937 F. Supp. 2d 620

Jesse BARROSO, Plaintiff, v. LIDESTRI FOODS, INC., et al., Defendants.

Civil No. 11-2059 (NLH/AMD).

United States District Court, D. New Jersey.

March 28, 2013.

*625Daniel T. Silverman, Esquire, Kevin M. Costello, Esquire, Costello & Mains, P.C., Mount Laurel, NJ, for Plaintiff Jesse Barroso.

Douglas Diaz, Esquire, Archer & Greiner, P.C., Haddonfield, NJ, for Defendant Lidestri Foods, Inc.1

OPINION

HILLMAN, District Judge.

This matter comes before the Court by way of Defendant Lidestri Foods, Ine.’s motion [Doc. No. 21] seeking summary judgment pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 56. The Court has considered the parties’ submissions and decides this matter pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 78.

For the reasons expressed below, Defendant’s motion for summary judgment will be granted.

I. JURISDICTION

Plaintiff originally filed the complaint in this action in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Camden County, Law Division asserting claims of sexual harassment and retaliation in violation of the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (“NJLAD”). Defendant Lidestri Foods, Inc. (“Lidestri”) removed the action to this Court pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1441 et seq., asserting original jurisdiction exists over Plaintiffs state law claims based on diversity of citizenship jurisdiction.

The Court exercises jurisdiction in this case pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1332 based on complete diversity of citizenship between the parties and an amount in controversy in excess of $75,000. Plaintiff Jesse Barroso is a citizen of the state of New Jersey. (Notice of Removal [Doc. No. 1] ¶ 3(a).) Lidestri is incorporated in, and maintains its principal place of business in, the state of New York. (Id. ¶ 3(b).) The amount in controversy is met because the allegations contained in Plaintiffs complaint sufficiently demonstrate that the damages sought are in excess of $75,000, exclusive of interest and costs.2

*626II. BACKGROUND

The basic facts of this case are largely undisputed and relate to Plaintiffs allegations that he was subjected to sexual harassment and retaliation during his employment at Lidestri. In November of 2008, Plaintiff was hired to work for Lidestri as a forklift operator at its Pennsauken, New Jersey manufacturing facility. (Lidestri’s Statement of Undisputed Material Facts [Doc. No. 21-3] (hereinafter, “Lidestri’s Statement”), ¶¶ 1-2; Pl.’s Reply to Def.’s Statement of Undisputed Material Facts [Doc. No. 24-1] (hereinafter, “PL’s Statement”), ¶¶ 1-2.) Lidestri’s Pennsuaken facility consists of two separate buildings: a warehouse building known, as the “1600 Building,” and a production building where the receiving dock was located, known as the “1550 Building.” (Lidestri’s Statement ¶ 1; PL’s Statement ¶1.)

During the course of his employment, Plaintiff worked in the receiving area of the 1550 Building. (Lidestri’s Statement ¶ 2; PL’s Statement ¶ 2.) In the fall of 2010, the time period relevant to this action, Plaintiff worked the second shift at the 1550 Building from Monday through Friday.3 (Lidestri’s Statement ¶ 20; PL’s Statement ¶ 20.) Near the end of September 2010, a warehouse shift manager at Lidestri by the name of Michael Shaw began working the second shift on both Thursday and Fridays. (Lidestri’s Statement ¶¶ 14, 19; PL’s Statement ¶ 14, 19.) Shaw’s primary responsibility at Lidestri was oversight of the 1600 Building where his office was located. (Lidestri’s Statement ¶ 15; PL’s Statement ¶ 15.) However, while working the second shift Shaw “would see the employees in the 1550 [B]uilding maybe two or three times a day in passing just to ensure the employees were performing their assigned tasks.” (Lidestri’s Statement ¶ 22; PL’s Statement ¶ 22.)

