit make up those working outside normal schedule. brought action against respondent Federal District Court, alleging, inter alia, violated 2021(b)(3). Court granted summary judgment ground respondent, scheduling full 40-hour week occasions shifts, "an employment" within meaning 2021(b)(3), awarded amount wages lost "work dates accommodation should have been made." Appeals reversed, holding taken no discriminatory proscribed Held : Section does require work-scheduling accommodations employee-reservists made employees. Pp. 554-566. (a) legislative history indicates enacted significant limited purpose protecting employee-reservist from discrimination like discharge demotion motivated solely status. There is nothing its indicate Congress even considered imposing employers provide special preference, rather suggests intend benefits generally available 554-562. (b) While this case involves absences duty, refers "any Reserve component." Accordingly, there principled way distinguishing between employer's weekends opposed to, example, annual 2-week periods, longer periods duty. intended reservists entitled all "incidents advantages accorded during their employees, including regular time overtime pay. P.p. 562-563. (c) statute support petitioner's contention only requires under circumstances "reasonable accommodation" employee-reservists. Such has already 2024(d) requiring grant leave duties force them miss work. To say would little significance unless requirement imposed, ignores fact nondiscrimination requirements section impose substantial obligations precluding ridding themselves inconveniences productivity losses resulting employee-reservists' discharging otherwise disadvantaging such obligations. 563-565. 6th Cir. 613 F.2d 641, affirmed. Alan I. Horowitz, Washington, D.C., petitioner. Paul S. McAuliffe, Cleveland, Ohio, respondent. Justice STEWART delivered opinion Court. 1 Sixth Circuit concluded provision 1974, preferential who must absent fulfill 641. We certiorari consider statutory duty reservist-employees whenever reasonably can accomplished. 449 949, 352, 66 213.1 2 * In 1975 1976, years pertinent litigation, full-time continuous process refinery Lima, Ohio. 7 week, 365 year. insure burdens shift equitably divided among over course row weekly, Under collective agreement union, however, could, acquiescence foreman if change payment overtime, another employee. 3 During same period, reservist,2 refinery. Although able four these instances. 2024(d)3 do, work, When could arrange switch employee, arrangements fill vacancy created absence, often substitute. 4 petitioner4 alleging provisions §§ 2021(b)(3)5 2024(d). Noting first sections may deny reservist employ "incident employee's Reserves, finding "being forty hour [respondent's] constitutes employment," Northern Ohio 446 F.Supp. 616, 618, 619. court $1,086.72 Id., 619.6 5 reversed. First, determined met 2024(d).7 It noted "guarantees terms conditions reemployment returning inactive training," found "[i]t not, protect assignments." 643-644. 6 Next, rejected Court's interpretation held "merely treated equally neutrally fellow without obligations." 646. appellate then 2021(b)(3): "The equal treatment present case. parties agreed appellee regularly forty-hour workweeks, were Further, Monroe accordance Sohio's established practice rotating approximately days. Finally, coworkers regard right employees." II 8 This presents occasion address issues arising provisions, codified 2021 et seq., specifically dealing reservists.8 have, frequently interpreted somewhat analogous entitling veteran reinstatement "seniority, status pay" intact, 2021(a), recently Coffy v. Republic Steel Corp., 447 191, 100 2100, 65 53, Alabama Power Co. Davis, 431 581, 97 2002, 52 595. 9 Statutory re-employment rights veterans date Nation's peacetime draft law, passed 1940, civilian active position left "like seniority, status, pay." 2021(a). 1951, order strengthen Forces, extended See Pub. L. 51, ch. 144, 1(s), Stat. 75, 86-87. Thereafter, Forces 1955, Pub.L. 305, 665, 262(f), 598, 602, more than three months Ready inductees, exceptions. 1960, National Guardsmen, 86-632, 74 467. 2024(c). addition, new section, now 1960 deal problems faced lasting less months. and, upon return, restored "with pay, vacation" they training. 10 closely paralleled latter ensuring duty.9 But protection discharges, demotions, conduct once reinstated. 2021(b)(2), hand, year's "protection . certain types discharges demotions might rob veteran's substance." Oakley Louisville & Nashville R. Co., 338 278, 285, 70 119, 123, 94 L.Ed. 87. designed similar employee-reservists.10 B 11 part: 12 "Any person [is employed employer] shall 13 Senate Report bill became §2021(b)(3), stated enactment 'to prevent Guardsmen drills summer being discriminated membership....' Rep. 477, 90th Cong., 2d Sess., 1-2 (1968). explained '[e]mployment practices discriminate become increasing problem recent years. Some promotions others discharged obligations.... [T]he members components practices.' 