MEMORANDUM OPINION
Plaintiff Glenn Kersey has sued his employer, defendant Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (“WMATA” or “the Authority”), for violations of the Rehabilitation Act, which prohibits discrimination “solely by reason of ... his disability.” 29 U.S.C. § 794(a) (2000). He alleges that WMATA discriminated and retaliated against him by denying him promotions in 1993 and 1995. WMA-TA denies discriminating or retaliating against Kersey and has moved for summary judgment, contending that Kersey’s claims are time-barred, that he has not made a prima facie case of disability discrimination and that he has not rebutted the legitimate, nondiscriminatory reasons WMATA has offered for its actions. The magistrate judge concluded that there were material facts in genuine dispute and recommended that the summary judgment motion be denied.
1
WMATA filed objections, triggering this de novo review. 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1). Because there is no genuine dispute that WMATA acted in accord with the 1990 contract it made with Kersey and that it did not modify or rescind the 1990 contract during the relevant period, Kersey’s claims are barred as untimely.
2
Even if the claims were timely filed, because Kersey has not offered any evidence to rebut
BACKGROUND
Kersey began his employment with WMATA in 1979. In 1980, he got into a physical fight with three bus passengers, injuring his neck and back, and went on workers compensation leave status. (Pl.’s Opp’n to Def.’s Mot. for Summ. J. (“PL’s Opp’n”) Exs. 2, 4; Def.’s Mot. for Summ. J (“Def.’s Mot.”) Exs. 2, 3.) In September 1988, while Kersey was still on workers compensation leave from WMATA but working as a truck driver for another employer, he became embroiled in a fight with two WMATA employees on WMATA property. He was arrested and charged with assault and carrying a deadly weapon. (Def.’s Mot. Ex. 2.) A month later, an internal WMATA memorandum noted that Kersey failed to report this arrest to WMATA, establishing cause sufficient for dismissal. 3 (Id.) A subsequent WMATA “file” memorandum written by WMATA Regional Director Monte Monteith concluded that:
After discussing this case with Robert Dickerson from the Labor Relations Office, it was my opinion that Mr. Kersey had never been rеqualified for a position with the Authority. The case was referred to Dr. O’Donnell. On January 26, 1989, she wrote a memo which, in part, stated she had “no medical basis to reconsider” her “former decision of medical disqualification.” Therefore, Mr. Kersey’s name should be dropped from the roles of the Authority. Due to Mr. Kersey’s past and current record of violent physical confrontations, which led to his arrest, he should not be given any consideration in the future should he apply for employment with the Authority in any capacity.
(Def.’s Mot. Ex. 5.) A January 31, 1989 personnel action report signed by Monteith and appending Monteith’s file memorandum terminated Kersey because “Operator Kersey has been medically disqualified by the Authority’s Medical Director.” (Pl.’s Opp’n Ex. 11A). A copy was sent to Kersey. (Id. Exs. 1 (“Kersey Dep.”) at 201:14-17, IB.) Two weeks after Kersey was terminated, a jury acquitted Kersey of the criminal charges stemming from the September 1988 incident. (Id. Ex. 9.) 4 Shortly after that, in March 1989, Kersey filed a union grievance protesting his terminatiоn. (Id. Ex. IB.)
Eddie Kornegay, the union local’s president, began negotiating on Kersey’s behalf with Leroy Bailey, WMATA’s Assistant General Manager and Monteith’s superior. Kornegay testified in his deposition that Bailey’s sole concern during these negotiations was Kersey’s “record or a history ... of seeming to somewhat have a temper and getting himself involved in altercations or confrontations and [Bailey] was most concerned about that. And the last inci
In March 1990, WMATA offered a reemployment contract in settlement of Ker-sey’s 1989 termination grievance. The contract stated in relevant part:'
The Authority Medical Director has determined that Mr. Kersey is medically cleared for any position except bus operator. Therefore, in full and final settlement of this grievance, the Authority will reinstate Mr. Kersey to a position of cleaner-shifter with the understanding that he will only be permitted to clean buses and under no circumstances will he be permitted to operate an authority vehicle.
(Id. Ex. 12A (“the 1990 contract”).) 5 Ker-sey signed the contract on April 23, 1990, and Kornegay signed for the union. (Id.) The next month, Kersey also signed a memorandum of understanding (“1990 MOU”) that specified that
[a]s a Cleaner-Shifter, you will be assigned to ... cleaning bus interiors or other cleaning assignments which may be deemed appropriate by your Division Manager. You will receive Cleaner-Shifter wages at the prevailing rate for the remainder of your career with the Authority. You will not be permitted to operate an Authority vehicle (revenue and non-revenue) under any circumstances.