On December 13, 2010, Kathleen Jehens, Lidestri’s Human Resources Manager at the Pennsuaken facility, received a letter from another forklift driver, Hosmay Jorrin, complaining of sexual harassment by Shaw. (Lidestri’s Statement ¶¶ 39-43; PL’s Statement ¶¶ 31, 38; see also Undated Letter from Hosmay Jorrin, Ex. 8 to Lidestri’s Statement, 1.) Plaintiff, along with several other Lidestri employees, signed the letter Jorrin submitted complaining of Shaw’s conduct. (Lidestri’s Statement ¶ 39, PL’s Statement 39.) Upon receipt of Jorrin’s letter on December 13, 2010, Jehens began an internal investigation into Plaintiffs allegations against Shaw commencing the following morning on December 14, 20104 (Lidestri’s Statement ¶ 40; *627PL’s Statement ¶ 40.) Moreover, Lidestri immediately removed Shaw from his duties as a warehouse shift manager in the 1550 Building after receipt of Jorrin’s letter.5 (Lidestri’s Statement ¶ 41; Pl.’s Statement ¶ 41.) -

' Jehens’ investigation consisted of interviews of ten Lidestri employees from December 14, 2010 through December 21, 2010, including Plaintiff and Shaw. (Lidestri’s Statement ¶¶ 42^46; Pl.’s Statement ¶¶ 42-46.) With respect to Plaintiff’s complaints of sexual harassment by Shaw, Jehens’ investigation and interview of Plaintiff revealed that Shaw’s conduct toward Plaintiff included the following: (1) comments Shaw made to Plaintiff such as “hurry up before I snatch your balls” or “before I grab [your penis]”; (2) Shaw referring to Plaintiff as “pumpkin” or “hon” rather than by his name; (3) Shaw touching Plaintiffs leg or shoulder while speaking to Plaintiff; (4) Shaw rubbing his own nipples with his shirt on; (5) Plaintiff hearing Shaw tell a different male employee that Shaw wanted “to grab [the employee’s] boobs”; and (6) Plaintiff observing Shaw touch Jorrin’s shoulder while telling Jorrin he had a “sexy accent”. (Lidestri’s Statement ¶ 25; Pl.’s Statement ¶ 25.) Plaintiff later testified that although he initially thought Shaw was just joking, he later felt “uncomfortable” with Shaw’s conduct but was still able to perform his job duties despite Shaw’s behavior. (Lidestri’s Statement ¶¶ 26-27; PL’s Statement ¶¶ 26-27.)

After Jehens completed her investigation, she advised Jane Oca, Lidestri’s Corporate Human Resources Manager, of what the employees reported in the interviews. (Lidestri’s Statement ¶ 53; PL’s Statement ¶ 53.) Oca then discussed the matter, with Lidestri’s Vice-President, Donna Yanicky, and the Director of the Warehouse, Lee Biscardi, who collectively decided to'terminate Shaw’s. employment. (Lidestri’s Statement ¶ 54; PL’s Statement ¶ 54.) Shaw was -terminated from Lidestri on December 22, 2010, approximately eleven (11) days after Jehens first received Jorrin’s letter. (Lidestri’s Statement ¶ 55; PL’s Statement ¶ 55.)

Following Shaw’s termination, another warehouse shift manager at Lidestri, specifically Michael DiMaio, became Plaintiffs shift manager for a couple of hours during the day. (Lidestri’s Statement ¶ 56; PL’s Statement ¶ 56.) Plaintiff claims that almost immediately after his complaint of sexual harassment to Human Resources, DiMaio started retaliating against Plaintiff by: (1) on one occasion taking Plaintiffs forklift and instructing Plaintiff to get another one; (2) making statements to other employees requesting that they watch what' Plaintiff was doing and let DiMaio know; (3) using curse words when speaking to Plaintiff; (4) instructing Plaintiff on one occasion to go “break bins” although this was not part of Plaintiffs typical job duties; (5) by requesting Plaintiff perform someone else’s job; and (6) giving Plaintiff a write-up after Plaintiff failed to work on a Saturday when he was told to report. (Lidestri’s Statement ¶ 57; PL’s Statement ¶ 57.)

Based on these facts, Plaintiff brings a two count complaint' asserting claims for sexual harassment and retaliation in violation of the NJLAD. As to his claim for sexual harassment, Plaintiff alleges he was *628“exposed to purposeful and egregious sexual harassment, combined with willful indifference on the part of upper management and/or participation on- the part of management” such that Lidestri is responsible for Shaw’s conduct.- (First Am. Compl. ¶¶ 24-25.) Plaintiff further claims that he engaged in protected conduct under the NJLAD by complaining of Shaw’s conduct, which was a determinative and motivating factor in him being targeted and disciplined by Lidestri. (Id. ¶28a-29a.)

