Legal Document

472 U.S. 400 105 S.Ct. 2743 86 L.Ed.2d 321 WESTERN AIR LINES, INC., Petitioner,v.Charles G. CRISWELL et al. No. 83-1545. Argued Jan. 14, 1985. Decided June 17, Syllabus The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) generally prohibits mandatory retirement before age 70, but § 4(f)(1) the provides an exception "where is a bona fide occupational qualification [BFOQ] reasonably necessary to normal operation particular business." Petitioner airline company requires that its flight engineers, who are members cockpit crews petitioners' aircraft do not operate controls unless both pilot and copilot become incapacitated, retire at 60. A Federal Aviation Administration regulation any person from serving as or after reaching his 60th birthday. Certain respondents, include engineers forced 60 pilots who, upon 60, were denied reassignment brought suit District Court against petitioner, contending age-60 requirement for violated ADEA. defended, part, on theory BFOQ "reasonably necessary" safe airline. physiological psychological capabilities persons over ability detect disease precipitous decline such basis individual medical examinations, subject conflicting expert testimony presented by parties. jury instructions included statements "BFOQ defense available only if it essence [petitioner's] business"; "the business transportation [its] passengers"; petitioner could establish proving "it was highly impractical [petitioner] deal with each [flight engineer] individualized determine perform job safely" some "over possess traits physiological, other nature which preclude efficient performance cannot be ascertained means than knowing their age." entered judgment based jury's verdict plaintiffs, Appeals affirmed, rejecting petitioner's contention instruction insufficiently deferential legitimate concern safety passengers. Held: 1. ADEA's restrictive language, legislative history, consistent interpretation administrative agencies charged enforcing statute meant extremely narrow general prohibition discrimination contained Pp. 409-412. 2. relevant considerations resolving age-based purportedly justified interests whether overriding interest public safety, employer compelled rely proxy safety-related validated first inquiry. latter showing may made employer's establishing either (a) had reasonable cause believe all substantially would unable safely duties job, (b) older employees basis. 412-417. 3. here properly instructed elements under above standard, sufficiently protective safety. 417-423. Petitioner's should have been defer selection qualifications "that light risks" odds Congress' decision, adopting ADEA, decisions test objective justification court law. standard adopted one "reasonable necessity," reasonableness. adequately reflected track statute's language. 418-420. defective failing inform must conduct operations "with highest possible degree safety." Viewing record whole, attention focused importance business. 420-421. (c) There no merit ADEA "a rational fact" believing identification those lacking suitable Such conveys meaning significantly different conveyed statutory phrase necessary," inconsistent preference evaluation expressed language history Nor can ground allowed resolve controversy conservative manner when qualified experts disagree certain dealt argument incorrectly assumes opinion entitled equal weight, virtually ignores function trier fact evaluating testimony. 421-423. 709 F.2d 544 (CA9 1983), affirmed. Gordon Dean Booth, Jr., petitioner. Raymond C. Fay, Chicago, Ill., respondents. Lawrence Wallace, Washington, D.C., E.E.O.C. amici curiae support special leave Court. Justice STEVENS delivered 1 Western Air Lines, Inc., Although (ADEA), 29 U.S.C. §§ 621-634, business."1 concluded Western's rule did qualify even though reasons. question defense.2 2 * In commercial operations, operates variety aircraft, including Boeing 727 McDonnell-Douglas DC-10. These require three crew cockpit: captain, officer, engineer. "The 'captain' aircraft. He responsible phases operation. 'first officer' assists captain. 'flight engineer' usually monitors side-facing instrument panel. does captain officer incapacitated." Trans World Airlines, Inc. v. Thurston, 469 111, 114, 613, 618, 83 523 (1985). 3 (FAA) "if has reached birthday." 14 CFR 121.383(c) FAA retention "incapacitating events" "adverse psychological, emotional, physical changes" occur consequence aging. inability predict precision individual's risk sudden subtle incapacitation, face known age-related risks, counsels relaxation rule." 49 Fed.Reg. 14695 (1984). See also 24 9776 (1959). 