Court Opinion

ID: 4019385
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2016-07-27 18:13:39.636341+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:50:13.807754
License: Public Domain

IN THE COMMONWEALTH COURT OF PENNSYLVANIA

Terri N. Twillie,                             :
                                              : No. 1924 C.D. 2015
                             Petitioner       : Submitted: May 13, 2016
                                              :
                      v.                      :
                                              :
Unemployment Compensation                     :
Board of Review,                              :
                                              :
                             Respondent       :

BEFORE:         HONORABLE RENÉE COHN JUBELIRER, Judge
                HONORABLE MICHAEL H. WOJCIK, Judge
                HONORABLE ROCHELLE S. FRIEDMAN, Senior Judge

OPINION NOT REPORTED

MEMORANDUM OPINION
BY JUDGE WOJCIK                                                FILED: July 27, 2016

                In this appeal, Terri N. Twillie (Claimant), representing herself, asks
whether the Unemployment Compensation Board of Review (Board) erred in
determining she was ineligible for unemployment compensation (UC) benefits
under Section 402(e) of the Unemployment Compensation Law (Law) 1 (relating to
willful misconduct).       Claimant contends the Board’s determination of willful
misconduct is erroneous and is not supported by substantial evidence.                Upon
review, we affirm.

       1
           Act of December 5, 1936, Second Ex. Sess., P.L. (1937) 2897, as amended, 43 P.S.
§802(e).
             Claimant worked for Erie County Care Management (Employer) in
the Juvenile Probation Department as a Community Justice Officer from July 2012
until her last day of work on April 2, 2015. After her separation from employment,
Claimant applied for UC benefits, which a local service center denied under
Section 402(e) of the Law. Claimant appealed, and a referee held a hearing.
             At the hearing, the referee heard testimony and received evidence
from Claimant and Employer’s two witnesses: Human Resources Director, Daniel
Hollern (Director), and Claimant’s immediate supervisor at the Juvenile Probation
Department, Thomas Kern (Supervisor). Based on the evidence presented, the
referee determined Claimant committed willful misconduct by excessive tardiness
without good cause.     The referee concluded Claimant was ineligible for UC
benefits under Section 402(e) of the Law. Claimant appealed.
             The Board, based on the record created at the referee’s hearing, found
the following facts. Claimant has multiple sclerosis. Her normal work schedule
was 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Because of Claimant’s medical condition, Employer
permitted a variation in her work hours from a regular start time of 8:00 a.m. to a
delayed start time of 10:00 a.m. on days when she could not make it in by 8:00
a.m. However, Employer required Claimant to contact her direct supervisor any
day that she would not be in by 8:00 a.m. and to contact him once she arrived at
work. Board Opinion, 7/31/15, Findings of Fact (F.F.) Nos. 2-5.
             Claimant repeatedly failed to report by 8:00 a.m., and she also failed
to report for work by 10:00 a.m. When questioned why she was not coming to
work on time, Claimant stated there were not enough hours in the day to get stuff
done. Employer discharged Claimant for repeatedly refusing to call off work on a
timely basis or to report to work on a timely basis. F.F. Nos. 6-8.

                                          2
               The Board resolved the conflicts in testimony in favor of Employer.
The Board determined Employer provided credible evidence to prove that
Claimant was late for work on a daily basis and she did not notify Employer as
required. Claimant did not credibly establish she properly notified Employer or
offer evidence that she had good cause for failing to report for work on time.
Ultimately, the Board concluded Claimant’s conduct amounted to willful
misconduct. Thus, the Board determined Claimant was ineligible for benefits
under Section 402(e) of the Law. Claimant’s appeal to this Court followed.
               On appeal,2 Claimant argues the Board’s determination of willful
misconduct is erroneous and is not supported by substantial evidence. Claimant
contends she worked to the best of her ability. Unsatisfactory work performance
does not constitute willful misconduct.3
               Section 402(e) of the Law provides, “[a]n employe shall be ineligible
for compensation for any week … [i]n which [her] unemployment is due to [her]
discharge … from work for willful misconduct connected with [her] work ….”
43 P.S. §802(e). “[W]illful misconduct is defined by the courts as: (1) wanton and
willful disregard of an employer's interests; (2) deliberate violation of rules; (3)

       2
         Our review is limited to determining whether necessary findings of fact were supported
by substantial evidence, whether errors of law were committed, or whether constitutional rights
were violated. Johns v. Unemployment Compensation Board of Review, 87 A.3d 1006, 1009 n.2
(Pa. Cmwlth.), appeal denied, 97 A.3d 746 (Pa. 2014).
       3
           To the extent Claimant appears to argue Employer violated the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. §§12131-12165, by failing to accommodate her alleged
disability, this issue is not properly before us in the context of an appeal as to whether Employer
terminated Claimant for willful misconduct. Notwithstanding, there is no competent evidence in
the record to substantiate her claim. In fact, Claimant testified she filed an ADA claim against
Employer, which was dismissed in 2012. Referee’s Hearing, 5/19/15, Notes of Testimony (N.T.)
at 10, 32. Claimant’s argument in this regard lacks merit.

