Opinion
1:22-cv-7609 (MKV)
08-10-2023
ELAIACHI ELBOUTE, Plaintiff, v. HIGHGATE HOTELS, L.P. and OYO HOTEL TIMES SQ., Defendants.
MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER GRANTING MOTION TO DISMISS AND DENYING MOTION FOR APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL
MARY KAY VYSKOCIL, UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE:
Pro se Plaintiff Elaiachi Elboute brings this action against his former employers, Defendants Highgate Hotels and OYO Hotel Times Square (collectively, “Defendants”), alleging violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000e et seq. (“Title VII”); the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, 29 U.S.C. §§ 621 et. seq., (“ADEA”); the New York State Human Rights Law, N.Y. Exec. Law §§ 290 et seq. (“NYSHRL”); and the New York City Human Rights Law, N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 8-101 et seq. (“NYCHRL”). Defendants move to dismiss under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(6). In response, Elboute seeks “permission to put mes [sic] documeutations [sic] on CD for more proof” and moves for the appointment of pro bono counsel. For the following reasons, the motion to submit additional evidence is GRANTED, the motion for appointment of counsel is DENIED, and the motion to dismiss is GRANTED.
The following facts are taken from the Complaint and accepted as true for purposes of this motion. See Ashcroft v. Iqbal, 556 U.S. 662, 678 (2009). Given Elboute's pro se status, the Court also considers allegations from his opposition brief. See Van Orden v. City of Port Jervis, No. 20-CV-07207, 2022 WL 1667024, at *1 n.4 (S.D.N.Y. May 25, 2022) (“Given the liberality afforded pro se litigants, it is appropriate to consider new allegations in a pro se plaintiff's opposition memorandum where they are consistent with the allegations contained in the pleading.”). Finally, the Court considers facts from the public record of Elboute's proceedings before an independent industry arbitrator, see Arbitration Decision [ECF No. 20-1], the National Labor Relations Board, see National Labor Relations Board Decision [ECF No. 20-2], and the New York State Division of Human Rights, see New York State Division of Human Rights Decision [ECF No. 20-3], (which were submitted by Defendants in support of their motion) because they are incorporated by reference into the Complaint and opposition brief. See Chambers v. Time Warner. Inc., 282 F.3d 147, 152-53 (2d Cir. 2002) (“[O]n a motion to dismiss, a court may consider ‘documents attached to the complaint as an exhibit or incorporated in it by reference.'”) In addition, the Court may take judicial notice of these documents as public records. See Fed.R.Evid. 201.
Elboute began working for the OYO Hotel (the “Hotel”) in June 2012. See New York State Division of Human Rights Decision 2 [ECF No. 20-3] (“NYSDHR Op.”). Elboute was born in 1959 and served as the “oldest houseman” at the Hotel. Complaint 4 [ECF No. 2] (“Compl.”); Response to Motion 3 [ECF No. 27] (“First Opp.”). While working at the Hotel, Elboute served as “an outspoken [union] representative for [his] colleagues” who spoke “up about working conditions.” First Opp. 5.
Any pincites to the Complaint or opposition briefs refer to the PDF pagination.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hotel began housing homeless individuals. Compl. 12. Employees “became fearful to work during this period” because the homeless guests harassed employees and were physically destructive to Hotel property. Compl. 12. During this period, Elboute began working a new night shift. Compl. 12. He expressed concerns about working this shift “as an older person” and felt that he was assigned to tasks he “could not support . . . as an old man.” Compl. 12; First Opp. 3.
Elboute was terminated in March 2021 for theft of company time. Compl. 12. Specifically, the Hotel alleged that over the course of three shifts, Elboute spent fourteen hours sitting in the employees' locker room and performing no work. See Arbitration Decision 2 [ECF No. 20-1] (“Arb. Op.”). Elboute filed a grievance with his union (the “Union”), and the Union subsequently represented Elboute in a proceeding before Alvin Blyer, an independent industry arbitrator (the “Arbitrator”). See Arb. Op. 2; National Labor Relations Board Decision 2 [ECF No. 20-2] (“NLRB Op.”). At the arbitration, the Union argued that Elboute went to the locker room to use the restroom because he was suffering from diarrhea. See Arb. Op. 2. The Arbitrator ultimately concluded there was just cause to terminate Elboute. See Compl. 14; Arb. Op. 4.