(Id. Ex. 20D.) Bailey later testified that he insisted on the driving prohibition in the 1990 contract because, in light of Kersey’s record of physical confrontations, he wanted to avoid putting Kersey in a position that required him to interact with the public. (Id. Ex. 12 (“Bailey Dep.”) at 12:18-13:1 (stating that Kersey’s “record bears out that he has had problems dealing with people” and that “I did not believe that it was in anyone’s best interest return him to a position that would provide him interface with the public.”), 55:16-20 (stating that it was “absolutely correct” that the reason for the driving prohibition was to prevent Kersey from interacting with the public).) In addition to Kornegay’s congruent testimony (see Kоrnegay Dep. at 57:7-18), Lloyd Shands, a WMATA Division Supervisor, gave testimony consistent with Bailey’s explanation. Shands testified that he learned from Bailey in the 1991 to 1994 time frame that the restriction was imposed to ensure that Kersey was in a “non-safety sensitive” position, meaning a position that would avoid having Kersey “deal[ ] with the general public.” (See Pl.’s Opp’n Ex. 14, (“Shands Dep.”) at 15:11-25, 16:21; see also id. at 17:1-18, 21:13-20.)
In April 1991, Kersey wrote again to Kornegay, “requesting your immediate actions” to assist in reversing the “unjust and unfair” “contractual agreement.” (Pl.’s Opp’n Ex. 7F.) Kornegay did not support Kersey in this effort because he “had very real problems with this,” since the union had engaged in “protracted negotiations” and had “signed off on an agreement that put ... Kersey back on the payrolls with the Authority.” (Korne-gay Dep. at 95:19-23.) Kornegay explained that “I had the integrity of the local unions to be concerned about.... I don’t sign agreements and start attacking them the next day. I told [Kersey] my concerns of that.” (Id. at 95:23-25, 98:13-14.) Later that same month, Kersey filed an EEOC charge of discrimination based on handicap, medical history, and retaliation. (Pl.’s Opp’n Ex. 19.) Kersey continued to press the union (id. Exs. 7G, 7H) for help to “undo the 1990 agreement” (Kornegay Dep. at 99:8, 99:23-24), but without immediate relief. (Id. at 99:10, 99:24.)
In July 1992, Kersey applied for a promotion to steam cleaner but was not permitted to complete the process because of the 1990 contract clause prohibiting driving an Authority vehicle. (Pl.’s Resp. to Interrog. No. 8.) Within the next month or so, Bailey authored an undated “DRAFT” document with respect to that particular steam cleaner position. (Bailey Dep. at 83:3-7.) The draft agreement included the following conditions:
1. Mr. Kersey must possess a valid Maryland Commercial Drivers License or obtain one within thirty (30) calendar days from the date he is promoted to steam cleaner position.
2. Mr. Kersey shall only be permitted to operate Metrobuses when it becomes necessary to move a vehicle from its parking area for steaming and return such vehicle after completion of work. Such driving shall be restricted to Landover Division Lot only.
3. This agreement applies only to the Steam Cleaner position and is not intended to provide any further promotional opportunities unless specified through agreement with the local union.
This agreement becomes effective on the date of acceptance by Local 922 International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
(Pl.’s Opp’n Ex. 1C.) Bailey later testified that this was the first time he was willing to consider giving Kersey the opportunity to test for a position that required driving a WMATA vehicle (Bailey Dep. at 82:21-83:13), and the driving was to be restricted to an area that eliminated the possibility that Kersey would interact with the public. (PL’s Opp’n Ex. 1C.) The record does not establish that the union ever accepted this proposal.
In November 1992, Kersey applied for promotion to a mechanic position and was not notified that he was eligible to test for it. (PL’s Resp. to Inter. No. 8.) On September 28, 1993, Kersey filed another union grievance, this time alleging discrimination — without specifying the type of discrimination — due to the 1990 contract. (PL’s Opp’n Ex. 71.) In October 1993, Kersey again applied to test for a promotion to a mechanic position and, as had happened the year before, he did not receive notice that he was eligible to take the examination. (PL’s Resp. to Inter. No. 8.) Kersey then filed a disability discrimination charge with the EEOC on November 12, 1993, complaining that he was denied training and promotion opportunities due to a signed agreement. (Def.’s Mot. Ex. 15.)
