Facts

Plaintiff Lina Siam worked for the United States Postal Service (USPS) in the EEO Department at the Richmond BMC, Northern California branch. She claimed that defendant USPS discriminated against her based on her race, national origin (Philippines), and gender when the defendant did not give her certain details to higher level positions and did not promote her to an EAS-21 level position.

PLAINTIFF CONTENTIONS:
The plaintiff contended that a "glass ceiling" existed at the USPS, alleging that her supervisors failed to promote and detail Filipino females. The plaintiff also alleged that she and some of her coworkers were retaliated against when they complained of the alleged hostile work environment the USPS created for Asian and Filipino employees.

DEFENDANT CONTENTIONS:
The defendant contended that there were legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons for its promotional and detailing decisions. The defendant maintained that its supervisors, Bernedine Faison and Maria Robinson, properly detailed and promoted other individuals because they were more qualified, because the plaintiff could not get along with her co-supervisors, and because a recent organizational restructure made the plaintiff ineligible for a promotion.

Settlement Discussions

The case was mediated twice before U.S. Magistrate Judge Bernard Zimmerman, but a settlement could not be reached.

Damages

The plaintiff requested back pay for denial of promotion and compensatory damages for emotional distress caused by the discrimination.

Injuries

The plaintiff claimed emotional distress and depression.

Result

The jury returned a defense verdict.

Other Information

The plaintiff asserted claims of harassment, retaliation, hostile work environment, and Fair Labor Standards Act violations, which were dismissed on summary judgment.

Deliberation

1.5 hours

Poll

8-0

Length

six days