Elboute subsequently filed a charge with the National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”), alleging that he was discharged in retaliation for his union activities. NLRB Op. 2. Because Elboute was “afforded the opportunity to present [his] arguments and testify” before the Arbitrator, the NLRB deferred to the Arbitrator's award and dismissed the charge. NLRB Op. 2-3. Elboute also filed a complaint with the New York State Division of Human Rights (“NYSDHR”), this time alleging he was terminated because of his age and his opposition to discrimination. See NYSDHR Op. 2. The NYSDHR determined there was “no probable cause” to find that Defendants engaged in any discriminatory practice. NYSDHR Op. 2.
Elboute filed his Pro se Complaint within 90 days of receiving a right to sue letter from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”). See Compl. 8. Elboute asserts that his “dismissal was connected to [his] age and protected status as a union delegate.” Compl. 12. Liberally construing the allegations of the Complaint, Elboute appears to allege claims for: (1) age discrimination in violation of the ADEA, the NYSHRL, and the NYCHRL, and (2) retaliation for union activism in violation of Title VII.
Elboute attached the EEOC right to sue letter to his Complaint but did not provide the EEOC charge. See Compl. 8-11.
Defendants moved to dismiss under Rule 12(b)(6). See Motion to Dismiss [ECF No. 19]; Memorandum of Law in Support [ECF No. 20] (“Def. Mem.”). Along with their motion, Defendants provided the Court with decisions of: (1) the independent arbitrator, dated April 22, 2021, see Arb. Op.; (2) the NLRB ruling, dated July 9, 2021, see NLRB Op.; and (3) the NYSDHR opinion, dated May 12, 2022, see NYSDHR Op. The Court takes judicial notice of these documents. See supra note 1. In response, Elboute submitted two different documents, each titled “response to motion.” See First Opp. [ECF No. 27]; Response to Motion [ECF No. 28] (“Second Opp.”). Given the liberality afforded to Pro se litigants, the Court considers both filings. Defendants replied. See Reply Memorandum of Law [ECF No. 29] (“Reply”).
Elboute also moves for the appointment of pro bono counsel. See Application for the Court to Request Pro Bono Counsel [ECF No. 18] (“PBC”). Defendants did not respond.
Finally, Plaintiff moves for “permission to put mes [sic] documeutations [sic] on CD for more proof.” Motion [ECF No. 25]. Again, Defendants did not respond. Notwithstanding the fact that the Court had not yet ruled on the motion, Plaintiff proceeded to mail Chambers a CD with nearly twenty photographs that, Plaintiff contends, depict the Hotel while it was housing homeless guests. See Second Opp. 1. The Court grants the motion to submit additional evidence and has considered the photographs in resolving the pending motions.
LEGAL STANDARDS
I. Motion to Dismiss
To survive a Rule 12(b)(6) motion to dismiss, the Complaint must plead “enough facts to state a claim to relief that is plausible on its face.” Bell Atl. Corp. v. Twombly, 550 U.S. 544, 570 (2007). A claim is facially plausible “when the plaintiff pleads factual content that allows the court to draw the reasonable inference that the defendant is liable for the misconduct alleged.” Ashcroft v. Iqbal, 556 U.S. 662, 678 (2009). While the Court “must accept as true all of the allegations contained in a complaint,” this “tenet . . . is inapplicable to legal conclusions” and “[t]hreadbare recitals of the elements of a cause of action, supported by mere conclusory statements, do not suffice.” Id. The Court may also consider “matters of which judicial notice may be taken.” Chambers v. Time Warner, Inc., 282 F.3d 147, 153 (2d Cir. 2002) (citation omitted).
Where, as here, the Complaint is filed Pro se, “it must be construed liberally with ‘special solicitude' and interpreted to raise the strongest claims that it suggests.” Hogan v. Fischer, 738 F.3d 509, 515 (2d Cir. 2013) (citation omitted). Even so, “a Pro se complaint must state a plausible claim for relief.” Id.; Chavis v. Chappius, 618 F.3d 162, 170 (2d Cir. 2010) (“Even in a pro se case . . . threadbare recitals of the elements of a cause of action, supported by mere conclusory statements, do not suffice.”).
II. Motion for Appointment of Counsel
In civil cases, there is no requirement that the Court provide indigent litigants with counsel. See Hodge v. Police Officers, 802 F.2d 58, 60 (2d Cir. 1986). Instead, a district court has “[b]road discretion” in determining whether to seek pro bono counsel. Id.; see also 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(1) (“The court may request an attorney to represent any person unable to afford counsel.” (emphasis added)). In deciding whether to grant such a motion, the Court “must first ascertain whether the litigant is able to afford or otherwise obtain counsel.” Terminate Control Corp. v. Horowitz, 28 F.3d 1335, 1341 (2d Cir. 1994). The Court should then consider, among other factors, “whether the indigent's position seems likely to be of substance.” Hodge, 802 F.2d at 61; see also Hooks v. City of New York, No. 21-CV-10771, 2022 WL 16964010, at *11 (S.D.N.Y. Nov. 16, 2022).