In January 1994, Kersey, Kornegay and another union representative, Ferline Buie, met with Bailey and another WMA-TA supervisor to discuss Kersey’s latest grievance. (PL’s Opp’n Ex. 21 (“Buie Dep.”) at 17:25-18:2.) At this meeting, the union asked that Kersey be medically reevaluated, and WMATA agreed. (Id. at 22:9-11.) Later, Bailey explained that he was willing in 1994 to “revisit” the driving prohibition in the 1990 contract because over time, his view of duties appropriate for Kersey had become less restrictive, but that his change in opinion was not based on any medical justification. (Bailey Dep. at 82:6-18.) The next month, a different WMATA Medical Director concluded that
[biased on extensive review of his medical records available, ergonomic analysis of his job as a Bus Operator and based on Dr. Nelson’s medical report of Nov. 3,1986 (which was the basis of the work-mans comp decision of a 35% permanent disability rating), I recommend that the Authority should abide by this decision ... [illegible] and not allow the employee to be exposed to a job such as bus driving that may aggravate or exacerbate a permanent disability.
(Pl.’s Opp’n Ex. 6P; O’Donnell Dep. at 147:9-148:20.) WMATA did not adopt this recommendation, but instead recommended an independent medical examination. (PL’s Opp’n Ex. 70.) The union engaged Dr. Virgil Balint, who concluded in a report dated July 13, 1994, that Kersey’s “history of cervical and upper thoracic sprain/strain, with possible myofascial pain” was “resolved.” (Id. Ex. 6Q.) He stated that “I think that at this point the patient is perfectly capable of performing any kind of job, including the job as a bus driver.” (Id.) Dr. O’Donnell reviewed and adopted Dr. Balint’s report. (O’Donnell Dep. at 153:5-25, 155:8-17, 155:24-156:2.)
In December 1994, Bailey authored a memorandum of understanding (“1994 MOU”), drafted for the signatures of Ker-sey, the union, and WMATA, that stated in pertinent part:
As the result of our most recent discussion relating to Glen Kersey cleaner/shifter ..., after careful deliberation, I am prepared to rescind current restrictions on Glen Kersey. Mr. Kersey will be permitted to operate Authority vehicles once he obtains a valid commercial drivers License (CDL)[.] He will remain in bus maintenance, but can apрly for any position in maintenance for which he can test and subsequently qualify. Mr. Kersey must obtain a CDL within 120 days of this signed agreement.
(Def.’s Mot. Ex. 18.) Bailey acknowledged that this was an “offer” presented to the union (Bailey Dep. at 89:4), and that “[i]f this had been agreed to, it would have allowed [Kersey] to test for any job in the [union local’s] maintenance area[,]” that is, “mechanic positions.” (Id. at 89:25-90:6.) The record establishes that this 1994 MOU was forwarded to the union. (Id. at 90:7-11). However, as with the 1992 draft agreement, the record does not establish that the union ever accepted this MOU. 6
In August 1995, Kersey complained of his limited advancement opportunities to his new second-line supervisor, Gerald Hobbs. To understand the situation and its background, Hobbs initiated discussions with both WMATA and union personnel, first setting up a meeting with Kornegay to discuss modifying Kersey’s 1990 contract. When Hobbs went to the meeting on August 16, 1995, Kornegay was not present and Hobbs met with two other union officials. (Pl.’s Opp’n Ex. 15 (“Hobbs Dep.”) at 32:2-24.) On August 18, 1995, Hobbs learned from Dr. O’Donnell that “there was no medical reаson for limits on any job” for Kersey. (Id. at 25:18.) Hobbs next discussed the matter with Dickerson, in WMATA’s Labor Relations office, on August 21, 1995. Dickerson assumed responsibility for broaching the subject with the union, and noted that back pay and seniority were two issues that would have to be negotiated. 7 (Id. at 25:19-26:5; 27:5-15.) Hobbs drafted a document to address the back pay and seniority issues, proposing that WMATA “would allow Mr. Kersey to go through central training, to be re-qualified to drive a bus if he would not pursue any back pay and his seniority would fall in line with the contract statement and then [WMATA] would give him promotional opportunities.” (Id. at 27:20-25; see also id. at 29:6-11 (elaborating on the proposed terms).) On September 1, 1995, Dr. O’Donnell documented that Kersey was cleared medically to work without restriction as a cleaner-shifter or mechanic — positions that require driving a bus. (O’Donnell Dep. at 157:3-158:6; Pl.’s Opp’n Ex. 6R.). WMATA permitted Kersey to take the examinations for promotions to mechanic positions that were posted in September and November 1995. (Pl.’s Resp. to Inter. No. 8; Hobbs Deр. at 12:7-10.) Although he passed the tests and was otherwise entitled to the promotion, Kersey was denied the promotion for the express reason that his 1990 employment contract prohibited him from driving an Authority vehicle. (PL’s Resp. to Inter. No. 8; Hobbs Dep. at 12:11-14:6.) On an unspecified date in 1995, identified in the record only as “sometime later” than the conversation Hobbs had with Dickerson on August 21, 1995, Dickerson told Hobbs that Dickerson had discussed the matter with Kornegay, and that Kornegay had declined to pursue modifying Kersey’s 1990 contract. (Hobbs Dep. at 29:14-25 (identifying the date as “sometime later” than August but still in 1995.))
