Charles E. Chaudoin v. Clarence E. Atkinson, JrCharles E. Chaudoin v. Clarence E. Atkinson, Jr
OPINION OF THE COURT
The plaintiff-appellant Chaudoin was employed by the Delaware National Guard as a civilian administrative supply technician. The employment of civilian technicians was authorized by the National Guard Technicians Act of 1968,
The facts are somewhat complicated but are not in dispute. 3 Chaudoin’s duties are set out in a detailed job description, a copy of which is attached hereto as an appendix. He was also a member of the Delaware National Guard. On the afternoon of January 19, 1971, Captain Miklasiewicz, who was Chaudoin’s immediate supervisor, was directed to assign a detail of three men to participate in a firing squad for a military funeral on Thursday, January 21, 1971. At about 9:00 A.M. on January 20th, Captain Miklasiewicz called Chaudoin and ordered him to participate in the detail. Chaudoin replied that he would go, but about 12:45 P.M. on January 20th, Chaudoin called Captain Miklasiewicz and left a message saying, in substance, that he had reconsidered and would not serve on the burial detail because military funeral duty was unrelated to his job and not contained in his job description. At 3:30 P.M. on that same day, Captain Miklasiewicz called Chaudoin back and Chaudоin told him he had examined his job description and felt firing squad duty was well beyond its scope and therefore he would not have to participate as a member of the firing squad. Captain Miklasiewicz had not before ordered anyone to a firing squad and he testified that he regarded this order as “not a normal duty”.
After talking to Chaudoin, Captain Miklasiewicz called his supervisor, Colonel Johnson, who requested him to replace Chaudoin in the detail. Chau-doin’s replacement, Evans, had also refused at first to perform the firing squad duty for the same reason given by Chaudoin, but apparently changed his mind when Captain Miklasiewicz indicated he might be dismissed if he did not perform thе duty.
Chaudoin, however, reported for duty on the morning of January 21. He was in uniform and ready to perform his duties as a member of the firing squad. At that time, Captain Miklasiewicz had a meeting with the group of men comprising the firing squad, including Chaudoin. Chaudoin advised Captain Miklasiewicz that he had decided to file a grievance rather than refuse to perform the firing squad duty if the order were put in writing so there would be written documentation upon which to base a grievance. Captain Miklasiewicz was willing to put the order in writing and indicated he would speak with Colonel Johnson. When he did so, Colonel Johnson instructed him that Chaudoin had been replaced and should not be per
It was suggested that Chaudoin talk to Adjutant General Atkinson in person and he did so, hand-carrying a two and one-half page explanation of the incident. At the meeting, General Atkinson, according to Chaudoin’s testimony, told Chaudoin that he did not need people like him in the National Guard and that he was a disgrace to the Army. Subsequently Atkinson confirmed Chau-doin’s dismissal and Chaudoin requested a hearing as provided by the National Guard Regulations. A Technician Hearing Committee was convened and made its recommendation to Adjutant General Atkinson. 4 The committee found the General’s order was lawful but also agreed that the penalty of dismissal was excessive and ignored “the principle of like penalties for like offenses”. See If 7-37 of National Guard Regulation No. 51, “Like penalties for like offenses.” The committee decided that Chaudoin “was treated with undue severity” and recommended that he be restored to the position he held prior to the action of the Adjutant General and “receive retroactive status and other accumulated credits to the effective date of his removal; except that the retroactive pay and credits would not include the pay for three days as recommended by his immediate supervisor.”
Following this extensive hearing, General Atkinson ignored the recommendation of the committee and without specifying any reason аffirmed his original decision to terminate Chaudoin’s employment. The complaint requests that the court order Chaudoin’s reinstatement, and that he be awarded compensation and damages in the amount of $25,000, attorney fees, interest and costs.
I.