III. DISCUSSION

A. Summary Judgment Standard

In the present motion, Lidestri seeks the entry of summary judgment in its favor on all of Plaintiffs claims under the NJLAD. Summary judgment is appropriate where the Court is satisfied that “ ‘the pleadings, depositions, answers to interrogatories, and admissions on file, together with the affidavits, if any, show that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and that the, moving party is entitled to a judgment as a matter of law..’ ” Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 322, 106 S.Ct. 2548, 91 L.Ed.2d 265 (1986) (citing Fed. R. Civ. P. 56).

An issue is “genuine” if it is supported by evidence such that a reasonable jury could return a verdict in the nonmoving party’s favor. Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 248, 106 S.Ct. 2505, 91 L.Ed.2d 202 (1986). A fact is “material” if, under the governing substantive law, a dispute about the fact might affect the outcome of the suit. Id. “In considering a motion for summary judgment, a district court may not make credibility determinations or engage in any weighing of the evidence; instead, the nonmoving party’s evidence ‘is to be believed and all justifiable inferences are to be drawn in his favor.’ ” Marino v. Indus. Crating Co., 358 F.3d 241, 247 (3d Cir.2004) (citing Anderson, 477 U.S. at 255, 106 S.Ct. 2505).

Initially, the moving party bears the burden of demonstrating the absence of a genuine issue of material fact. Celotex, 477 U.S. at 323, 106 S.Ct. 2548 (“[A] party seeking summary judgment always bears the initial responsibility of informing the district court of the basis for its motion, and identifying those portions of ‘the pleadings, depositions, answers to interrogatories, and admissions on file, together with the affidavits, if any,’ which it believes demonstrate the absence of a genuine issue of material fact.”) (citation omitted); see also Singletary v. Pa. Dept. of Corr., 266 F.3d 186, 192 n. 2 (3d Cir.2001) (“Although the initial burden is on the summary judgment movant to show the absence of a genuine issue of material fact, ‘the burden on the moving party may be discharged by “showing” — that is, pointing out to the district court — that there is an absence of evidence to support the non-moving party’s case’ when the nonmoving party bears the ultimate burden of proof.”) (citing Celotex, 477 U.S. at 325, 106 S.Ct. 2548).

Once the moving party has met this burden, the nonmoving party must identify, by affidavits or otherwise, specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue for trial. Celotex, 477 U.S. at 324, 106 S.Ct. 2548. A “party opposing summary judgment may not rest upon the mere allegations or denials of the ... pleading[s.]” Saldana v. Kmart Corp., 260 F.3d 228, 232 (3d Cir.2001) (internal quotations omitted). For “the non-moving party[] to prevail, [that party] must ‘make a showing sufficient to establish the existence of [every] element essential to that party’s case, and on which that party will bear the burden of proof at trial.’ ” Cooper v. Sniezek, 418 Fed.Appx. 56, 58 (3d Cir.2011) (citing Celotex, 477 U.S. at 322, 106 S.Ct. 2548). *629Thus, to withstand a properly supported motion for summary judgment, the non-moving party must identify specific facts and affirmative evidence that contradict those offered by the moving party. Anderson, 477 U.S. at 256-57, 106 S.Ct. 2505.

B. NJLAD Sexual Harassment Hostile Environment Claims

As the New Jersey Supreme Court has long recognized, “New Jersey has a strong interest in maintaining ‘discrimination-free workplace[s]’ for workers.” Cutler v. Dorn, 196 N.J. 419, 955 A.2d 917, 923 (2008) (citing Lehmann v. Toys ‘R’ Us, Inc., 132 N.J. 587, 626 A.2d 445, 452 (1993)). The NJLAD makes it an unlawful

[f]or an employer, because of the race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, sex ... of any individual, ... to refuse to hire or employ or to bar or to discharge ... from employment such individual or to ' discriminate against such individual in compensation or in terms, conditions or privileges of employment.