4 At same time, refused engineers. "While engineer important contribute airplane, he she assume responsibilities command." Fed.Reg., 14694. Moreover, statistics rarely contributing factor "accidents" "incidents." Ibid. 5 1978, respondents Criswell Starley captains operating DC-10s Western. Both men celebrated birthdays July 1978. Under collective-bargaining agreement effect between union, obtain open positions bidding order seniority.3 avoid FAA's under-age-60 pilots, applied requests, ostensibly company's plan required 60.4 For reason, respondent Ron, career engineer, retired 1978 6 Mandatory provisions similar pension previously upheld United McMann, 434 192, 98 444, 54 402 (1977). As originally enacted 1967, provided proscription actions undertaken "to observe terms . employee benefit retirement, pension, insurance plan, subterfuge evade purposes this Act."5 April however, Congress amended prohibit plans requiring involuntary because age.6 7 Criswell, Starley, Ron action position Court, airline.7 All parties submitted evidence concerning engineer's tasks, them, availability among 8 summarized, trial established "normal less critical pilot." 514 F.Supp. 384, 390 (CD Cal.1981). functions emergency situations and, course, might considerable disruption event own emergency. 9 actual faculties, witness, former Deputy Surgeon,8 especially concerned about possibility "cardiovascular event" heart attack. testified advancing likelihood onset increases predicted diseases occur." Id., 389. 10 plaintiffs' experts, hand, deterioration caused disease, aging, feasible examinations deck members, physically continue fly." conclusions corroborated nonmedical evidence: 11 reveals airlines able health problems Pilots grounded alcoholism cardiovascular recertified resume flying. pass examination maintain class certificates, continued second certificates 'down-grade' engineer]. nothing indicate these better experienced events they likely 390. 12 several large "flying line" without reduction record. 13 defendant's Tr. 2626. informed passengers." instructed: "One method defendant case prove: 15 "(1) That plaintiffs retired, safely; 16 "(2) officers age. 17 "In practicability dealing basis, respect testimony, you consider state art existed 1978." 2627. 18 rendered awarded damages. After trial, granted equitable relief, explaining written why found rule. F.Supp., 389-391.9 19 On appeal, various arguments attacking below, affirmed respects. 1983). particular, rejected airline's 549-551. We certiorari merits question. 815, 80, 28 (1984).10 II 20 Throughout empirical repeatedly emphasized: process degeneration aging varies individual. basic research field there wide range regardless age."11 result, many American workers levels superior younger colleagues. 21 1965, Secretary Labor reported despite well-established facts "is persistent widespread use limits hiring great cases attributed arbitrary ability."12 Two years later, President recommended enact legislation abolish hiring. limits, declared, devastating dignity result staggering loss human resources vital national economy.13 22 further study,14 responded enactment preamble declares purpose promote employment rather [and] employment." 81 Stat. 602, 621(b). Section 4(a)(1) makes "unlawful fail refuse hire discharge otherwise discriminate compensation, terms, conditions, privileges employment, 603, 623(a)(1). This presently applies ages 40 70. 631(a). 23 Amendments quite clear policies substantive apply especial force provisions. House Committee Education reported: "Increasingly, being recognized solely chronological alone poor indicator job. take into consideration differing abilities capacities. hardships through roles income. Those wish re-employed much more difficult time finding new persons. 25 "Society, suffers well. skills experience lost work resulting reduced GNP. practices add burden Government income maintenance programs social security."15 26 Amendments, narrowed authorized limited circumstances. supra, ----. 27 classifications age, like religion, sex, origin, sometimes serve neutral essential diverse industries, adopt "case-by-case underlying administration legislation." H.R.Rep. 805, 90th Cong., 1st Sess., (1967), U.S.Code Cong. & Admin.News pp. 2213, 2220, Legislative History 80.16 offered guidance classification permissible borrowing concept Title VII Civil Rights 196417 providing lawful 623(f)(1). Shortly passage Act, Labor, enforcement, regulations declaring "limited scope application" "must construed narrowly." 33 9172 (1968), 860.102(b) Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC) construction assigned authority statute. 46 47727 (1981), 1625.6 convince us that, counterpart, "was prohibition" Dothard Rawlinson, 433 321, 334, 97 2720, 2729, 53 786 III Usery Tamiami Trail Tours, 531 224 (1976), Fifth Circuit called evaluate claim discrimination. policy refusing over-age-40 intercity bus drivers. introduced supporting considerations—the need employ low accidents. contention, drew precedents, two inquiries relevant. 