JURISDICTION
A. Chaudoin asserts that jurisdiction is conferred upon the district court by
As we have said,
Chaudoin’s employment was pursuant to this statute and he asserts his employment was terminated in violation of due process; therefore, if the jurisdictional amount is present as required by
It is clear, as the learned district judge points out in his opinion: “A fair reading of the complaint indicates that the plaintiff claims at least three matters were at issue on that date: (1) the plaintiff’s right to compensatory damage for the economic injury which had theretofore accrued as a result of the discharge, (2) plaintiff’s right to employment as a technician in the future, (3) plaintiff’s right to punitive damages.” Item (3) is not supported by the formal pleadings, but nonetheless was clearly before the court and was referred to in the briefs of the parties and in the opinion оf the district court. The amount of the
ad damnum
sought was $25,000. The actions of General Atkinson were such as possibly might bring him within the ambit of punitive or exemplary damages. Certainly the record here does not negative such a possibility, but as to this issue we presently express no opinion. See
General Atkinson, misunderstands Chaudoin’s status. Chaudoin had attained permanent tenured status and pension rights at the time he was dismissed. He could only be discharged “for cause” and he was not employed on a year-to-year contract basis. General Atkinson seems to insist that the only damage suffered by Chaudoin was the loss of one year’s salary, but this is an erroneous conception.
See, e. g.,
Perry v. Sindermann,
B. (1) Chaudoin alleges
inter alia
that jurisdiсtion to review General Atkinson’s order rests in Section 10 of the Administrative Procedure Act,
(2) Jurisdiction under
In view of the foregoing there can be no doubt that the Adjutant General of Delaware is an agency or an agent of the United States and therefore within the purview of
Judge VanDusen in his opinion in Davis v. Shultz,
“The majority view is that in certain limited cases a
We conclude, therefore, that if Chaudoin has made a case for mandatory relief it can be granted him under
II.
ADDITIONAL RELEVANT FACTS AND CONCLUSIONS
(A) We will first consider General Atkinson’s dismissal of Chaudoin as an abuse of discretion.
7-39 (d) of National Guard Regulation 51 defines “cause” as follows: “A
‘cause’ for an adverse action is a recognizable offense against the employer-employee relationship. What constitutes a рroper cause, therefore, may run the entire gamut of such offenses, including inadequate performance of duties and improper conduct on or off the job. In addition, every adverse action must be for such cause ‘as will promote the efficiency of the service’.”
The district court examined these provisions and stated that it could not conclude “that a reasonable employer could not determine that the employee’s refus
Paragrаph 7-36 of National Guard Regulation 51 provides: “Reasonableness: In determining the action to be proposed or taken, it should be established whether the technician knew or could reasonably be expected to know what standards of conduct were expected of him.” Paragraph 7-37. “Like Penalties for Like Offenses,” states: “The State adjutant general should establish tables of penalties for delinquency or misconduct which should be used as a guide in imposing disciplinary action to assure like penalties.” At the end of Sheet 7.7 of these regulations the following appears: “The following table of penalties for delinquency or misconduсt will be used as a general guide in imposing disciplinary action to assure like penalties for like offenses. The list of offenses and suggested penalties set forth below may not successfully meet the demands of all situations and therefore is to be considered as suggestive only. Final decision as to the action to be taken will rest with the State adjutant general. When imposing progressive penalties for a second or third offense, consideration should be given to whether a reasonable period has elapsed since the prior offense.” The table of offenses states: “Offense. 1. Insubordination (refusal to obey orders, impertinence, like offense). Penalties. First offense. Official written reprimand or 1-day suspension. Second offense. 2- to 5-day suspension. Third offense. 6- to 10-day suspension, or removal.”
Insofar as the record shows, Chaudoin had a spotless record, and did in fact change his mind and appear for the funeral, properly dressed and equipped and offered to participate. As we have said, his supervisor, Captain Miklasiewicz wrote a report to the Adjutant General and recommended that Chaudoin be given an official written reprimand and three days leave without pay for insubordination. Colonel Johnson, Captain Miklasiewicz’s superior, acquiesced in this rеcommendation, only differing in that the punishment should be designated as a “minimum” rather than as a “maximum”.
