Secretary of Labor obo Stacey Wayne Puckett v. Panther Creek Mining, LLC (ALJ decision, August 2, 2017)

Plain-English summary

A July 12, 2017 order had temporarily reinstated fireboss Stacey Wayne Puckett while the Secretary investigated his discrimination complaint against Panther Creek Mining. The parties later agreed to economic reinstatement instead of immediate reemployment, with full pay and benefits effective from July 12 and a reserved right to request actual reinstatement. Judge Jerold Feldman amended the order to adopt that agreement and required payment of backpay and benefits. The temporary or economic reinstatement would continue without deciding the merits until the discrimination matter became final or the reinstatement order was vacated.

Decision snapshot

• Governing provision: 30 U.S.C. § 815(c)(2)
• Outcome: Puckett was economically reinstated with backpay and benefits effective July 12, 2017.
• Key point: The parties could substitute full economic reinstatement for temporary reemployment while preserving their positions in the unresolved discrimination case.

Full text (FMSHRC public release)

FEDERAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW
COMMISSION

OFFICE OF
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES

1331 PENNSYLVANIA
AVE., N.W., SUITE 520N

WASHINGTON, DC
20004-1710

August 2, 2017

SECRETARY OF LABOR,

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR on behalf of, STACEY
WAYNE PUCKETT,

Complainant

v.

PANTHER CREEK MINING, LLC

Respondent

TEMPORARY REINSTATEMENT PROCEEDING

Docket No. WEVA 2017-426

Mine: American Eagle Mine

Mine ID: 46-05437

AMENDMENT OF
ORDER OF TEMPORARY REINSTATEMENT

Before:                        Judge Feldman

A summary decision was issued on July 12, 2017, granting the application for temporary reinstatement filed by the Secretary, pursuant to section 105(c)(2) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the Mine Act or Act), 30 U.S.C. § 815(c)(2) , on behalf of Stacey Wayne Puckett against Panther Creek Mining, LLC (Panther Creek). 38 FMSHRC __ (July 12, 2017) (ALJ). The reinstatement order required Panther Creek to immediately reinstate Puckett to his former position as a fireboss, or to an equivalent position, at the same rate of pay and benefits he received immediately prior to his discharge, and with the same or equivalent assigned duties.

On July 27, 2017, the parties advised the Commission that, effective July 12, 2017, they have agreed to economically reinstate Puckett in lieu of his temporary reemployment. Letter from Melanie J. Kilpatrick to Judge Feldman (July 27, 2017). Pursuant to their agreement, during the economic reinstatement period, “Puckett will be paid his full rate of pay . . . [including] entitle[ment] to all benefits he would otherwise normally receive.” The parties reserve the right to request actual reinstatement at any time after a reasonable notice period.

ORDER

In view of the above, consistent with the terms of the parties’ agreement,              IT IS ORDERED THAT Panther Creek shall economically reinstate Stacey Wayne Puckett, with payment of backpay and benefits as of July 12, 2017.

Puckett’s economic reinstatement shall not prejudice Panther Creek’s right to contest Puckett’s discrimination complaint that currently is being investigated by the Secretary. The Secretary should endeavor to complete, as soon as practicable, his investigation so that this matter may proceed to an evidentiary hearing on the merits. If the Secretary, upon investigation, finds that the provisions of section 105(c) have not been violated, he shall file a motion to vacate the underlying Order of Temporary Reinstatement. Commission Rule 45(g), 29 C.F.R.         § 2700.45(g). Alternatively, Panther Creek may move to vacate this temporary reinstatement order if the Secretary declines to prosecute Puckett’s complaint pursuant to section 105(c)(2) of the Mine Act. Id . An order dissolving the underlying order of reinstatement shall not bar the filing by Puckett of a discrimination complaint on his own behalf pursuant to section 105(c)(3) of the Act. 30 U.S.C. § 815(c)(3) .

If the Secretary elects to file a discrimination complaint on behalf of Puckett pursuant to section 105(c)(2) of the Mine Act, economic reinstatement/temporary reinstatement shall remain in effect until the merits of the Secretary’s 105(c)(2) complaint become final. 30 U.S.C.       § 815(c)(2)

/s/ Jerold Feldman

Jerold
Feldman

Administrative Law Judge

Distribution: (Electronic and Certified Mail)

Stacy Wayne Puckett, 1016 Hopkins Road, Danville, WV 25053

Kathleen F. Borschow, Esq., Robert S. Wilson, Esq., Office of the Regional Solicitor, U.S. Department of Labor, 201 12 th Street South, Arlington, VA 22202-5450

Melanie J. Kilpatrick, Rajkovich, Williams, Kilpatrick & True, PLLC, 3151 Beaumont Centre Circle, Suite 375, Lexington, KY 40513