Court Opinion

ID: 9541649
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-07 16:27:26.3244+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T15:04:18.633492
License: Public Domain

Herd, J.,
dissenting: Cynthia S. Reber was discharged by Falley’s because she was having an affair with Mr. Ghan, her supervisor. Falley’s determined the relationship had a detrimental and unacceptable effect on her job performance. Mr. Ghan, who was a willing 50/50 partner in the affair, was not discharged. Ghan was not discharged because he was a trusted employee of twenty-three years and Falley’s determined his job performance was unaffected by his relationship with Ms. Reber.
It is virtually uncontroverted that Reber and Ghan were having an affair. They enjoyed each other’s company and spent considerable time together on the job. It goes without saying both employees were neglecting their work. The only difference was Reber left her duty station and went to Ghan’s desk in the back room. Thus, Ghan did not have to abandon his station to enjoy Ms. Reber’s company. He nevertheless was neglecting his duty. It is clear they both were guilty of the same infraction but were treated differently. Both should have been discharged, or both retained with a warning. The different treatment for the same conduct constitutes gender-based discrimination.
I would reverse the trial court.