30 First, so peripheral central mission business."18 drivers considerations, evaluated standard: 31 "[T]he invokes justify business—here, passengers point another. greater factor, measured harm probable severity accident, stringent designed insure driving." F.2d, 236. 32 inquiry "adjusts factor" ensuring Tamiami, noted seriously challenged having Second, something "convenient" "reasonable"; business," inquiry.19 ways. " 'had believe, is, factual believing, [persons qualifications] efficiently involved.' "20 seek standard. 34 Alternatively, 'impossible impractical' basis.21 carry discriminated-against trait precluding knowledge applicant's membership class." 235. conflicting, individuals buses safely. "clearly erroneous," Court's defense. 238. 35 Congress, considering implicitly endorsed two-part identified case. Senate Report amendment prohibiting accordance imply BFOQ: 36 "For example, types particularly arduous law enforcement activity, specified jobs, impossible periodic reviews current tests employees' capacity jobs efficiently. 37 "Accordingly, committee make where conditions satisfied therefore established, lawfully S.Rep. 95-493, 10-11 (1977), 513, 514, 443-444. 38 Senate, deleted Conference "neither added nor worked change present law."22 H.R.Conf.Rep. 95-950, p. (1978), 528, 518. 39 Every confronted analyzed problem consistently standard.23 An EEOC embraces criteria.24 Considering exception, parallel treatment questions VII, uniform application federal courts, EEOC, we conclude identifies IV court, preserved objection mold, claiming "any pertaining 'reasonably [defendant's] business' irrelevant confusing deliberations jury."25 proposed succeed "in engineers] DC-10 airliners increase passengers."26 went note "without evidence."27 It provide "rational fact." 41 defended instruction, Appeals' soundly it. slightly changes course. now acknowledges However, claims respects given below urges interpret modify weigh concerns balance. Reasonably Necessary Job Qualifications 42 relied kinds policy. argued incapacitation deterioration. vague level analysis disputed—nor they—that good member operations. Instead, qualification. 43 specific level, argues meet logical extend pilots. reasons, defense, accorded conclusive weight. Johnson Mayor City Council Baltimore, 353, 370-371, 2717, 2726-2727, 286. extent probative weight rationale congruity occupations issue." 371, S.Ct., 2727. case, clearly FAA, Western, rigorous pilot.28 44 absence persuasive position, nevertheless "Western's risks." Brief 30. proposal plainly management 45 ignore When establishes carefully formulated respond documented will overly burdensome persuade uncertainty implicit managing risks always err side caution close case.29 expected accident certainty, certainty running until tragic prove sound." credible record, laypersons—many whom doubt flown expect fly air carriers—would judgment. Since prevented raising closing argument, defect proof court's instructions.30 defined complains failed safety."31 47 Jury instructions, "may judged artificial isolation," "context overall charge" circumstances Cupp Naughten, 414 141, 147, 94 396, 400, 368 (1973). characterized "essence" specifically referred "safe performance" counsel pointed out "safety strives safety."32 Cf. States Park, 421 658, 674, 95 1903, 1912, 489 (1975). 48 contended basis.33 tantamount return favor. Because correctly court.34 basis" disputes never proved certainty" juries permitted conflicts respecting adequacy testing." Reply 9, n. 10. jury, convinced beyond testing impossible, proposition true "on preponderance evidence." attack wisdom assigning resolution complex laypersons structure expressly decided involving resolved jury.35 50 ADEA.36 employers 70 principle, validate well "rational" comply direction chosen. Unless substantial nearly lack selected 51 lenient manner." 8-9. attached little witness. 406, 8. witness testifying employer, matter how unpersuasive, allow give free reign stereotype decried 52 covered reputable businesses industry choose eschew reliance earlier itself relies circumstances, agency primary responsibility maintaining determined attempt decision contrary experts—solicited litigation—is hardly convincing short complete deference. Even permit deference decision. Affirmed. POWELL took part provides: "It shall unlawful prohibited ." (1985), Term, TWA working past downbid find prior birthdays. id., 115-116, 618-619. displaced reason besides Administration's rule, "bump" senior occupying waiting vacancies occur. held transfer discriminated impose occasion While lawsuit proceeding pursued remedies collective bargaining-agreement. System Wide Board Adjustment, dissent, ultimately ruled contract provision appeared authorize pilots' downbidding intended narrow-body equipment bid wide-body App. Pet. Cert. A84-A90. already them. "for obvious evading [the] agreed plan." A89. motion summary judgment, material remained determinative denial downbids. A81. official conceded sole applications same: regarding 60." 