There seems to be no reasonableness to General Atkinson’s action. It would appear that General Atkinson had his standards mixed for in this instance he was to judge Chaudoin as a technician and not as a member of the National Guard.
We conclude, therefore, in view of the foregoing, that General Atkinson has abused his discretion in discharging Chaudoin. He disregarded the penalty guidelines suggested by the regulations, the opinions of Chaudoin’s immediate, supervisors, and the findings of the Technician Hearing Committee without any statement of his reasons for doing so.
(B) The lawfulness of Gеneral Atkinson’s order should next be considered. Before 1968, the 1956 statute, 70A Stat. 615 (
The job description in effect as of the date of Chaudoin’s alleged offense, viz., January 20, 1971, still contained the provision under “C. Principal Duties” that the technician “Performs other duties as assigned.” The language omitted from the statute in the 1968 amendment may or may not require revision of the job description quoted abovе, but it is clear that a, technician is not required to perform duties unrelated to his primary employment since the explicit authorization of such unrelated duties was eliminated. There is no way, therefore, that General Atkinson’s order can be considered a “lawful” order.
Our position in this respect is fortified by the fact that although the Job Description contains the statement that the technician “Performs other duties as assigned”, the regulations refer to “Excused Absences”. Paragraph 6-48 of National Guard Regulation 51 states in part: “Absences from duty administratively authorized which do not result in a charge to any kind of leave or in loss of salary are excused absences. * * *
d.
For up to 4 hours in any one day to participate as active pall bearers or as members of firing squads in funeral ceremonies for members of the Armed Forces.” There would be no need for any excused absences provisions if funeral detail duty was included in the job description. The language of the “Excused Absences” clause indicates that a technician could volunteer for an otherwise off-duty activity without a loss in pay. It is clear, of course, that the 1965 Regulations were issued under the old unamended version of
We conclude that on the grounds stated General Atkinson’s order was not a lawful order. It was therefore null and void, ab initio and without legal effect, and General Atkinson can base no defense upon it.
III.
DISPOSITION.
The judgment will be reversed and the cause remanded with directions to the district court to enter a judgment against General Atkinson, to grant the injunctive and mandatory relief sought by Chaudoin, and to award him damages in such amount or amounts as justice may require.
APPENDIX.
DEPARTMENTS OF THE ARMY AND THE AIR FORCE NATIONAL GUARD BUREAU
TECHNICIAN POSITION DESCRIPTION
1. Date 1 Nov 67
2. Component ARNG
3. Job Number 216 71 03
4. Appointment Requirements X Excepted Service
□ Off X Wo X Enl □ Competitive Service (non-Guard)
5. Number of Jobs Covered by Position Description
6. Official Title
ADMINISTRATIVE-SUPPLY
TECHNICIAN
7. Pay Plan GS
8. OCC Code 0301
9. Grade 06
10. Working Title
ADMINISTRATIVE-SUPPLY
TECHNICIAN
I. Occupational Requirements: Incumbent is Subject to Uncommon Tours of Duty, Rotational Shift Assignments and Overtime Duty, for Which Compensatory time Off will be Granted. May Be Required to Fly in Military or Commercial Aircraft for TDY Purposes.
A. WORK RELATIONSHIPS:
1. Works under the general suрervision of the Unit Commander who designates areas of responsibility and establishes policies and procedures for the unit. Staff supervision is exercised by Staff Administrative Assistant who provides instruction on command policies and procedures, interpretation of regulations; checks work for adequacy and compliance with regulations through periodic visits and inspections; and reviews completed work (correspondence, reports, etc.) routed through headquarters. Accomplishes day-to-day assignments independently in accordance with established policies and procedures.
2. When a lower grade Administrative-Supply Technician is assigned to the unit, incumbent assigns and checks his work and determines proper work methods and procedures to be employed.
B. SCOPE:
Is responsible to the Unit Commander for carrying out the Commander’s plans for the accomplishment of administrative, clerical and supply functions of the unit. Performs unit functions which cannot be accomplished by assigned unit personnel during regularly scheduled training periods. Instructs unit personnel in administrative and supply procedures.