2. accomplished afforded co-workers having obligations....' Ibid. 14 House announced motivation. described providing "job H. 1303, elaborated follows: 15 "Section (1) amplifies existing law clear remaining obligation, whether acquired voluntarily involuntarily, will nonetheless [sic] soley affiliation. 16 "It assures obligation. 17 cause, inductees enlistees, 1-year protection, initial reservists, months' protection." (emphasis added). 18 legislation originally proposed Department Labor. testimony Hugh W. Bradley, Director Office Reemployment Rights Labor Department, chief administration spokesman provision, instructive. He relevant portions Committee Services: 19 deals increasingly difficult past few enable guardsmen leave- jobs perform retain enjoy opportunities do cause 1966 Hearings, 5312 20 also 1968 7471. 21 Testimony Rear Admiral Burton Shupper, U.S.N., appearing behalf Defense, reflected purposes behind enactment: 22 aspect 11509 Forces. After Berlin Cuba callups, we received information our community receiving indications advancement favor appear offer continuity services, namely Standby fairness, emphasize reaction part appears exception rule believe, based unpatriotic motives competitive spirit business." 5315. 23 thus discriminations demotion, wished comparable "discharge cause"—to penalize rid after mere pro forma compliance 2024(d).11 consistent focus statute, Congresses it, need temptation obliged work-schedule preferences background. C argument corporation obligated efforts schedule so avoid reason allege singled out unfairly, vis-a-vis Indeed, work-assignment nonreservist 25 ever preference. history, set above, strongly employees.12 Congress, legislation, explicitly "to ." 1477, (1968); see 89th (1966); 7471 (testimony Bradley). 26 strongest language culled single passage 11509: "If young men are essential national defense, certainly Government moral economic well disrupted minimum extent possible." (1966).13 generalized statement Report; contained either accompanied finally Congress. Compare ibid. 3, (1968), Moreover, indicated measure intended: substantive changes relate prohibition participate Guard programs." (1966). 27 origin relies Bradley before 1966. 5313. Yet disappeared Bradley's presentation both Committees subsequent 7471, 7472; 2, 3. And congressional appearances, abundantly discharge, denial promotional opportunities, adverse obligations; never suggestion responsibility treatment. case, relied hardly supports convert into specific legal D 28 Aside lack suffers flaws. limited; component. applied, camps, Carney Cummins Engine 602 763 (CA7); 6-week sessions, Carlson New Hampshire Dept. Safety, 609 1024 (CA1); two-month Peel Florida Transportation, 443 451 (ND Fla.), aff'd, 600 1070 (CA5). pay.14 29 concedes impossible, least unduly burdensome, accommodate reservist's long mandatory session. Perhaps reason, attempts limit obvious implications theory arguing "the reasonable reservists." But, true general affirmative theory, notion. 30 missed worktime There, decided what allowance work: absence. If wanted additional employers, guaranteeing opportunity hours, earn earned attributable duties, done expressly.15 By contrast, evidence showed concern let alone imposed "take reservists" respect. 31 makes why apply promotion. Presumably, applies all. defend "reasonably accommodated," clearly reduced, altogether eliminated. 32 attributes significance. employers. frequent affect considerable inconvenience find alternative means get necessary done. III 33 sit draw appropriate balance costs That desires amend work-hour where possible, free so. is. 34 anything reservist. 40 were.16 assigned burden allowed manner accepted union just were.17 35 ordered. 36 Chief BURGER, whom BRENNAN, BLACKMUN, POWELL join, dissenting. 37 today restricts protections Reservists my view, decision erroneous effect, allows penalized service contrary intent. A. 39 involving construction, "our starting point Congress." Reiter Sonotone 442 330, 337, 99 2326, 2330, 60 931 (1979). Title 2021(a) previously "a 2021(b)(1) "without loss seniority" year restoration reemployment." 284-285, 122-23, 87 (1949). Similar safeguards 2024(c) Forces" commitments months, request person's period United States. Upon release hospitalization return vacation purposes." 41 Additional guarantees bases claim nonconflicting hours. states: 42 Government, state government, (Emphasis added.) 43 concludes "§ status." Ante, 559. plain belies narrow interpretation. proscribes termination obligations, expressly prohibits employment." broader enjoyed 2021(b)(1), understandable continuing disadvantage employment. 44 Just demonstrate intent confine statute's application "discriminations demotion," neither history. bill, H.R. 11509, 1st Sess. (1965), included eventually introduced, Subcommittee Services hearings thereafter reported favorably bill. Committee's Report, hearing Labor, stated: 45 "Employment Paragraph Guard, practices. 46 47 protection. 