In October 1996, Kersey filed another EEOC charge alleging disability discrimination and retaliation, identifying the first act of discrimination as occurring on April 23, 1990, the date he signed the 1990 contract with the driving prohibition. On November 22, 1996, Kersey filed this lawsuit
DISCUSSION
On a motion for summary judgment, “[t]he inquiry performed is the threshold inquiry of determining whether there is a need for a trial — whether, in other words, there are any genuine factual issues that properly can be resolved only by a finder of fact because they may reasonably be resolved in favor of either party.”
Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc.,
The Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination “solely by reason of her or his disability” against an “otherwise qualified individual with a disability.” 29 U.S.C. § 794(a). To establish a prima facie case of disparate treatment under the Rehabilitation Act, a plaintiff must demonstrate that he is (1) a handicapped person within the meaning of the Act, (2) who is qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation, and (3) has suffered an adverse employment action because of the handicap.
Scarborough v. Natsios,
A plaintiff bringing discrimination or retaliation claims under the Rehabilitation Act may employ the burden-shifting framework approved in
McDonnell Douglas Corp. v. Green,
I. TIMELINESS
The parties agree that Rehabilitation Act disability discrimination claims have a three-year limitations period, 8 and that retaliation claims under the Act have a four-year limitations period. 9 They disagree, however, on when the claims in this case arose.
Kersey alleges that he was wrongly excluded from promotion opportunities sometime in late 1993 and then denied a prоmotion that was rightfully his in 1995. Without addressing the distinct elements of each claim, Kersey argues that each act constituted both disability discrimination and retaliation. (See Pl.’s Opp’n at 25-29 (failing to distinguish between the discrimination and retaliation claims except to note the different limitation periods.)) He contends that he had three years from being notified sometime in late 1993 that he was ineligible for a promotion to file a disability claim, and four years from that date to file his retaliation claim (id. at 25, 29), and concludes that his lawsuit was timely filed on November 22, 1996.
WMATA counters that if Kersey has any claims arising from the enforcement of the 1990 contract, they arose on April 23, 1990, when Kersey signed the contract that imposed the driving prohibition that he now attacks as illegitimately discriminatory. WMATA contends that on these facts, Kersey had until April 23, 1993, to file his disability discrimination claims, and until April 23, 1994, to file any retaliations claims. WMATA concludes that all claims were time-barred when Kersey filed this action in November 1996.
The parties’ divergent positiоns turn on the single question of whether WMATA modified or rescinded the 1990 contract at
Kersey states that he is challenging “promotion denials in 1993 and 1995 for Mechanic jobs after being permitted to test for those jobs [because] WMATA’s actions in permitting Mr. Kersey to test for jobs that require operation of a WMA-TA vehicle effectively modified the ‘no driving’ restriction.” (Pl.’s Opp’n at 1;
see also id.
at 13.) Kersey variously argues that the 1990 contract’s driving prohibition was modified or rescinded either by agreement
(id.
at 13, 15, 16, 19) or by WMATA’s conduct.
(Id.
at 1, 20-21). Specifically, he asserts that through Bailey, WMATA
A. Modification by agreement in 1992
Kersey argues that “[i]n 1992 ... Bailey agreed to allow Mr. Kersey to apply for positions that required him to drive a WMATA vehicle, effectively revising the earlier April 1990 ‘no-driving’ restriction.” (Id. at 13; see also id. at 15, 16, 21.) In support, Kersey cites Bailey’s deposition testimony at pages 82-83 and Kornegay’s deposition testimony at pages 86-88 and 90. Understood in the context of the full record, however, neither Bailey’s testimony nor Kornegay’s testimony supрorts Kersey's construction. Bailey’s testimony demonstrates that he did not, in fact, modify the 1990 contract.
Q: [by counsel for Kersey]: And were you willing to revisit that issue [of the “driving limitation,” which “restricted” Kersey’s “opportunities for promotion in the mechanical area”]?
A: [by Bailey]: Quite obviously.