                                                3
disregard of the standards of behavior which an employer can rightfully expect
from an employee; or, (4) negligence showing an intentional disregard of the
employer's interests or the employee's duties and obligations.”             Johns v.
Unemployment Compensation Board of Review, 87 A.3d 1006, 1009
(Pa. Cmwlth.), appeal denied, 97 A.3d 746 (Pa. 2014) (citing Grieb v.
Unemployment Compensation Board of Review, 827 A.2d 422, 425 (Pa. 2002)).
             The employer bears the initial burden of proving a claimant engaged
in willful misconduct. Id. When asserting a discharge based on a violation of a
work rule, an employer must establish the existence of the rule, the reasonableness
of the rule, the claimant’s knowledge of the rule, and its violation. Id. at 1010
(citing Ductmate Industries, Inc. v. Unemployment Compensation Board of
Review, 949 A.2d 338 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2008)).
             Moreover, employers have a right to expect that employees will report
to work when they are scheduled, that they will be on time, and that they will not
leave work early without permission. Ellis v. Unemployment Compensation Board
of Review, 59 A.3d 1159, 1163 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2013); Fritz v. Unemployment
Compensation Board of Review, 446 A.2d 330, 333 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1982). Habitual
tardiness is behavior that is inimical to an employer's interests, and, therefore, may
constitute willful misconduct. Ellis; 59 A.3d at 1163; Grand Sport Auto Body v.
Unemployment Compensation Board of Review, 55 A.3d 186, 190 (Pa. Cmwlth.
2012) (en banc). “[C]hronic tardiness, particularly after a warning, exhibits a
sufficient disregard of the employer's interests to constitute willful misconduct.”
Ellis, 59 A.3d at 1163 (quoting Conibear v. Unemployment Compensation Board
of Review, 463 A.2d 1231, 1232 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1982)); accord Markley v.
Unemployment Compensation Board of Review, 407 A.2d 144, 146 (Pa. Cmwlth.

                                          4
1979). Even where an absence or tardiness is justified, a claimant’s failure to
comply with an employer’s reporting-off requirement may constitute willful
misconduct. Yerger v. Unemployment Compensation Board of Review, 457 A.2d
1333, 1334 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1983).
             Once an employer meets its burden, the burden shifts to the employee
to prove good cause for her actions. Johns, 87 A.3d at 1010. An employee
establishes good cause where her actions are justified or reasonable under the
circumstances. Docherty v. Unemployment Compensation Board of Review, 898
A.2d 1205, 1208-09 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2006). Health issues may constitute good cause
for an absence or tardiness.       See McKeesport Hospital v. Unemployment
Compensation Board of Review, 625 A.2d 112, 114 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1993) (A
properly reported, reasonable absence due to illness may suffice to show good
cause, and does not constitute willful misconduct, provided the claimant
affirmatively establishes that illness was indeed the cause of the claimant's
conduct); Hubbard v. Unemployment Compensation Board of Review, 456 A.2d
1122, 1124 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1983) (an “absence due to illness is not willful
misconduct if properly reported and reasonable.”); but see Unemployment
Compensation Board of Review v. Glenn, 350 A.2d 890, 892 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1976)
(benefits denied where Board rejected claimant's contention that his chronic
lateness was due to illness).
             Further, in UC cases, the Board is the ultimate fact-finder and is
empowered to resolve all issues of witness credibility, conflicting evidence and
evidentiary weight. Ductmate, 949 A.2d at 342. It is irrelevant whether the record
contains evidence that would support findings other than those made by the Board;
the proper inquiry is whether the evidence supports the findings actually made. Id.

                                        5
Additionally, the party prevailing below is entitled to the benefit of all reasonable
inferences drawn from the evidence. Id.
             With regard to Claimant’s substantial evidence claim, Claimant does
not specifically challenge any of the Board’s factual findings in her petition for
review or in her statement of questions involved or otherwise develop the issue in
her brief. Where a claimant does not challenge any specific findings of fact, the
Board’s findings are conclusive on appeal.            Campbell v. Unemployment
Compensation Board of Review, 694 A.2d 1167, 1169 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1997).
             Notwithstanding, the Board’s findings that Claimant repeatedly failed
to call off by 8:00 a.m. and failed to report for work on time are amply supported
by substantial evidence in the record. Director credibly testified Employer issued
multiple warnings to Claimant, he reviewed those warnings with her, but she
refused to sign the documents. Referee’s Hearing, 5/19/15, Notes of Testimony
(N.T.) at 18, 20, 21. He explained that Employer allowed Claimant a delayed start
time of 10:00 a.m. on mornings when she could not make it in by 8:00 a.m.,
provided she called and advised Supervisor by 8:00 a.m. N.T. at 20. In other
words, if Claimant reported to Supervisor that she would be late, Employer
expected her to report for work by 10:00 a.m. N.T. at 21. Notwithstanding,
Claimant continued to arrive late to work and she did not notify her Supervisor as
directed. N.T. at 21. According to Director, he advised Claimant that if she
needed further accommodation past the 10:00 a.m. start time she would need to
provide medical documentation, which she did not provide.          N.T. at 20.    In
February 2015, Director warned Claimant that if she continued to be late,
Employer would take disciplinary action, including termination. N.T. at 22.

