Court Opinion

ID: 4523536
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2020-04-08 14:07:42.341605+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:26:00.164267
License: Public Domain

NOT FOR PUBLICATION WITHOUT THE
                               APPROVAL OF THE APPELLATE DIVISION
        This opinion shall not "constitute precedent or be binding upon any court." Although it is posted on the
     internet, this opinion is binding only on the parties in the case and its use in other cases is limited. R. 1:36-3.

                                                        SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY
                                                        APPELLATE DIVISION
                                                        DOCKET NO. A-2085-18T2

ALLAN MARAIN,

          Appellant,

v.

BOARD OF REVIEW,
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR,
and YANIRYS M. PICHARDO,

     Respondents.
____________________________

                   Argued March 2, 2020 – Decided April 8, 2020

                   Before Judges Fasciale and Rothstadt.

                   On appeal from the Board of Review, Department of
                   Labor, Docket No. 161,255.

                   Allan Marain, appellant, argued the cause pro se.

                   Andy Jong, Deputy Attorney General, argued the cause
                   for respondent Board of Review (Gurbir S. Grewal,
                   Attorney General, attorney; Sookie Bae, Assistant
                   Attorney General, of counsel; Andy Jong, on the brief).

                   Respondent Yanirys M. Pichardo has not filed a brief.
PER CURIAM

      Allan Marain, the former employer of claimant Yanirys M. Pichardo,

appeals from a final determination made by the Board of Review (Board) of the

New Jersey Department of Labor and Work Force Development, Division of

Unemployment and Insurance Services (Department). The Board determined

Pichardo's separation from her employment with Marain was the result of her

misconduct under N.J.S.A. 43:21-5(b), rather than her voluntarily abandoning

her position under N.J.A.C. 12:17-9.11(a), for reasons unrelated to her

employment, which would have disqualified her from receiving any benefits,

see N.J.S.A. 43:21-5(a). The Board made its determination based upon its

Appeal Tribunal's finding that Pichardo was absent from her position with

Marain for a month and a half, and during that time, gave Marain multiple

excuses for her absence that she later admitted were untrue. According to the

Appeal Tribunal, when Pichardo admitted that her reasons for her being absent

were untrue, Marain terminated her employment.

      On appeal, Marain argues that the Board failed to properly consider the

facts adduced at the hearing and abused its discretion in finding that he

discharged Pichardo, rather than that she abandoned her employment. We

reverse because we conclude that the Board's final determination constituted an

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                                      2
abuse of its discretion as it was not supported by the evidence and was legally

incorrect.

      The facts taken from the record are summarized as follows. Pichardo

began her employment with Marain as a legal assistant on May 22, 2017.

Beginning on June 25, 2018, Pichardo failed to report for work. From that date

through August 9, 2018, Pichardo repeatedly contacted Marain and gave him

numerous reasons why she could not come to work.

      On August 12, 2018, Pichardo filed for unemployment benefits.

According to her application for benefits, Pichardo stated the reason for leaving

her employment was that she was concerned about a coworker's use of marijuana

while at work.1 The day after she filed her application for unemployment, she

asked Marain to meet with her.

      On August 14, 2018, the parties met and during their discussion, Pichardo

admitted that contrary to the information she gave Marain during her absence,

she had only been hospitalized for one or two days during the month and a half

that she remained absent from her job. At the meeting, Pichardo expressed that

1
  Although we were inexplicably not provided with a copy of her application in
either parties' appendix, the Board's counsel confirmed at oral argument the
reason stated by Pichardo in her application for leaving her job. Pichardo
reported that reason again in her ensuing appeal from the Department's initial
determination as discussed below.
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                                       3
she would like to return to work and in response Marain stated "I have to let

[her] go." According to Marain, he could not allow her to return because of her

dishonesty, which caused him to no longer trust her.

      On September 11, 2018, the Department responded to Pichardo's

application for unemployment benefits.       In its response, the Department

indicated to her that she was "disqualified for benefits from [June 17, 2018] and

will continue to be disqualified until [she has] worked eight or more weeks in

employment and have earned at least ten times [her] weekly benefit rate."

According to the notice, the determination was based upon her having left work

voluntarily on June 22, 2018, and thereafter she told Marain that she was having

medical issues, but when asked about medical documentation, Pichardo

            admitted to the employer on August 14, 2018 [that she
            was] not having health issues. [Pichardo] stated to the
            unemployment agent [she] had a major family issue
            during July and August and upon further inquiry, [she]
            admitted that was not true, [she] stopped going to work
            to look for a full-time job.