Q: So why were you willing to revisit the issue in 1994 and not revisit it in 1992, for example? If you were so adamant in 1990 that he not be able to drive any vehicle?
A: I can only respond to you like this. The constitution is a might old document, and we had to make amendments to it. So what is the difference about my opinion. My opinion is subject to change over time as a result of a change in circumstances.
Q: But your opinion was not based on any medical justification, isn’t that right?
A: No.
Q: And you were the sole decision maker to decide whether or not Mr. Kersey would drive a bus, right?
A: That’s correct. We are talking about opportunity.
Q: What was the earliest date that you can recall that you decided that you would give Mr. Kersey the opportunity to vie for positions within the authority that required him to drive a WMATA vehicle?
A: Oh, I don’t know when the earliest time wаs. Maybe it could have been back in '92.
Q: Well, just so we are clear for the record, the proposal that you put forward to the union regarding the steam cleaner position was in August of 1992. Is that your understanding?
A: That’s correct.
Q: Can you think of a time earlier than August, 1992 when you were reconsidering your decision to allow Mr. Kersey to drive WMATA vehicles?
A: Not that I know of.
(Bailey Dep. at 82:6-83:13.) The proposal referred to by Kersey’s counsel never became effective because the union never accepted the offer. (Pl.’s Opp’n Ex. 1C (“This agreement becomes effective on the date of acceptance by Local 992____”).) The offer was expressly limited to a single position, namely “[t]he Steam Cleaner position in question [that] became vacant after a recent termination.”
(Id.)
The offer was expressly “not intended to provide any further promotional opportunities unless specified through agreement with the local union.” (Id. ¶ 3.) This testimony, then, es
The only other record evidence on which Kersey relies to establish that the 1990 contract was modified in 1992 is the following testimony by Kornegay.
A: [by Kornegay]: I just told you, I went immediately, got ahold of Briscoe and got ahold of Bailey. As a result of that, this [the interpretation that the driving prohibition was absolute, not merely limited to bus operator] was reversed. Glenn Kersey after that was allowed to take — apply for those jobs and take tests for them.
Q: [by Kersey’s counsel]: What communication did you have with Mr. Bris-coe regarding this issue?
A: Well, now, what do you mean [by] that? I just got through telling you, I contacted Briscoe and I contacted Bailey.
Q: What did you say to Mr. Briscoe?
A: I can’t tell you what I said, I mean, I got the necessary results.
Q: Can you remember generally what was said—
A: No, I can’t recall—
Q: — in that conversation?
A: — no, I can’t recall generally what I said. I just told him that I was ticked that they had taken this position and that it was out of context. Leroy [Bailey], I got hold of, he understood what the agreement was, he understood what we had agreed to, and it was reversed. H: ‡ ‡ ‡
Q: You stated earlier that this — his [Briscoe’s] particular interpretation was overturned—
A: Yes.
Q: — is that correct?
A: It was overturned.
Q: How was that overturned?
A: Glenn Kersey was — subsequent to this, Glenn Kersey was allowed to apply for and take exams for mechanical jobs. Q: When was Mr. Kersey first allowed — subsequent to this — when was Mr. Kersey first allowed to apply for and test for positions other than cleaner-shifter?
A: I can’t give you times. I know that subsequent to this, because we had the discussion and a result of that, this was overturned.
Q: Was it within a year of this letter [of November 26, 1990, Pl.’s Opp’n Ex. 7E] being written?
A: I can’t tell you the time frame of when it was done, but it was done, I know it was done.
Q: Who was it that made the decision — who made the decision that Mr. Briscoe’s interpretation should be overturned?
A: LeRoy [Bailey]—
Q: And when did Mr. Bailey do that? A: I can’t recall. I just know it was done. Q: It was subsequent to this— A: It was subsequent—
Q: — this letter?
A: — it was subsequent to this, yeah.
Q: Did you inform Mr. Kersey after that that he could apply and test for positions other than that of cleaner-shifter?
A: Yes.
Q: When was that?
A: I can’t recall, but I know Glenn Kersey and I had conversations and I told him that he could apply for those jobs and not only did I tell him that, I urged him to apply for them.
Q: Did you tell him that ... in writing? A: I’m not sure I did it in writing.
Q: Did you do it during a telephone call?
Q: I probably did it in my office. I mean, this was not something where I didn’t see Glenn or Glenn was in the office probably two or three times a week. Subsequent to this, this was reversed, Glenn Kersey was allowed to apply for mechanical jobs, he did apply for mechanical jobs, he did tests for mechanical jobs, and the record will so reflect. 11 # * * *
Q: ... and complaining that he was not being allowed to apply for such positions?