1163. addition, admitted "no personal knowledge" 2059, played significant role 61, 2027-2033, 2056-2057. sent form letters informing them "considered examining applicable since our Pilot your date 89, 91. 4(f)(2), 623(f)(2). 92 189, denials downbids factors 623(f)(1); see 10, infra. served seven ending 1979, throughout tenure advocated 1521. action, eight filed separate seeking relief. preliminary injunction behalf appealed. consolidated appeal injunction. 544, 558-559 collateral here. One refusal age" (RFOA), namely, facially embodied downbidding. nn. 7, supra. verdict. claimed improperly bear RFOA issue inasmuch persuasion times plaintiff. Texas Dept. Community Affairs Burdine, 450 248, 101 1089, 67 207 (1981); Furnco Construction Co. Waters, 438 567, 2943, 57 957 (1978). merits. 552-553. question, (1984), read placed issue. "burden show discriminatory 58. shifted issues, e.g., (business necessity); 61 (BFOQ), 62-63. proof, error assign defendant. Older Worker: (1965) (hereinafter Report), (1981) History). 504, 505, 435 ("Scientific indicates job"). Report, 21, 37. "Hundreds thousands yet old, voluntarily themselves jobless Despite rate unemployment, average 850,000 people unemployed. economic serious—and senseless—loss nation move. But cruel sacrifice happiness well-being joblessness imposes citizens families." H.R.Doc. 40, 61. Wyoming, 460 226, 230, 103 1054, 1057, 75 (1983). 95-527, pt. 1, 362. 437 ("The believes retaining existing largely misconceptions careful facts"). "Many prevail. place emphasis case-by-case unusual weighed legislation, simply stated, within prescribed herein, determining hire." 723, 111. 703(e) permits sex origin instances enterprise." 2000e-2(e)(1). Diaz Pan Airways, 442 385 (CA5), cert. denied, 404 950, 275, 267 (1971), proposition. American's female-only in-flight cabin attendant VII. preferred "pleasant environment" "cosmetic effect" female attendants, most effectively "non-mechanical functions" concluding "are tangential involved." 388. Weeks Southern Bell Telephone Telegraph Co., 408 228 (CA5 1969), Bell's male-only switchman argued, found, "strenuous," observed "finding vague." 234. "using stereotypes denies desirable women perfectly capable performing "impossible basis." 235, 5. 235 (quoting 235). 5). Senator Javits, active proponent obviously viewed explained demonstrate objective, where, practical capacity." 123 Cong.Rec. 34319 506. 12, 372. See, Monroe 736 394 (CA7 1984), 470 1004, 1356, 84 378 (1985); 745 988, 993-994 pending, 84-1271; 550 (case below); Orzel Wauwatosa Fire Dept., 697 743, 752-753 (CA7), 464 992, 104 484, 78 680 (1983); Tuohy Ford Motor 675 842, 844-845 (CA6 1982); Smallwood 661 303, 307 (CA4 1981), 456 1007, 102 2299, 73 1302 (1982); Arritt Grisell, 567 1267, 1271 1977). Harriss 649 670, 676-677 1980) (Title VII). 1625.6(b) (1984): "An asserting (1) limit business, (2) excluded involved disqualified, (3) disqualifying except reference If goal practice indeed effectuate acceptable alternative advance equally impact." Record, Doc. 164 (objections instruction). (Defendant's Proposed Instruction 19) (emphasis added). cited Seventh Circuit's Hodgson Greyhound 499 859 (1974), 419 1122, 822 (1975), criticized panel later repudiated. 752-753. 490 258 (ED Mich.1980), reversed 842 1982). 19.1). noted, "jury heard allows sixty cannot, co-pilot officer. [In addition,] half flying major sixty, 200 currently wide-bodied aircraft." 552. 406-407. Several Courts making reviewing findings fact. Levin Delta 730 994, 998 1984); 755; 845; Murnane 215 U.S.App.D.C. 55, 58, 667 98, 915, 1770, 72 174 863. margin relieve evidence. notion expertise insofar instructions. reject statute, infra, 421-423, somewhat reluctant fault judge giving requested. Statutory Safety Obligation set forth provides, part: prescribing standards, rules, regulations, issuing subchapter, Transportation full duty resting carriers services interest. U.S.C.App. 1421(b) "We tried present, view core, what passenger service about. passengers, engage in, money. Our safe. And render 2514. Proxy proposes "factual perceive difference sought discuss raised discussed Appeals. every 550-551 755-756; 677; 1271; 235-236. Supra, 411, 16; 626(c)(2); Lorillard Pons, 575, 866, 55 Indeed, "inquiry end" witness' articulation "plausible reaso[n]" Railroad Retirement Fritz, 449 166, 179, 453, 461, 66 (1980).

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