C. PRINCIPAL DUTIES:
1. Assists Unit Commander and his staff in planning and directing the overall administrative, clerical, and supply functions of the unit. Assures that administrative plans, policies and procedures established by cоmmander and higher authority are carried out. Makes recommendations on administrative, clerical, and supply functions. Contacts higher headquarters to secure interpretation of regulations or policies pertinent to unusual or controversial actions. Reviews work completed by unit personnel to assure compliance with regulations and approved policies and procedures; brings deficiencies to attention of responsible personnel and instructs in correct procedures.
2. Instructs and assists unit personnel in performance of administrative, clerical and supply functions to include preparatiоn and processing of personnel actions, maintenance of personnel records and files; preparation and processing of supply actions and maintenance of related files and records; preparation of training schedules; compilation of recurring and one-time reports related to functions of unit. Reviews work in process and upon completion for compliance with regulations, policies, and procedures. Identifies and interprets regulations; prepares and furnishes sample forms; gives on-the-job instruction.
3. Completes work not accomplished during unit training assemblies and which cannot be held for the next assembly. This includes preparation editing, and typing of personnel actions; supply requisitions or turn-ins; payrolls; attendance reports; training schedules, requisitioning training aids; posting actions to personnel records and supply records; filing; compilation of recurring and one-time reports related to administrative, personnel, or supply functions.
4. Reviews incoming correspondence, determines required action and makes distribution to personnel or sections concerned. Composes and types replies to inquiries pertaining to assigned functions. Follows up on suspense correspondence to insure compliance with suspense dates. Answers a variety of telephone, correspondence, or personal inquiries pertaining to the ARNG program. Interviews persons interested in assignment, appointment, or transfer to unit; advises on ARNG programs, obligations, advantages, unit vacancies, MOS requirements, etc. Advises on
5. Receives, inspects, signs for, and warehouses inсoming supplies. Inspects material to be turned in; secures technical inspections as appropriate; prepares or edits turn-in slips; determines need for and prepares or reviews Reports of Survey. Assists in or takes periodic inventories. Drives unit vehicles to pick-up or deliver supplies as required.
6. Maintains unit library. Reads incoming publications, briefs Unit Commander on important changes, routes to personnel concerned for information and/or action. Initiates requisitions for publications and blank forms.
Performs other duties as assigned.
D. QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
Normally at least eighteen months of progressively responsible experience which demonstrates ability to perform administrative and supply work, and ability to operate all types of military vehicles are required.
E. MILITARY ASSIGNMENT AND TRAINING:
1. Area of Assignment: Incumbent must occupy a TOE position comparable to his technician assignment.
2. Qualification: Incumbent is required to qualify as Unit Personnel Technician, MOS Code 711A, and/or Unit Supply Technician, MOS Code 761A, or as Personnel Specialist, MOS Code 71H, Administrative Specialist, MOS Code 71L, and/or Armorer/Unit Supply Specialist, MOS Code 76Y.
3. Required Training: Incumbent is required to attend as appropriate MOS course or complete equivalent Army extension courses.
Notes
.
(1) the administration and training of the National Guard ; and
(2) the maintenance and repair of supplies issued to the National Guard or the armed forces.
(b) Except as prescribed by the Secretary concerned, a technician employed under subsection (a) shall, while so employed, be a member of the National Guard and hold the military grade specified by the Secretary concerned for that position.
(c) Tiie Secretary concerned shall designate the adjutants general referred to in section 314 of this title, to employ and administer the techniсians authorized by this section.
(d) A technician employed under subsection (a) is an employee of the Department of the Army or the Department of the Air Force, as the case may be, and an employee of the United States. However, a position authorized by this section is outside the competitive service if the technician employed therein is required under subsection (b) to be a member of the National Guard.