ANALYSIS
I. The Motion to Dismiss Is Granted
Defendants move to dismiss on two grounds: (1) Elboute's claims are barred by the doctrine of collateral estoppel and (2) Elboute does not plausibly allege that he was terminated because of his age or union activity. See Def. Mem. 5-6, 8-9, Reply 1-4.
Defendants also move to dismiss the state and city law claims as barred by the election of remedies limitation in NYSHRL § 279(9). See Def. Mem. 7. As discussed below, because Elboute's federal law claims are dismissed, the Court declines to address the state and city claims.
A. Elboute 's Claims Are Not Barred by Collateral Estoppel
Defendants argue that Elboute's claims are barred by the NYSDHR's “no probable cause” finding. See Def. Mem. at 8-9. The doctrine of collateral estoppel, or issue preclusion, precludes a party from relitigating a factual or legal issue that the party previously litigated and lost in an earlier action. See Parklane Hosiery Co. v. Shore, 439 U.S. 322, 329 (1979). Federal courts apply the collateral estoppel rules of the state that rendered the earlier judgment. LaFleur v. Whitman, 300 F.3d 256, 271 (2d Cir. 2002) (citing Sullivan v. Gagnier, 225 F.3d 161, 166 (2d Cir. 2000)).
Defendants also assert-without authority-that Elboute is collaterally estopped from asserting his claims by the EEOC's issuance of a right to sue letter. Def. Mem. 8. That assertion makes little sense, as the ADEA and Title VII require individuals to exhaust their administrative remedies to the EEOC before filing a lawsuit in federal court. See Pajooh v. Dep't of Sanitation, No. 11-CV-3116, 2012 WL 4465370, at *4 (S.D.N.Y. Sept. 27, 2012), aff'd, 547 Fed.Appx. 73 (2d Cir. 2013) (“Title VII requires an individual to exhaust his or her administrative remedies by raising those claims with the EEOC” (emphasis added)); Rusis v. Int'l Bus. Machines Corp., 529 F.Supp.3d 178, 199 (S.D.N.Y. 2021) (“[T]he ADEA . . . sets out a statutory administrative exhaustion requirement prior to filing suit.”).
In New York, “collateral estoppel bars relitigation of an issue when (1) the identical issue necessarily was decided in the prior action and is decisive of the present action, and (2) the party to be precluded from relitigating the issue had a full and fair opportunity to litigate the issue in the prior action.” In re Hyman, 502 F.3d 61, 65 (2d Cir. 2007) (citing Kaufman v. Eli Lilly & Co., 65 N.Y.2d 449, 455-56, 492 N.Y.S.2d 584, 588, 482 N.E.2d 63, 67 (N.Y. 1985)). “The party seeking to invoke collateral estoppel has the burden to show the identity of the issues, while the party trying to avoid application of the doctrine must establish the lack of a full and fair opportunity to litigate.” In re Dunn, 24 N.Y.3d 699, 704, 27 N.E.3d 465, 468, 3 N.Y.S.3d 751, 754 (N.Y. 2015). Courts in this Circuit have afforded preclusive effect to NYSDHR proceedings. See, e.g., Evans v. N.Y. Botanical Garden, No. 02-CV-3591, 2002 WL 31002814, at *5 (S.D.N.Y. Sept. 4, 2002); Johnson v. Cnty. of Nassau, 411 F.Supp.2d 171, 183 (E.D.N.Y. 2006).
Elboute contends that his case was not “fully evaluated” because there was no investigation, he only had “an opportunity to write a rebuttal letter,” and the NYSDHR “simply evaluated] . . . the previous documents.” First Opp. 2-3. The Court construes these allegations as an argument that Elboute did not have a full and fair opportunity to litigate before the DHR. See Hogan, 738 F.3d at 515.