Lehmann, 626 A.2d at 452 (citing N.J. Stat. Ann. § 10:5-12(a)).6

More recently the New Jersey Supreme Court reiterated that “the basic requirements for determining whether workplace acts of sexual harassment constitute prohibited discrimination under the LAD” were established in Lehmann. Cutler, 955 A.2d at 924. Specifically, the New Jersey Supreme Court requires a plaintiff claiming a hostile workplace based on acts of sexual harassment to prove that

the complained-of- conduct (1) would not have occurred but for the employee’s gender; and it was (2) severe or pervasive enough to make a(3) reasonable woman believe that (4) the conditions of employment are altered and the working environment is hostile or abusive,

Cutler, 955 A.2d at 924 (citing Lehmann, 626 A.2d at 453).7 Athough the Lehmann standard is couched in terms of a “reason*630able woman” — the relevant consideration in the majority of cases — the standard clearly “applies to sexual harassment of women by men, men by women, men by men, and women by women. The LAD protects both men and women and bars both heterosexual and homosexual harassment.” 626 A.2d at 454. Thus, when the plaintiff is male, as is, the case here, the only difference in the standard is that a male plaintiff must “allege conduct that a reasonable man would believe altered the conditions of his employment and created a working environment that was hostile to men.” Id.

C. Retaliation Under the NJLAD

Under the NJLAD, “it is unlawful to ‘take reprisals against any person because that person has opposed any practices or acts forbidden under the [LAD].’ ” Young v. Hobart West Group, 385 N.J.Super. 448, 897 A.2d 1063, 1072 (N.J.Super.Ct.App.Div.2005) (citing N.J. Stat. Ann. § 10:5-12(d)). As recognized by the New Jersey Supreme Court,

the protection against retaliation embodied in the LAD is broad and pervasive, and must be seen as necessarily designed to promote the integrity of the underlying antidiscrimination policies of the Act by protecting against reprisals “any person” who has sought to protect his or her own rights not to be discriminated against or who has acted to support such conduct.

Quinlan v. Curtiss-Wright Corp., 204 N. J. 239, 8 A.3d 209, 221 (2010) (citing Craig v. Suburban Cablevision, Inc., 274 N.J.Super. 303, 644 A.2d 112 (N.J.Super.Ct.App.Div.1994), aff'd, 140 N.J. 623, 660 A.2d 505 (1995)).

To establish a prima facie case for retaliation under the NJLAD, a “plaintiff must demonstrate: (1) that [plaintiff] engaged in protected activity; (2) the activity was known to the employer; (3) plaintiff suffered an adverse employment decision; and (4) there existed a causal link between the protected activity and the adverse employment action.” Young, 897 A.2d at 1072 (citing Craig, 660 A.2d at 508). Significantly, “ ‘[t]he central element of a [retaliation] claim under the LAD is that the plaintiff “be engaged in a protected activity, which is known by the alleged retaliator.” ’ ” Mancuso v. City of Atlantic City, 193 F.Supp.2d 789, 811 (D.N.J. 2002) (citing Erickson v. Marsh & McLennan Co., Inc., 117 N.J. 539, 569 A.2d 793, 803 (1990)); see also Montalvo v. New *631Jersey, 2011 WL 677251, at *5 (N.J.Super.Ct.App.Div. Feb. 28, 2011.)8

After a plaintiff satisfies its burden to establish a prima facie case, “the defendant ] must ‘articulate a legitimate, non-retaliatory reason for the [adverse employment] decision.’ ” Young, 897 A.2d at 1072-73 (citing Romano v. Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp., 284 N.J.Super. 543, 665 A.2d 1139, 1142 (N.J.Super.Ct.App.Div.1995)). Upon defendant’s proffer of a legitimate, nonretaliatory reason for the challenged adverse employment decision, “the plaintiff must come forward with evidence of a discriminatory motive of the employer, and demonstrate that the legitimate reason was merely a pretext for the underlying discriminatory motive.” Romano, 665 A.2d at 1142.

IV. ANALYSIS

Lidestri argues that summary judgment is appropriate in this case because: (1) Plaintiff has failed to demonstrate that the conduct at issue on his sexual harassment claim was sufficiently severe or pervasive enough to make a reasonable man believe the conditions of his employment were altered and the working environment was hostile or abusive; (2) Lidestri may not be held vicariously liable for its employee’s conduct; and (3) Plaintiff has failed to establish a prima facie case of retaliation.