A: See, I don’t know what time frame that we’re talking about. I know that from the time Kersey first brought this to my attention and I then contacted Briscoe that there was some conversations between Briscoe and I, that I eventually had to go to LeRoy [Bailey], so the[re] could have been some time in the time frame in-between there. So I’m just not sure what time frame that we’re talking about. So at that time, during that time, Kersey could have very well still been raising a question that, you know, his circumstances had not changed.
Q: Do you recall whether you took any actions on such a complaint?
A: Maybe I’m missing something here, but I thought I just told you that when Kersey brought it to my attention that I then went to Briscoe to get this matter resolved and after we didn’t get it resolved there that I then went to LeRoy [Bailey] and that some point subsequent to Kersey’s bringing it to my attention and the initial thing with Briscoe, sometime subsequent to that, that that got reversed and Glenn Kersey was allowed to apply for and test for mechanic’s job. That’s my answer.
Q: Let me ask you again—
A: Okay.
(Kornegay Dep. at 85:25-89:4, 90:1-25 (emphasis supplied).) This testimony by Kornegay does not establish a date of “reversal” of WMATA’s position. Moreover, the remainder of the record affirmatively undermines any inference that the unspoken date was in fact 1992. Kornegay’s testimony not cited by Kersey shows that when pressed, he steadfastly refused to provide a date on which Bailey’s “reversal” occurred:
Q: — when was it that Mr. Bailey reversed Mr. Briscoe’s interpretation of the agreement?
A: I can’t recall when he did that.
Q: Do you know whether it was in 1990?
A: I can’t recall when he did it.
Q: Do you remember whether it was in 1991?
[Witness’s counsel:] Asked and answered.
A: I don’t know.
[Witness’s counsel:] — he just told you he doesn’t recall when it happened.
A: I don’t recall when it happened. I just know it was subsequent to when the initial bid was done that it got reversed, it was subsequent when we got that reversed. And you’re asking me about times and I just can’t tell you that.
Q: Do you know whether it was reversed within two years of Mr. Briscoe’s [November 1990] denial, Mr. Briscoe’s denial of Mr. Kersey apply for or testing for positions, other than cleaner-shifter?
A: Quite frankly, Counsel, I don’t know what else to say to you. I told you Idon’t recall when it was done, that’s my answer.
Q: So all you’re telling me is that it’s possible—
A: I don’t recall when it was done.
(Kornegay Dep. at 91.) But, on further questioning by Kersey’s counsel, Kornegay placed the “reversal” long after 1992.
Q: Is it your understanding that the negotiations with Mr. Bailey resolved Mr. Kersey’s September 28, 1993 grievance?
A: Yes.
sjc tj?
A: It was my understanding as a result of those negotiations, that Glenn Kersey would not be denied the opportunity to apply for and be considered [for] those jobs that [were] in the mechanical department, even [thоugh] they involved driving, so long as they did not involve driving a vehicle off the Authority’s property.
(Kornegay Dep. at 154:2-4, 12-17.) Thus, Kornegay’s testimony does not reasonably support an inference that WMATA modified or rescinded the 1990 contract in 1992, or at any time prior to Kersey filing a grievance due to not being promoted in 1993.
In short, Kersey’s argument that WMA-TA modified or rescinded the 1990 contract in 1992 is not supported by Bailey’s testimony, Kornegay’s testimony or the documentary evidence. Accordingly, Ker-sey’s disability discrimination and retaliation claims arising from the promotion he sought but did not obtain in September 1993 are time-barred. 12
B. Modification by agreement in 1994
Kersey argues that WMATA modified the 1990 contract by agreeing in December 1994 to allow Kersey to take promotional tests for any position other than bus operator. (Pl.’s Opp’n at 19.) As with the alleged 1992 modification, the record does not support this contention.
The 1994 MOU that Bailey authored would have had the effect of modifying the driving prohibition to the extent of allowing Kersey to operate WMATA vehicles as part of a mechanic’s job. (See Def.’s Mot. Ex. 18; Bailey Dep. at 89:4, 89:25-90:6.) The 1994 MOU was forwarded to the union for signature, but was never accepted by the union and never became effective. (Bailey Dep. at 90:7-11.) This document, along with Bailey’s testimony, demonstrates a willingness by WMATA to enter into a new agreement with certain conditions, but the record evidence does not establish that a new agreement was consummated or justify an inference that WMATA unilaterally rescinded the driving prohibition.