In evaluating whether Elboute had a full and fair opportunity to litigate, the Court “must consider the ‘realities of the prior litigation,' including the context and other circumstances which may have had the practical effect of discouraging or deterring a party from fully litigating the determination which is now asserted against him.” Evans, 2002 WL 31002814, at *5 (quoting Ryan v. N.Y. Tel. Co., 62 N.Y.2d 494, 501, 467 N.E.2d 487, 491, 478 N.Y.S.2d 823, 827 (N.Y. 1984)). Among other things, the Court considers whether the NYSDHR investigation included “any exchange of discovery, witness interviews, conferences between the parties, or hearings.” Martin v. City Univ. of N.Y., No. 17-CV-6791, 2018 WL 6510805, at *6 (S.D.N.Y. Dec. 11, 2018) (citation omitted).
The Court cannot conclude that Elboute had a full and fair opportunity to litigate before the NYSDHR. Although Elboute was represented by his Union at the initial arbitration, the record indicates that he proceeded Pro se before the NYSDHR (and in all other forums). See First Opp. 2. Elboute's Pro se status counsels against affording the NYSDHR determination preclusive effect. See, e.g., Kosakow v. New Rochelle Radiology Assocs., P.C., 274 F.3d 706, 736 (2d Cir. 2001) (explaining that Pro se plaintiff “could not have been expected or able to frame her evidence within the context of the specific legal issues” and would not “ necessarily have known what facts were most relevant or persuasive in proving her case”); Ramirez v. NYP Holdings, Inc., No. 18-CV-12058, 2020 WL 470011, at *6 (S.D.N.Y. Jan. 29, 2020) (“[T]he Court finds it significant that Plaintiff was Pro se before the SDHR.”). Moreover, it does not appear that any discovery was exchanged, witnesses were interviewed, or hearings were held. Indeed, [t]he only pertinent document is the [NYSDHR's] written opinion, which discloses no information about the process itself.” Martin, 2018 WL 6510805, at *7. Given the limited information and the latitude owed to Pro se litigants, the Court finds Elboute did not have a full and fair opportunity to litigate his claims before the NYSDHR.
B. Elboute Fails to State an ADEA Claim
Elboute alleges in this action that his dismissal “was connected to” his “age” because he was the “oldest houseman” and was assigned to tasks he “could not support . . . as an old man.” Compl. 12; First Opp. 4. The Court construes these allegations as an ADEA discrimination claim.
Under the ADEA, employers may not discriminate against employees over the age of forty. See 29 U.S.C. §§ 621-634. “A prima facie case of age discrimination requires that plaintiffs demonstrate membership in a protected class, qualification for their position, an adverse employment action, and circumstances that support an inference of age discrimination.” Kassner v. 2nd Ave. Delicatessen Inc., 496 F.3d 229, 238 (2d Cir. 2007). To survive a motion to dismiss, Elboute must allege facts giving “plausible support to a minimal inference of discriminatory motivation.” Littlejohn v. City of New York, 795 F.3d 297, 311 (2d Cir. 2015).
Plaintiff alleges no such facts. He includes no allegations, for example, that any comment was ever made about his age, that he was treated adversely because of his age, or that he was replaced by a younger employee. Accordingly, he fails to plausibly allege an ADEA claim. See Littlejohn, 795 F.3d at 311 (complaint must allege facts giving “plausible support to a minimal inference of discriminatory motivation”); Hogan v. Fischer, 738 F.3d at 515 (“a Pro se complaint must state a plausible claim for relief”); Mansaray v. Kraus Sec. Serv., No. 20-CV-1415, 2022 WL 445790, at *6 (S.D.N.Y. Feb. 14, 2022) (dismissing complaint where Pro se plaintiff “allege[d] no facts in support of an inference that he was discriminated against based on his age”).
C. Elboute Fails to State a Title VII Retaliation Claim
Elboute alleges that his dismissal “was connected to” his “protected status as a union delegate.” Compl. 12. Specifically, he contends that he was “an outspoken representative for [his] colleagues” who spoke “up about working conditions.” First Opp. 5. The Court construes these allegations as a Title VII retaliation claim for union activism.
These allegations also fail to state a claim. “Title VII does not provide redress for employees alleging discrimination based on their participation in union activities.” Butler v. Potter, No. 06-CV-3828, 2009 WL 804722, at *10 (E.D.N.Y. Mar. 26, 2009); see also Drake v. Delta Air Lines, Inc., No. 94-CV-5944, 1997 WL 397498, at *2 (E.D.N.Y. July 10, 1997), aff'd, 147 F.3d 169 (2d Cir. 1998) (“Drake cannot bring a claim for relief under Title VII since that legislation does not prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of anti-union sentiment.”). Instead, Title VII prohibits retaliation based on “protected activity” which “refers to action taken to protest or oppose statutorily prohibited discrimination.” Cruz v. Coach Stores, Inc., 202 F.3d 560, 566 (2d Cir. 2000) (citing 42 U.S.C. § 2000e-3). Because Elboute does not allege that his union activities “consisted of opposition to statutorily prohibited discrimination,” he fails to state a legally cognizable claim and this claim is therefore dismissed. Smith v. Johnson, 636 Fed.Appx. 34, 37 (2d Cir. 2016).