48 "To give tour perpetuate indefinitely. follow approach instead 49 50 H.R.Rep.No. (1966) 51 House, 112 Cong.Rec. 5017 (1966), took reintroduced 1093, (1967); 2561, (1967). Hearings again Services, expressing view American Legion entered record: 53 feels very Reserves 54 "[The section] membership areas promotion, increases." 1093 7477 U.S.Code Cong. Admin.News 1968, p. 3421 55 "reservists disadvantaged obligations" favorable "[s]ection affiliation." (1968) 56 Following 114 11779 issued recommending enactment. repeated themes run through expression proposal: 57 "This 58 59 'shall States.' " S.Rep.No. 1-2, Senate, 24017 August 1968. 90-491, 82 790. 61 admittedly reveals short-term absences, safeguard expansive deprived benefit willingness serve country. 62 issue here Both per advantage" custom 619 1975); 645 (CA6 1980). scheduling, given willing pursuant collective-bargaining agreement. Nevertheless, conflicted illusory since "took [him] substituted hours." App. 26. Thus, asserts refusing rearrange allow precluded doing I agree. 63 inaccurately characterizes seeking "work-schedule 560. Respondent's policy readjust personal reasons, alleges consideration regarding unrelated service. placed footing co-workers, cannot simply 1024, 1027 (CA1 1979), cert. denied, 913, 1844, 64 267 (1980); Lott Goodyear Aerospace 395 866, 869-870 1975). A result vital defense assumed, primary statutes disadvantages caused essence reservists. emphasizes "respondent reservist" shifts. 565. substance, embraces Appeals' F.2d, However, read safeguarding effects facially neutral rules, much practical lost. States Fifth observed West Safeway Stores, Inc., 147, 149 (1980): context workers receive benefits, secure protect." (CA7 444 1073, 1018, 754 (1980). attempting gain membership. assert paid asks meaningful chance living wage. record contains burdensome adequate notice, fact, counsel acknowledged oral "could Saturdays Sundays off plant routine." Tr. Oral Arg. 27. 41-43 (proposed revision schedule). states flaws "there duty." 563. apart duties. Far asking contends steps" him. Brief 24. undisputed effort Cf. Trans World Airlines, Inc. Hardison, 432 63, 2264, 113 (1977). accept conclusion total indifference keeping underlying express 67 go further accommodating petitioner—i. e., absence," ante, 564—ignores separate, inadequate. "[i]f expressly." 564. conferred unequivocally refused here, commitments. differentiate "makes explicit guardsman advantage, reserves [or Guard], obligation." U. Rights, Handbook 114-115 (1970) 68 liberally construed country." Fishgold Sullivan Drydock Repair 328 275, 1105, 1111, 90 1230 (1946). Accord, 196, 2104, 584, 2004, 595 unfortunate, think, undermines sound principle. enacting expand thereby encourage participation increased reliance personnel aim severely frustrated deprive important undiminished surely put choice quitting forgoing type suffered. reverse Appeals. apparent intercircuit conflict issue. review 147 argument, Guard. record, S.Rep. 1, H.R.Rep. Admin.News, 3421. purposes. represents 2022. provides: holds clause (A) (B) subsection urge worked. dispute complied n. supra. compels entitles wage rates automatically accrued remained employer. Aiello Detroit Free Press, 570 145, 148 (CA6). entitle conditioned demanding actual performance job. Foster Dravo 420 92, 95 879, 44. contended Before recodification veterans' U.S.C.App. 459 (1970 ed.) (§ Military Selective Service 1967). 194, 2103, 53. "In inducted [50 451-473] (or prior corresponding law) (other temporary position) service; receives certificate 9(a) 459(a)] (relating satisfactory completion service), (2) ninety relieved year— "(A) territories, possessions, political subdivisions thereof, Columbia, shall— "(i) still qualified position, pay; "(ii) disability sustained service, employer, offered requests, nearest approximation thereof case; "(B) State, subdivision successor interest [as (A)(ii), supra, except references 'employer's interest']." introduced (1965). February (hereafter Hearings). Committee, 7, 1966, 5016 No action, 20, April 24, initially May 6, July 25, 26, 29, concurred amendment. 24999. signed portion unchanged throughout consideration. discussion floor chamber. key Reports. Austin E. Kerby, Economic Commission Legion: Training Program. They Statutes one-year six-months "H. [H. 10, supra] add 9(c)(3), Universal One argue, course, substance," (in reference 2021(b)(2) here) amounts sort treatment, better understood occurred barren indication compensate while fulfilling receipt double compensation periods. Handbook, published 1970 use today, notes "[t]he difference earnings period. respect, many adopted voluntary policies contractual subject State statutes, [38 seq.] requires." 113. examples addressed typical confront hint adjust 403 93-508, 88 1594, revisions laws respect disabled era. 2012. Conf. 93-1107, (1974). 93-1240, (1974); 93-1303, 93-1435, Southeastern Community College 397, 410-411, 2361, 2369, 980. note "defines guarantee week." Of prevents 14,

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