A. Sexual Harassment Hostile Environment Claim

Lidestri’s Liability as Plaintiffs Employer

Even assuming that Shaw’s conduct was sufficiently serve or pervasive enough in this case to make a reasonable man believe the conditions of employment were altered and the working environment was hostile,9 Plaintiff has failed to demonstrate a genuine issue of material fact ex*632ists supporting the imposition of vicarious liability on Lidestri for Shaw’s conduct and thus Lidestri is entitled to summary judgment on Plaintiffs sexual harassment hostile work environment claim. Plaintiff makes two arguments relevant to Lidestri’s liability asserting first that Lidestri is vicariously liable for Shaw’s actions because Shaw was a supervisor capable of controlling Plaintiffs work environment. (Pl.’s Opp’n 4.) Additionally, Plaintiff contends Lidestri is liable for its “failure to publish and train upon an effective [anti-sexual harassment] policy for all employees.” (Id.)

(i) Whether Shaw Qualifies as a Supervisor

An employer’s liability under the NJLAD for claims related to. sexual harassment by a supervisor is largely dependant upon the facts of a particular case. Lehmann, 626 A.2d at 464. Generally, an employer can be held vicariously liable for conduct of a supervisor where the supervisor acted within the scope of his or her employment. Id. Additionally, in the more common situation where the supervisor acted outside the scope of his or her employment, the employer can be held vicariously liable “if the employer contributed to the harm through its negligence, intent, or apparent authorization of the harassing conduct, or if the supervisor was aided in the commission of the harassment by the agency relationship.” Id.; see also Herman v. Coastal Corp., 348 N.J.Super. 1, 791 A.2d 238, 251 (N.J.Super.Ct.App.Div.2002) (explaining that an employer cannot be held liable for sexual harassment under the NJLAD “in the absence of a showing that the harassing employee was acting within the scope of his employment, or that the employer was negligent, or had intended the conduct.”)

Thus, as explained by the New Jersey Supreme Court in Lehmann, “an employer can be held liable for compensatory damages stemming from a supervisor’s creation of.a hostile work environment” in one of three circumstances: (1) where “the employer grants the supervisor the authority to control the working environment and the' supervisor abuses that *633authority to create a hostile work environment[;]” or (2) where “the employer ha[s] actual or constructive notice of the harassment[;]” or (3) where, in the absence of actual or constructive notice, “the employer negligently or recklessly failed to have an explicit policy that bans sexual harassment and that provides an effective procedure for the prompt investigation and remediation of such claims.” 626 A.2d at 464.

“A supervisor has a unique role in shaping the work environment. Part of a supervisor’s responsibilities is the duty to prevent, avoid, and rectify invidious harassment in the workplace.” Herman, 791 A.2d at 252. Determining precisely which employees qualify as supervisors “for purposes of vicarious liability for compensatory damages” depends upon the “functional assignments” those employees maintain in the workplace. Cavuoti v. New Jersey Transit Corp., 161 N.J. 107, 735 A.2d 548, 558 (1999). Moreover, the use of “a mere title of ‘manager’ or ‘supervisor’ does not by itself suffice to impute that employee’s knowledge or actions to the employer.” Id. at 557-58. Putting aside arbitrary position titles utilized by any given employer then, generally “a supervisor has the authority to hire, fire, discipline, control employees’ wages or control employees’ schedules.” Herman, 791 A.2d at 254 (citing Cavuoti, 735 A.2d at 558). As recognized by New Jersey courts, “[a]n employer is generally liable for a hostile work environment created by a supervisor because the power an employer delegates to a supervisor ‘to control the day-to-day working environment’ facilitates harassing conduct.” Herman, 791 A.2d at 254 (citation omitted); see also Lehmann, 626 A.2d at 462..

To determine whether an offending employed qualifies as a supervisor, the Court must consider “whether the power the offending employee possessed was reasonably perceived by the victim, accurately or not, as giving that employee the power to adversely affect the victim’s working life.” Entrot v. BASF Corp., 359 N.J.Super. 162, 819 A.2d 447, 459 (N.J.Super.Ct.App.Div.2003). Relevant factors in this determination include the power to fire or demote, the power to direct job functions, and any 'evidence that the alleged harasser possessed influence to control the workplace or restrict the alleged victim’s freedom-to ignore the complained-of conduct. Id.