The Complaint describes a “hostile work environment” due to Elboute's fear of “getting attacked” while the Hotel housed homeless individuals. See Compl. 18. These allegations do not state a hostile workplace claim because mistreatment at work is actionable “only when it occurs because of an employee's protected characteristic.” Rivera v. Rochester Genesee Reg'l Transp. Auth., 743 F.3d 11, 20 (2d Cir. 2014) (cleaned up) (emphasis added). There is no such allegation here. The same is true of any contention that Defendants failed to provide employees with “safety equipment.” First Opp. 4. Finally, the opposition brief references a “hostile work environment” on account of an unnamed “manager” who “had a pattern of discriminatory behavior” and “a history of belittling and mistreatment of the staff.” See First Opp. 5. To the extent this raises a hostile workplace claim, Elboute again fails to allege that he experienced hostility “because of” his age. Rivera, 743 F.3d at 20. Further, based on the information before the Court, it does not appear that Elboute complained about a manager in his EEOC Charge, meaning this claim would also fail for lack of administrative exhaustion. See First Opp. 2 (EEOC “simply evaluat[ed] . . . previous documents”); Pajooh, 2012 WL 4465370, at *4; 42 U.S.C. § 2000e-5(f).
D. The Court Declines to Exercise Supplemental Jurisdiction Over Elboute 's State Law Claims
Elboute also appears to allege violations of various state laws, including the NYSHRL and NYCHRL. See Compl. III.B. Because, for the reasons above, Elboute's federal law claims are dismissed, the Court declines to exercise supplemental jurisdiction over the state law claims and does not consider their merits. See 28 U.S.C. § 1367(c)(3).
II. The Motion For Appointment of Counsel is Denied
Elboute also moves for the appointment of pro bono counsel. In evaluating this motion, the Court “must first ascertain whether [Elboute] is able to afford or otherwise obtain counsel,” Horowitz, 28 F.3d at 1341, and will then consider “whether [Elboute's] position seems likely to be of substance,” Hodge, 802 F.2d at 61.
As an initial matter, although Elboute has been granted leave to proceed in forma pauperis, See Order Granting IFP Application [ECF No. 3], the Court has serious reservations about Elboute's purported inability to afford counsel. Elboute writes in his motion: “I try private lawyer Also [sic] denied because whatever getting from it is not worth it.” See PBC 2. Although difficult to decipher, this language suggests that Elboute may have the means to retain counsel, but was unable to find a lawyer who thought his case was worth pursuing.
Even assuming Elboute was unable to afford his own counsel, the Court still cannot conclude that his position is “likely . . . of substance,” for the reasons discussed above. Hodge, 802 F.2d at 61; see also Carmona v. U.S. Bureau of Prisons, 243 F.3d 629, 632 (2d Cir. 2001) (“Counsel should not be appointed in a case where the merits of the indigent's claim are thin and his chances of prevailing are therefore poor.”). The motion for appointment of counsel is therefore denied.
III. Elboute is Granted Leave to Amend
Rule 15 instructs the Court to “freely give leave [to amend] when justice so requires.” Fed.R.Civ.P. 15(a)(2). Moreover, a Pro se complaint “should not be dismissed without granting leave to amend at least once when a liberal reading of the complaint gives any indication that a valid claim might be stated.” Shomo v. City of New York, 579 F.3d 176, 183 (2d Cir. 2009) (cleaned up). Because Elboute has not yet amended his Complaint and may conceivably be able to state a claim for discrimination or retaliation, Elboute is granted leave to amend his Complaint.
CONCLUSION
For these reasons, the motion to file further evidence is GRANTED, the motion for appointment of pro bono counsel is DENIED, and the motion to dismiss is GRANTED. Plaintiff must file any amended complaint within 30 days of the date of this Order.
The Clerk of Court is respectfully requested to terminate docket entries 18, 19, and 25. The Clerk of Court is further requested to mail a copy of this Order to the Pro se Plaintiff at the address of record.
SO ORDERED.