                                          6
              Despite the warnings, between January and March 2015, Director
testified Claimant did not report to work on time. N.T. at 23, 25. He further
testified that Claimant even arrived late at the last disciplinary meeting, which led
to her suspension and ultimate dismissal. N.T. at 27. When Director asked
Claimant to explain her tardiness, she responded that there were just not enough
hours in the day to get stuff done. N.T. at 28.             Director testified Employer
suspended Claimant to give her a final opportunity to justify her tardiness. N.T. at
28. However, Claimant provided no justification. N.T. at 28. Consequently,
Employer terminated the employment relationship. N.T. at 28.
              Supervisor corroborated Director’s testimony. Supervisor testified he
attended the meetings at which Claimant was warned regarding her tardiness. N.T.
at 29. Claimant provided only vague responses as to why she was not coming to
work on time or calling to report a late arrival. Supervisor testified they hoped her
attendance would improve after they made the accommodation to her start time
and warned Claimant, but it never did. N.T. at 29. According to Supervisor,
Claimant’s chronic tardiness started affecting office morale. N.T. at 29-30. In
March 2015, Employer could no longer tolerate her conduct and made the decision
to take disciplinary measures. N.T. at 30.
              The Board credited Director’s and Supervisor’s testimony.               Upon
review, this testimony constitutes substantial evidence supporting the Board’s
findings.4

       4
         Employer also offered the written warnings into evidence, which the referee admitted
over Claimant’s objections. On appeal, Claimant contends the written warnings are hearsay and
do not constitute competent evidence to support the Board’s findings. Even if we agreed, any
error in admitting the evidence would have no bearing on the outcome because the Board’s
findings are amply supported by testimonial evidence alone.

                                             7
             Turning to Claimant’s argument that the Board erred in determining
Claimant was ineligible for UC benefits, the uncontested facts support
disqualification for willful misconduct.      Employer had a right to expect that
Claimant would attend work when scheduled and that she would be on time or call
to report she would be late. In response to Claimant’s claim that her medical
condition made it difficult for her to report to work on time, Employer
accommodated Claimant by allowing a delayed start time.                  Despite the
accommodation and numerous warnings, Claimant routinely arrived at work late,
without notifying Employer.
             Contrary to Claimant’s assertions, she did not prove good cause for
her actions. Claimant admitted “I never get to work at a regular time or anything.”
N.T. at 9. She continued, “I am late for work, but that’s not new for me. I’ve been
late for the last I don’t even know how many years . . . .” N.T. at 10. Even after
Employer permitted a delayed start, Claimant admitted she still did not “get to
work on time.” N.T. at 14.
             When asked why she is unable to make it to work, Claimant
explained: “It takes long. It’s just long.” N.T. at 34. She attributed her difficulty
to multiple sclerosis as well as car trouble and problems with her home’s public
utilities. N.T. at 34, 35. She testified that “it just takes me longer to do stuff than
most people.” N.T. at 34. However, Claimant provided no medical documentation
regarding her condition or, more importantly, how her condition caused her to be
habitually late, regardless of her start time.      Moreover, Claimant offered no
justification for not calling her supervisor to advise when she would be late.
             Although Claimant denied ever receiving warnings, written or verbal,
N.T. at 17, 19, 23, 32, and asserted Employer tolerated her tardiness, the Board did

                                          8
not credit her testimony. Instead, the Board credited the testimony of Employer’s
witnesses that Employer documented her tardiness and warned Claimant her
continued tardiness would not be tolerated. Such credibility determinations are for
the finder of fact and will not be disturbed by this Court on appeal. See Ductmate.
             To the extent Claimant attempts to argue her actions did not constitute
willful misconduct because she performed her job to the best of her ability,
Employer did not terminate Claimant’s employment for unsatisfactory job
performance.    Rather, Employer terminated her employment because she was
repeatedly late and failed to notify Employer.
             Upon review, the Board’s findings regarding Claimant’s excessive
tardiness, without notification to Employer, are supported by substantial evidence
and support a conclusion of willful misconduct. Claimant did not provide good
cause for her conduct. Thus, the Board did not err in determining Claimant was
ineligible for UC benefits under Section 402(e) of the Law.
             Accordingly, we affirm.

                                       MICHAEL H. WOJCIK, Judge

                                         9
          IN THE COMMONWEALTH COURT OF PENNSYLVANIA

Terri N. Twillie,                        :
                                         : No. 1924 C.D. 2015
                         Petitioner      :
                                         :
                    v.                   :
                                         :
Unemployment Compensation                :
Board of Review,                         :
                                         :
                         Respondent      :

                                      ORDER

             AND NOW, this 27th day of July, 2016, the order of the
Unemployment Compensation Board of Review, dated July 31, 2015, is
AFFIRMED.

                                       __________________________________
                                       MICHAEL H. WOJCIK, Judge