Here, Plaintiff has' failed to establish that a genuine issue of material facts exists from which a jury could find that Shaw qualifies as a “supervisor” under the NJLAD for purposes of holding Lidestri vicariously liable for his conduct. Although Shaw’s job title was that of a warehouse shift manager, the record demonstrates that Shaw did not have any independent authority or power to hire, fire, or demote Plaintiff,10 to set Plaintiffs schedule,11 or to exercise control over Plaintiffs wages or any other form of compensation Plaintiff received. The record also establishes that Shaw possessed no independent authority to discipline *634Plaintiff, or any employees, but could only do so with the approval of Roger Carter. (Ex. 7 to Lidestri’s Statement, Tr. of Shaw’s Dep. 15:15-18.) This evidence leaves no genuine issue of material fact from which a jury could reasonably conclude that Plaintiff actually perceived Shaw as a supervisor who possessed power to adversely affect Plaintiffs work environment.

It is also undisputed that Shaw’s main responsibility was oversight of the 1600 Building where his office was located, and that he only came by the 1550 Building where Plaintiff worked approximately two or three times a day in passing to ensure that the employees were completing their assignments: Accordingly, the record reflects that Shaw' did not possess any notable degree of control over Plaintiffs day-to-day work environment in the 1550 Building particularly where Plaintiff only worked with Shaw two days a week on Thursdays and Fridays. No reasonable jury could infer that these infrequent, minimal, and momentary “passing through” visits twice a week amounted to day-to-day control over Plaintiffs working environment in the 1550 Building.

To the extent Plaintiff perceived Shaw as possessing some sort of power over Plaintiff, this perception certainly did not restrict Plaintiffs freedom and ability to ignore and disapprove of Shaw’s conduct. Specifically, Plaintiff testified at his deposition that he typically responded to Shaw’s conduct by indicating his disapproval, informing Shaw that his actions made Plaintiff uncomfortable, and asking Shaw to stop. {See Ex. 2 to Lidestri’s Statement, Tr. of Pl.’s Dep. 57:2-4.)

Plaintiff, as the party opposing summary judgment on this issue, is required to identify specific facts and affirmative evidence that contradict those offered by Lidestri. Plaintiff has failed to do so here arguing only that “the harassment was in fact conducted by a supervisor, that same supervisor was aware of his own conduct” and “[t]hus, Defendant had knowledge of the same through its agents to whom they delegated responsibility.” (Pl.’s Br. 9.) The New Jersey Supreme Court has expressly rejected Plaintiffs argument and held that “a mere title of ‘manager’ or ‘supervisor’ does not by itself suffice to impute that employee’s knowledge or actions to the employer.” Cavuoti 785 A.2d at 558. To impose liability on Lidestri for Shaw’s conduct, Plaintiff was required to demonstrate more. He has failed to do so and thus Lidestri is entitled to summary judgment on Plaintiffs sexual harassment claim because Shaw does not qualify as a supervisor under the NJLAD.

(ii) Maintenance of an Anti-Harassment Policy

As an alternative basis for liability, Plaintiff argues that Lidestri negligently failed to publish and train upon an effective anti-sexual harassment policy for all employees. (PL’s Br. 4.) Under New Jersey law, courts “adhere to the principle that if an employer has exercised due care in acting to prevent a sexually discriminatory hostile work environment, vicarious liability should not attach. The establishment of an effective anti-sexual harassment workplace policy and complaint mechanism evidences an employer’s due care and may provide affirmative protection from vicarious liability.” Gaines v. Bellino, 173 N.J. 301, 801 A.2d 322, 323. (2002); see also Cavuoti 735 A.2d at 556 (recognizing that New Jersey law “afford[s] a form of a safe haven [from vicarious liability for the harassing conduct of an employee] for employers who promulgate and support an active, anti-harassment policy.”)

In order for an employer to enjoy the benefit of that safe haven from vicari*635ous liability based on maintaining an active anti-harassment policy, the following circumstances are “relevant: periodic publication of the employer’s anti-harassment policy, the presence of an effective and practical grievance process for employees to use, and training for workers, supervisors, and managers concerning how to recognize and eradicate unlawful harassment.” Gaines, 801 A.2d at 330 (citing Cavuoti, 735 A.2d at 556).

