Interactive Process Requires Good Faith

Originally published by Thomas J. Crane.

When you ask for an accommodation, you need to be careful what you ask for. Because, you just might get it. That is an old saying and it applies to the decision in Dillard v. City of Austin, 837 F.3d 557 (5th Cir. 2016). Derrick Dillard worked for the City of Austin. He was a laborer and field supervisor until he sustained injuries in a car wreck. He could not perform physical labor any longer. After extended leave, he was offered a position as an Administrative Assistant. He was stunned at first, because he did not know how to do “no administrative work.” He did not meet the stated qualifications for the job, three years experience as an Administrative Assistant. So, the city provided him with on-the-job training and let him shadow another Administrative Assistant. He was encouraged to complete additional training, but he never did. His typing skills did not improve. Instead of training on the computer, he was observed to be surfing the internet and playing games. He arrived at work late and left early. He spent some of his time looking for a new job.

The employee started the Administrative Assistant job in April, 2012. By September, he was given a bad performance evaluation. His supervisor testified that he lacked skills, but he also seemed unwilling to improve his skills. Mr. Dillard asked to be moved to a different job and claimed he was not given enough work to do. He admitted he could not complete his one typing assignment because he could not type fast enough. His physical abilities were improving. But, the process toward termination proceeded. At a pre-termination meeting, he admitted the allegations against him were accurate. He was not apologetic for his behavior. He said he was trying to find a new job within the City.

In late October, he was fired. Plaintiff Dillard filed suit saying the city failed to accommodate him. The district court granted summary judgment. The higher court noted that if an accommodation is not working, then the employee may ask for a new accommodation. That is part of the interactive process. The plaintiff argued that the City failed to cooperate when it became clear the new job was not working out. He argued that as his capacity improved, the City should have considered him for jobs that were open. But, the Fifth Circuit was not impressed. The interactive process is a two-way street. It requires that both parties work together in good faith. When they gave him the new job, the ball was in his court. He should have worked in good faith to make it work. The misconduct indicated the was not trying in good faith to succeed in this new position. There was also evidence of making personal phone calls, napping at work, lying about his attendance, etc. This case was now less about the interactive process and more about mis-conduct.

The higher court found no evidence that the City failed to act in good faith, since the employee did not show a desire to try and make the new position work. The court affirmed the grant of summary judgment. Yes, be careful what you ask for, because you just might get it. See the decision here.

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