C. Modification by conduct in 1995 13
Kersey contends that WMATA’s act of permitting him to test for mechanic
The record establishes that beginning in the latter half of August 1995, Kersey’s supervisor, Hobbs, initiated talks with both WMATA and union officials regarding the possibility of amending Kersey’s 1990 contract. Dickerson, in WMATA’s Labor Relations office, noted that the related issues of seniority and back pay would need to be resolved if the 1990 contract were amended, and assumed the negotiations with the union. (Hobbs Dep. at 25:19-26:5; 27:5-15.) Hobbs proposed a resolution of the seniority and back pay issues. (Id. at 27:20-25; 29:6-11). After the discussions began, Kersey was permitted to take promotional examinations. Despite the discussions and WMATA’s apparent willingness to amend — with certain conditions— the 1990 contract, there is nothing in the record that establishes that any amendments were ever executed or became binding on any party.
Kersey cites no law in support of his proposition that a futile or inconsistent action by a corporate employer constitutes a unilateral rescission of a condition of employment that was enforced both before and after that futile action. Indeed, the law is to the contrary.
[I]n the absence of an express declaration manifesting the intent not to claim the right allegedly waived, there must be a clear, unequivocal and decisive act of the party who is claimed to have waived its rights, so consistent with an intention to waive that no other reasonable explanation is possible. Stated somewhat differently, an implied in fact waiver of a contractual right may arise only if the actions or conduct of the person against whom the waiver is asserted are inconsistent with anything other than an intention to waive the right.
13 Williston on Contracts § 39:28 at 626-27 (4th ed.2000). Here, there is an obvious “other reasonable explanation” for WMA-TA’s inconsistent act, namely, that WMA-TA was willing to let Kersey take the promotiоnal tests in anticipation of a modification of the 1990 contract, a modification that never materialized. The evidentiary record in this case establishes that WMA-TA was willing to modify the 1990 contract — provided that certain issues were satisfactorily resolved, and provided that the union was party to the modification. For reasons not entirely clear on this record, that modification was never consummated. The inconsistent conduct of allowing Kersey to take promotional exams in the fall of 1995, considered in light of all the record evidence, is not such an act that a reasonable jury could find “no other reasonable explanation” than that WMA-TA intended to rescind unilaterally the 1990 contract’s driving prohibition.
D. Equitable estoppel
Kersey argues that WMATA should be equitably estopped from assert
A de novo review of the entire evidentia-ry reсord submitted establishes that the pleadings, depositions, answers to interrogatories and affidavits show that there is no genuine issue of the material fact that WMATA did not rescind, amend or modify the 1990 contract either by agreement in 1992 or 1994 or by its conduct in 1995, as Kersey alleges. The record evidence does not provide an evidentiary basis on which a jury could reasonably conclude that WMA-TA entered into an agreement in either 1992 or 1994 that was effective to rescind the 1990 contract’s driving prohibition, or that WMATA’s conduct effectively rescinded the driving prohibition at any point during the relevant period. Rather, the record establishes conclusively that WMA-TA repeatedly enforced the 1990 contract’s driving prohibition from the time the contract was made through the last event about which Kersey complains in this suit, the December 1995 promotion denial. Kersey has shown only that he can identify “some metaphysical doubt” as to some facts, provided that other facts are ignored.
Matsushita Elec.,
II. LEGITIMATE, NONDISCRIMINATORY REASONS 14
WMATA claims that the 1990 contract prohibiting Kersey from driving a
CONCLUSION
Because Kersey has not identified any genuine issue of material fact as to whether WMATA, either by agreement or conduct, rescinded or modified the 1990 contract’s driving prohibition, and because Kersey complains here of acts that were the “delayed, but inevitable consequence[s]” of the express terms of that contract,
Ricks,
Notes
. See Rep. & Rec. [Dkt. 114], Kersey v. Washington Metro. Area Transit Auth., Civil Action No. 96-2639(RWR)(AK), at 2 (D.D.C. July 24, 2006).
. WMATA also argues that the doctrine of accord and satisfaction bars Kersey’s Rehabilitation Act claims. That argument is misplaced in this context. The doctrine of accord and satisfaction serves to defend a substitute performance on a contract. Restatement (Second) of Contracts § 281 cmt. a (1981) ("An accord is a contract under which an obligee promises to accept a substituted performance in future satisfaction of the obligor’s duty.”). WMATA is not defending a substitute performance on a contract in this action. Furthermore, the defense is available only in a breach of contract case.
Eagle Maint. Servs. v. Dist. of Columbia Contract Appeals Bd.,
. Once before, in 1984, WMATA had terminated Kersey’s employment for failing to report arrests, a violation of WMATA’s standing rules. (Def.’s Mot. Exs. 2, 3.) WMATA reinstated Kersey after the union filed a grievance on Kersey's behalf. (Pl.’s Opp’n Ex. 4.)