Additionally, “[a]n employer has a clear duty not only to take strong and aggressive measures to prevent invidious harassment, but also to correct and remediate promptly such conduct when it occurs.” Herman, 791 A.2d at 252 (citing Payton v. New Jersey Turnpike Auth., 148 N.J. 524, 691 A.2d 321, 327-28 (1997)). As the New Jersey Supreme Court noted in Gaines, “[t]he efficacy of an employer’s remedial program is highly pertinent to an employer’s defense” that its actions absolve it from all liability for a plaintiffs claims. 801 A.2d at 330 (citing Payton, 691 A.2d at 327). “ ‘[E]ffective’ remedial measures ... include the process by which the employer arrives at the sanctions that it imposes on the alleged harasser” and are reviewed in light of the “investigation — including [its] timeliness, thoroughness, [the] attitude toward the allegedly harassed employee, and the like — as well as by the result[.]” Payton, 691 A.2d at 327.

Plaintiff relies on Gaines for the proposition that the mere existence of an anti-harassment policy alone is insufficient to defeat a harassment claim, particularly on summary judgment. (Pl.’s Br. 8.) Plaintiff contends that in this case “there clearly exist genuine issues of material fact as to whether Defendant implemented an effective anti-harassment policy.” (Id.) As an initial matter, Plaintiff argues that there was “no ‘unequivocal commitment from the top in this matter’ ” to demonstrate that Lidestri’s policies against sexual harassment were more than mere words, but were b.acked up by consistent practice. (Id.) Plaintiff specifically relies on the fact that the complained-of conduct here came from a member of management and that other members - of management were aware of Plaintiffs allegations and did not report the allegations.12 (Id. at 8-9.) Plaintiff also argues that Lidestri never conducted any classes, seminars, trainings, or other instructional opportunities for non-managerial employees, like Plaintiff, regarding the company’s policies. (Id. at 9.) Finally, Plaintiff points to the fact that Lidestri’s policies were revised after Plaintiff was hired but that he never received an updated version of the policy. (Id.)

Despite Plaintiffs arguments, the Court finds that there is no evidence in this case demonstrating that Lidestri’s policies were merely words. Rather, it is undisputed that Lidestri maintains both a “Sexual Harassment” policy which expressly prohibits sexual discrimination or harassment, and a broader “Non-Harassment” policy, both of which are set forth not only in the employee handbook, but are separately provided to new employees at the time they are hired by Lidestri. (Lidestri’s Statement ¶¶ 3-4, 8; PL’s Statement ¶¶ 3-4, 8.) Both of these policies *636are specifically reviewed with employees as part of their new employee orientation,13 and employees are required to sign off on receipt of both policies. (Lidestri’s Statement ¶¶ 5-6; Pl.’s Statement ¶ 6.) Plaintiff concedes that at the time he was hired, he signed both of Lidestri’s policies.14 (Lidestri’s Statement ¶ 7; PL’s Statement ¶ 7.)

The Sexual Harassment policy provides for a reporting mechanism regarding complaints whereby “[e]mployees who believe they have been the subject of sexual harassment- should report their charge immediately to any supervisor or Jane Oca in the Human Resources Department” and Oca’s contact information is readily accessible on the company website, and was so in 2010. (Lidestri’s Statement ¶¶ 9-10; PL’s Statement ¶¶ 9-10.) The Sexual Harassment policy further explains that Lidestri will promptly and throughly investigate all complaints. (Lidestri’s Statement ¶ 11; PL’s Statement ¶ 11.)

In the face of this evidence the Court finds that this case is distinguishable from Gaines, where several issues of disputed facts were present, and that no reasonable jury could conclude that Defendant did not have an adequate anti-harassment policy in place. Lidestri made periodic publication of its policies available to employees through the hiring and orientation process; Plaintiff signed off on receipt of the policies and testified that he understood that he could file a complaint with Human Resources if he believed he was being sexually harassed, (see Lidestri’s Statement ¶ 30; PL’s Statement ¶ 30); presented 'employees with a practical and effective grievance process for reporting complaints to any supervisor or member of the Human Resources Department in the company; by providing employees a certain degree of training and review of the policy during orientation; and by providing supplemental training on the relevant policies to supervisors and management employees.