      The notice further stated that her "actions [were] evidence of [her]

intention to sever the employer-employee relationship. Therefore, [Pichardo]

quit [her] job voluntarily and without good cause attributable to the work."

      Pichardo filed an appeal of the initial determination and again stated her

reason for leaving work was related to her concerns about her coworker using

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                                       4
marijuana. In response to Pichardo's appeal, the matter was scheduled for a

telephonic hearing that was conducted by an Appeals Examiner on October 10,

2018.

        At the telephonic hearing, the Appeals Examiner identified the issue to be

addressed as whether Pichardo voluntarily left her position with Marain,

"without good cause attributable to [her] work." Pichardo, Marain and the co-

worker testified at the hearing.

        Pichardo admitted again that the information she provided to Marain that

she was absent from work due to hospitalization and health issues was untrue

except for approximately two days that she was hospitalized. While she was

out, she sent Marain texts every day, telling him she was sick, under medical

care at a hospital, or that she did not have childcare, but that she would return

the next day.

        Throughout her testimony, Pichardo explained that she left work because

she was concerned about her coworker's alleged use of marijuana and her

periodic "mood swings." For that reason, she "quit the job," although she told

Marain that the reason she was leaving was because she "was sick" and never

told him about the coworker because she believed Marain would not "let [the

coworker] go." Pichardo also testified that even at their meeting on August 14,

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                                         5
2018, she did not tell Marain that she wanted to leave her job because of the

coworker.

      Marain confirmed that at the August 14, 2018 meeting Pichardo wanted

to come back to work but, as the Appeals Examiner described in her question to

him, he "let her go because . . . of her lying for [the] month she was out." At

that point, the Appeals Examiner stopped the proceedings to "add a potential

issue into [the] hearing; . . . discharge for misconduct," and explained to the

parties that if that was the reason for Pichardo's unemployment, she would be

entitled to benefits after six weeks of ineligibility. She then gave the parties an

opportunity to postpone the remainder of the hearing so that they could prepare

to address the added issue. Both parties declined, and the matter proceeded with

Marain confirming that he "discharged" Pichardo on August 14, 2018, denying

there was any issue about the coworker using marijuana and testifying that

Pichardo never raised the issue with him.

      In her testimony, the coworker denied any marijuana use and confirmed

that she too received texts every day from Pichardo telling the coworker she was

hospitalized. Later, in response to the coworker's suggestion that Pichardo

secure medical documentation of her illness and treatment, Pichardo admitted

that she was only treated for not more than two days and provided no documents.

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                                        6
The coworker also explained that she had loaned money to Pichardo, and when

it was not repaid, she reached out to Pichardo's brother to find out about getting

back her money, which caused Pichardo to become angry with her.

      On redirect, Pichardo confirmed the loan and her need to repay the

coworker. She also confirmed the coworker's testimony that she was asked to

bring in medical documentation to confirm her absence, but she did not do so.

      On October 17, 2018, the Appeals Examiner issued her decision. As

noted, the Appeals Examiner found that Pichardo had been employed by Marain,

she was absent from work from June 25, 2018 through August 9, 2018, provided

Marain with multiple excuses for her absence, and at the August 14, 2018

meeting "she admitted to the employer that she had lied to him about the

reason[s] for her absence[]. The employer no longer could trust [Pichardo] and

discharged her from her job as of [August 14, 2018]." The Appeals Examiner

then explained that N.J.S.A. 43:21-5(a) applied to individuals who left work

voluntarily without "good cause attributable to such work." According to the

Appeals Examiner, this provision did not apply because Marain discharged

Pichardo, therefore she "did not leave the job."

      The Appeals Examiner turned to N.J.S.A. 43:21-5(b), which applies to

individuals who have "been suspended or discharged for misconduct connected

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                                        7
with the work." The Appeals Examiner determined that Pichardo's dishonesty

and "providing false excuses for her absence[] . . . constitute[d] misconduct."

She also noted that because of her determination that Pichardo was discharged

for misconduct, her decision would "have an impact on the employer's liability

for benefit charges against its experience rating account."

      Marain filed an appeal from the Appeal Tribunal's determination to the

Board on October 24, 2018.       The Board issued its final determination on

December 10, 2018. In its decision, the Board stated that it carefully examined

the findings of facts made by the Appeal Tribunal, concluded that "[o]n the basis

of the record below [it] agree[d] with the decision reached," and affirmed the

Appeal Tribunal's determination. This appeal followed.