(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of law and under regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned—
(1) a technician who is employed in a position in which National Guard membership is required as a condition of employment and who is separated from the National Guard or ceases to hold the military grade specified for his position by the Secretary concerned shall be promptly separated from his technician employment by the adjutant general of the jurisdiction concerned ;
(2) a technician who is employed in a position in which National Guard membership is required as a condition of employment and who fails to meet the military security standards established by the Secretary concerned for a member of a reserve component of the armed force under his jurisdiction may be separated from his employment as a tеchnician and concurrently discharged from the National Guard by the adjutant general of the jurisdiction concerned ;
(3) a technician may, at any time, be separated from his technician employment for cause by the adjutant general of the jurisdiction concerned;
(4) a reduction in force, removal, or an adverse action involving discharge from technician employment, suspension, furlough without pay, or reduction in rank or compensation shall be accomplished by the adjutant general of the jurisdiction concerned;
(5) a right of appeal which may exist with respect to clause (1), (2), (3), or (4) shall not extend beyond the adjutant general of the jurisdiction concerned; and
(6) a technician shall be notified in writing of tiie termination of his employment as a technician and such notification shall be given at least thirty days prior to the termination date of such employment.
(f) Sections 2108, 3502, 7511, and 7512 of title 5, United States Code, do not apply to any person employed under this section.
(g) (1) Notwithstanding sections 5544(a) and 6102 of title 5, United States Code, or any other provision of law, the Secretary concerned may, in the case of technicians assigned to perform operational duties at air defense sites—
(A) prescribe the hours of duties;
(B) fix the rates of basic compensation; and
(C) fix the rates of additional compensation ;
to reflect unusual tours of duty, irregular additional duty, and work on days that are ordinаrily nonworkdays. Additional compensation under this subsection may be fixed on an annual basis and is determined as an appropriate percentage, not in excess of 12 percent, of such part of the rate of basic pay for the position as does not exceed the
(2) Notwithstanding sections 5544(a) and 6102 of title 5, United States Code, or any other provision of law, the Secretary concerned may, for technicians other than those described in clause (1) of this subsection, prescribe the hours of duty for technicians. Notwithstanding sections 5542 аnd 5543 of title 5, United States Code, or any other provision of law, such technicians shall be granted an amount of compensatory time off from their scheduled tour of duty equal to the amount of any time spent by them in irregular or overtime work, and shall not be entitled to compensation for such work.
* * :|: :!: *
As amended Sept. 13, 1961, Pub.L. 87-224, § 2, 75 Stat. 496; Aug. 13, 1968, Pub.L. 90-4S6, § 2(1), 82 Stat. 755; Aug. 13, 1971, Pub.L. 92-119, § 2, 85 Stat. 340.
. It was stipulated at the trial that the case should be treated as if a motion for summary judgment had also been filed by Chaudoin. See stipulation of January 9, 1974 in this court.
. All oral evidence in the case is contained in the transcript of “The Technician Hearing, Delaware Armory, National Guard, compiled by the Technician Hearing Committee,” Item Docket No. 15. This consists of 286 pages of transcript and some pages of printed and typewritten exhibits. These exhibits, cer-tified in the supplementary record from the district court to the Clerk of this court were in effect on January 20, 1971, and differ in no very material respect from those which were before the learned district judge. All other-evidence is documentary.
. The Hearing Committee did not consist of technicians or those in like position to Chau-doin, but consisted of the following: Colonel Donald S. Robinson, Chairman; Captain William F. Rhoads, Member; Master Sergeant Robert H. Field, Member; Lieutenant Colonel John F. Shearer, Jr., Observer for Management; and Mаjor Donald L. Emerson, Administrative Assistant to the Committee.
. The court
sua sponte
requested counsel to brief the question not raised in the District Court, as to whether
. See our decision in Davis v. Romney, 490 E.2d 1360, filed January 14, 1974: “
.
The footnotes are as follows:
“20.
“21. Jarrett v. Resor,
“22. Ashe v. McNamara,
. See 1968 U.S.Code, Cong, and Admin.News, p. 3318.
. This was conceded at argument before this court by counsel for General Atkinson. See also 1968 U.S.Code, Cong, and Admin.News, supra.
.
See
Lasher v. Shafer,