Saying the Social Security Administration (SSA) flagrantly violated its contract with AFGE [American Federation of Government Employees, a member of the AFL-CIO] and “trampled upon the rights” of a 14-year worker, an independent arbitrator has ordered the agency to pay her back wages with interest along with $100,000 in compensatory and punitive damages.
Magnolia Littles, a member of AFGE Local 3291 in Little Rock, Ark., was suspended for 90 days after a benefits payment she had approved turned out to be fraudulent. Patti McGowan, an attorney with AFGE, said the arbitrator found there was no substantial evidence that Littles—who has a spotless record at SSA—was negligent in her duties. The arbitrator found that SSA violated her rights by, among other things, not informing Littles she had a right to have a union representative present at her disciplinary meeting.
The agency also discriminated against her because of her race, the arbitrator said. Of the four employees who processed the fraudulent benefit payment, two African Americans, including Littles, received suspensions. A Latina was fired outright, but the lone white employee in the group was not disciplined at all.
Jun 24, 2010
Social Security Loses Big Time In Arbitration
From the AFL-CIO Now Blog:
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4 comments:
"The agency also discriminated against her because of her race"
During the disability hearing process,I wonder how many white claimants are approved versus people of color? This article is proof ssa and or some of it's employees has racist and or discriminatory practices.
I'm not doubting that racism was an issue with this case but I can tell you that "whites" are also discriminated against. In many areas I've worked, managers will easily discipline and downgrade the performance of "white" employees for very minor things but would not think dealing with major performance issues of people who with other colored complexions or ethnic backgrounds. There's an assumption that even if the ordinary white guy is discriminated against, he doesn't have a leg to stand on when it comes to filing an equal opportunity complaint.
No, it's not. This is another case in which I'd like a better, more detailed report of the case. A 60 day suspension is not a removal. So, this arbitrator's award of punitive damages is out of line in comparison to others of a similar nature. If a more accurate report of this case is ever published, I'd like to see it. Show me the facts. Nancy Ortiz
A 14 year old worker? What kind of work did she do?
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