. Four months later, Kersey filed a civil suit for assault and battery and malicious prosecution against WMATA and thе two WMATA employees involved in the altercation, and was awarded $100,000 in damages assessed against WMATA in February 1992. (Pl.’s Opp'n Ex. 10.) WMATA’s Assistant General Manager, Leroy Bailey, testified in a deposition that he did not know, and in the course of his duties would have no reason to know, of Kersey’s civil suit against WMATA or the damages awarded. (Id. Ex. 12 ("Bailey Dep.”) at 17:13-18.)
. Under ordinary circumstances, a cleaner shifter is required to perform incidental driving tasks. Because Kersey was prohibited from driving, his cleaner-shifter position— which commanded higher pay than a cleaner position — would entail the duties of only the cleaner, not the shifter. (Def.’s Mot. Ex. 8, Aff. of Gerald Hobbs ¶¶ 3-5.)
. Kersey has entered into a settlement of his claims against the union and Kornegay in this case.
. As part of the 1990 contract. Kersey had negotiated seniority status that was not consistent with the union contract regarding seniority.
. Because the Rehabilitation Act does not specify a limitation period, it is determined by reference to the applicable state statute of limitаtions. Doe v. Southeastern Univ., 732 F.Supp. 7, 8-9 (D.D.C.1990). D.C.Code § 12-301(8) provides a three year limitation period for personal injury claims.
. A four-year limitation period applies to all federal claims made possible by a post-1990 enactment of Congress.
Jones v. R.R. Donnel-ley & Sons, Co.,
. Kersey disputes that
Ricks
applies, and argues instead that
Currier v. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Inc.,
. The emphasis here identifies a remainder of an answer that Kersey does not cite. In fact, Kersey did not test for any mechanic position prior to September 1995.
. Even if one of Kersey’s discrimination claims arose in 1993, as he asserts, he knew of it at least by November 12, 1993, when he filed an EEOC complaint about it. (See Def.’s Mot. Ex. 15.) Accordingly, his argument that his 1993 discriminatiоn claim was timely when he filed this action on November 22, 1996, fails in any case.
. Kersey variously asserts and implies that WMATA allowed him to take a promotional test for a mechanic position in 1993. (Pl.’s Opp'n at 1 (referring to “promotion denials in 1993 and 1995 for Mechanic jobs after being permitted to test for those jobs”);
see also id.
at 13, 21 n. 23.
But see id.
at 14-15 (acknowledging that Kersey applied, but was not permitted to test for the mechanic position in October 1993).) There is no evidence in this record to support an inference that Kersey took a promotional test for a mechanic position in 1993. To the contrary, Kersey’s interrogatory response establishes that he was not permitted to test for any promotion in 1993 because WMATA was enforcing the driving prohibition in the 1990 contract. (Pl.’s Resp.
. WMATA also argues that Kersey has not met the threshold requirement of offering evidence sufficient to estаblish a prima facie case of disability discrimination or retaliation. (Def.’s Mot. at 10-13, 23-27.) That issue need not be decided here because Kersey has not, in any case, rebutted WMATA’s legitimate, nondiscriminatory reasons for its conduct.
See Carter v. George Washington Univ.,
. Kersey argues that Shands’ testimony "contradicted Bailey[’s]” explanation that the sole reason for the driving restriction was to minimize Kersey’s interaction with the publiс due to safety concerns. (Pl.'s Opp'n at 10 n. 8 (citing to testimony by Shands that one of the reasons Bailey gave for the driving restriction was that Kersey had been disqualified as a bus operator).) Kersey’s counsel asked Shands the following question: "Was it your understanding from the conversation with Mr. Bailey that the condition that Mr. Kersey not be able to drive buses was, in part, due to a medical disqualification?” (Id. at 17:1-4.) Shands' responded: "That was my interpretation. I don’t know whether [Bailey] actually said it or not.” (Id. at 17:5-6.) Pressed further, Shands said he learned of the medical ”disqualifi[cation]” because it was referred to in Kersey’s 1990 contract (id. at 17:12-18), and that Shands had "discussed it” with Bailey (id. at 17:17-18). Shands also testified that he had called the medical office and received a copy of "[Kersey’s] disqualification.” (Id. at 16:14-24). Even allowing all reasonable inferences from the evidence in favor of Kersey, Shands’ testimony, considered in total, comes nowhere close to contradicting that safety was Bailey’s sole concern in imposing the driving restriction.