      On appeal, Marain contends that the Board abused its discretion by

adopting the Appeal Tribunal's incorrect determination that Pichardo separated

from her employment because she was terminated for misconduct rather than

finding that she abandoned her position when she stayed out of work and

provided Marain with false reasons for her absence. We agree.

      Our review of decisions by administrative agencies is limited.       In re

Stallworth, 208 N.J. 182, 194 (2011). For that reason, a party that challenges a

final agency decision carries a substantial burden of persuasion. Gloucester Cty.

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                                        8
Welfare Bd. v. N.J. Civil Serv. Comm'n, 93 N.J. 384, 390-91 (1983). "In order

to reverse an agency's judgment, an appellate court must find the agency's

decision to be 'arbitrary, capricious, or unreasonable, or . . . not supported by

substantial credible evidence in the record as a whole.'" In re Stallworth, 208

N.J. at 194 (quoting Henry v. Rahway State Prison, 81 N.J. 571, 579-80 (1980)).

      "In reviewing a final agency decision, such as that of the Board . . . , we

defer to factfindings that are supported by sufficient credible evidence in the

record." McClain v. Bd. of Review, 237 N.J. 445, 456 (2019). "[I]f substantial

evidence supports the agency's decision, 'a court may not substitute its own

judgment for [that of] the agency's even though the court might have reached a

different result.'" In re Carter, 191 N.J. 474, 483 (2007) (quoting Greenwood v.

State Police Training Ctr., 127 N.J. 500, 513 (1992)).

      In assessing whether the Board acted within the scope of its authority, we

consider:

            (1) [W]hether the agency's decision offends the State or
            Federal Constitution; (2) whether the agency's action
            violates express or implied legislative policies; (3)
            whether the record contains substantial evidence to
            support the findings on which the agency based its
            action; and (4) whether in applying the legislative
            policies to the facts, the agency clearly erred in
            reaching a conclusion that could not reasonably have
            been made on a showing of the relevant facts.

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                                       9
            [Lourdes Med. Ctr. of Burlington Cty. v. Bd. of
            Review, 197 N.J. 339, 360 (2009) (quoting Brady v.
            Bd. of Review, 152 N.J. 197, 211 (1997)).]

      When considering those factors, we must defer to the agency's "expertise

and superior knowledge of a particular field." In re Carter, 191 N.J. at 483

(quoting Greenwood, 127 N.J. at 513). Furthermore, deference to an agency's

decision "is particularly appropriate" when the matter involves the interpretation

and application "of the [a]gency's own regulation[s]." R.S. v. Div. of Med.

Assistance & Health Servs., 434 N.J. Super. 250, 261 (App. Div. 2014) (quoting

I.L. v. N.J. Dep't of Human Servs., 389 N.J. Super. 354, 364 (App. Div. 2006)).

      However, "we are 'in no way bound by the agency's interpretation of a

statute or its determination of a strictly legal issue.'" Utley v. Bd. of Review,

194 N.J. 534, 551 (2008) (quoting Mayflower Sec. Co. v. Bureau of Sec., 64

N.J. 85, 93 (1973)). "[A]lthough we accord some deference to the Board's

interpretation of the statutory scheme that the Legislature has entrusted it to

administer, we are not bound by an unreasonable or mistaken interpretation of

that scheme, particularly one that is contrary to legislative objectives."

McClain, 237 N.J. at 456.

      Our decision is also guided by fundamental principles of law governing

unemployment compensation. "[T]he Unemployment Compensation Law 'is to

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                                       10
be construed liberally in favor of allowance of benefits.'" Lord v. Bd. of Review,

425 N.J. Super. 187, 195 (App. Div. 2012) (quoting Utley, 194 N.J. at 543). Our

State's Unemployment Compensation Law, N.J.S.A. 43:21-1 to 24.30, is

primarily designed to lessen the impact of unemployment that befalls workers

without their fault. Brady, 152 N.J. at 212. "The public policy behind the Act

is to afford protection against the hazards of economic insecurity due to

involuntary unemployment." Yardville Supply Co. v. Bd. of Review, 114 N.J.

371, 374 (1989) (emphasis added); see also N.J.S.A. 43:21-2 (declaring public

interest in addressing the burden of "[i]nvoluntary unemployment"). Therefore,

a person who voluntarily quits or abandons work for personal reasons, rather

than for causes attributable to work, is ineligible for benefits.

      Applying these principles, we conclude the Board's decision here was not

supported by substantial evidence and was based upon an unreasonable

interpretation of the law.