Furthermore, the Court must consider the efficacy of Lidestri’s remedial program because it is highly pertinent to Lidestri’s defense that its actions absolve it from liability here. In this regard, the record evidence demonstrates that as soon as Jorrin’s complaint letter was brought to the attention of the company on December 13, 2010, Lidestri took swift and thorough action to investigate Plaintiffs allegations, as well as Jorrin’s, and put a stop to Shaw’s conduct. Specifically, Lidestri received the letter on December 13, 2010 at 4:45 p.m., through Jehens, its top Human Resource official at the Pennsuaken facility. The following morning, Jehens began an internal investigation of Plaintiffs allegations against Shaw, and Lidestri suspended Shaw immediately pending the outcome of the investigation in order to prevent Shaw from engaging in any further conduct. Jehens’ investigation consisted of interviews of ten Lidestri employees over an eight (8) day period. Within just one day of completing her investigation, Jehens reported her findings to Oca, Lidestri’s Corporate Human Resources Manager, who consulted Lidestri’s *637Vice-President, Donna Yanicky, and the Director of the Warehouse, Lee Biscardi. That same day, December 22, 2010, these individuals collectively decided to terminate Shaw’s employment based on the sexual harassment allegations revealed in Jehens’ investigation — -just eleven days from the receipt of Jorrin’s letter, and a mere seven business days. This undisputed evidence is sufficient to support the grant of summary judgment to Lidestri on Plaintiffs sexual harassment claim.15

B. Retaliation Claims

Plaintiff alleges that he suffered retaliation in this case based on the conduct of another warehouse shift manager, Michael DiMaio. Specifically, he claims he was subjected to retaliation in the following ways: (1) on one occasion taking Plaintiffs forklift and instructing Plaintiff to get another one; (2) making statements to other employees requesting that they watch what Plaintiff was doing and let DiMaio know; (3) using curse words when speaking to Plaintiff; (4) instructing Plaintiff on one occasion to go break bins although this was not part of Plaintiffs typical job duties; (5) by requesting Plaintiff perform someone else’s job on the glass line; and (6) giving Plaintiff a write-up after Plaintiff failed to work on a Saturday when he was told to report. (Lidestri’s Statement If 57; Pl.’s Statement ¶ 57.)

With respect to these claims, Lidestri argues that these incidents do not constitute adverse employment actions for purposes of a prima facie case of retaliation. (Def.’s Br. 16-17.) Lidestri also contends that Plaintiff cannot demonstrate a prima facie case of retaliatory termination because Plaintiff cannot establish any causal connection between his internal harassment complaint and DiMaio’s conduct. (Id. at 17.) Lidestri also points to Plaintiffs own testimony that he had “no idea” why DiMaio ’would want to retaliate against him, and that DiMaio was not even aware of any Plaintiffs complaint to Human Resources regarding Shaw. (Id.)

The Court need not address whether the DiMaio’s conduct constitutes an adverse employment action or whether a causal link exists here because there is absolutely no evidence that DiMaio — the alleged retaliator — was aware of Plaintiff’s protected activity.16 It is undisputed that Plaintiff never had any conversations with DiMaio about Shaw in general, and specifically never had any conversations regarding Plaintiffs allegations of sexual harassment against Shaw. (Lidestri’s Statement ¶ 61; Pl.’s Statement ¶ 61.) DiMaio testified that other than Jorrin, DiMaio did not “know of anyone else, [or any] ... names that came up[.]” (Ex. 11 to Lidestri’s Statement, Tr. of DiMaio’s Dep. 29:2-5. DiMaio explicitly stated the he was never told that Plaintiff made a sexual harassment complaint against Shaw, and that he did not “even known who was in on the investigation other than” Jorrin.17 (Id. at *63829:8-10, 14-17.) Moreover, Plaintiff testified that he had “no idea” why DiMaio would want to retaliate against him, but simply believed that it was based on his complaint to Human Resources about Shaw. (Ex. 2 to Lidestri’s Statement, Tr. of PL’s Dep. 95:3-5; PL’s Statement ¶ 63.) Thus there is no evidence from which a reasonable factfinder could conclude that DiMaio had knowledge of Plaintiffs protected activity and therefore, Plaintiff cannot establish a prima facie case of retaliation under the NJLAD. Accordingly, this claim fails as a matter of law and Lidestri is entitled to summary judgment.

V. CONCLUSION

For the foregoing reasons, Defendant Lidestri Foods, Inc.’s motion for summary judgment is granted. An Order consistent with this Opinion will be entered.

Barroso v. Lidestri Foods, Inc.
937 F. Supp. 2d 620

Case Details

Name
Barroso v. Lidestri Foods, Inc.
Decision Date
Mar 28, 2013
Citations

937 F. Supp. 2d 620

Jurisdiction
United States

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