      N.J.S.A. 43:21-5(a) provides that an individual is disqualified for

unemployment compensation benefits where that "individual has left work

voluntarily without good cause attributable to such work." In order to avoid

disqualification, a claimant must show she left work for "good cause attributable

to work." Brady, 152 N.J. at 218. "Good cause means 'cause sufficient to justify

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                                        11
an employee's voluntarily leaving the ranks of the employed and joining the

ranks of the unemployed,' and the reasons for terminating employment 'must

meet the test of ordinary common sense and prudence.'" Heulitt v. Bd. of

Review, 300 N.J. Super. 407, 414 (App. Div. 1997) (quoting Zielenski v. Bd. of

Review, 85 N.J. Super. 46, 53-54 (App. Div. 1964)).

      Persons who leave work for personal reasons are not eligible for

unemployment benefits. Brady, 152 N.J. at 213. Rather,

            the decision to leave employment must be compelled
            by real, substantial and reasonable circumstances not
            imaginary, trifling and whimsical ones. . . . [I]t is the
            employee's responsibility to do what is necessary and
            reasonable in order to remain employed.

            [Domenico v. Bd. of Review, 192 N.J. Super. 284, 288
            (App. Div. 1983) (citations omitted).].

      Ultimately, "an employee's separation from employment" is voluntary if

"the decision whether to go or to stay lay at the time with the worker alone. "

Lord, 425 N.J. Super. at 191 (quoting Campbell Soup Co. v. Bd. of Review, 13

N.J. 431, 435 (1953)). "[T]he one who initiates that action which eventually

leads to the separation is the one who is responsible for breaking the employer -

employee relationship." Id. at 190.

      An   employee who       abandons     their position is    "subject . . . to

disqualification for benefits for voluntarily leaving work without good cause

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                                      12
attributable to such work."        N.J.A.C. 12:17-9.11(a).       The Department's

regulation defines abandonment to include "[a]n employee who is absent from

work for five or more consecutive workdays and who without good cause fails

to notify the employer of the reasons for his or her absence." Ibid.

        Unlike abandonment of a position by an employee, termination for

misconduct requires that an employee be "suspended or discharged for

misconduct connected with the work." N.J.S.A. 43:21-5(b).2 While termination

for abandonment results in disqualification for benefits, discharge for

"misconduct" results in a six-week ineligibility period and is charged to the

employer's experience rating. Ibid.; see also Lord, 425 N.J. Super. at 195.

2
    The statute defines "misconduct" as follows:

              [C]onduct which is improper, intentional, connected
              with the individual's work, within the individual's
              control, not a good faith error of judgment or discretion,
              and is either a deliberate refusal, without good cause,
              to comply with the employer's lawful and reasonable
              rules made known to the employee or a deliberate
              disregard of standards of behavior the employer has a
              reasonable right to expect, including reasonable safety
              standards and reasonable standards for a workplace free
              of drug and substance abuse.

              [Ibid.]

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                                         13
      Applying the governing law and applicable regulation, we disagree with

the Board's interpretation that where an employee admittedly lies to her

employer about the reasons for his or her absence, the employee has met his or

her obligation to notify the employer under N.J.A.C. 12:17-9.11(a) so as to avoid

a finding of abandonment. Clearly, there is no difference between an employee

who does not notify the employer of their reason for having been absent for five

or more consecutive days and one who repeatedly lies about those reasons.

      Moreover, under the circumstances here, where Pichardo actually filed for

benefits, claiming other reasons for her separation before Marain allegedly

discharged her, we cannot fathom how the Board could ignore that fact and

conclude that the employee had not abandoned her position because she later

met with Marain to see if he would hire her again.

      We find no support for the Board's decision in the fact that the employer

told Pichardo he had "to let [her] go." As noted, when Marain said those words,

Pichardo had already been absent from work for an extended period and filed

for unemployment benefits. At best, Pichardo asked to meet with Marain to see

if she could get her job back. When he refused, she continued to pursue her

unemployment benefits by appealing the initial determination and arguing that

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                                      14
the other employee's alleged marijuana use compelled her to leave her job,

which Pichardo admitted she never discussed with Marain.

        The purpose of employment is to protect those who are confronted with

being "involuntary[ily] unemploy[ed]." Yardville Supply Co., 114 N.J. at 374.

To permit Pichardo to receive those benefits, even if delayed as provided for in

the case of discharge for misconduct, would be contrary to that policy to

"preserve the fund against claims by those not intended to share in its benefits. "

Ibid.

        Reversed.

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