Wash. Court of Appeals published opinion — 726668.pdf

a "documented oral reprimand." Marin promptly filed a union grievance of the

reprimand. The County later investigated the incident, concluded that the

reprimand was based on a misunderstanding, and withdrew it.1

In June, Marin complained to WDT's human resources department (HR),

alleging a hostile work environment. The County hired an independent

investigator, Karen Sutherland, to investigate these complaints. She found no

evidence to support Marin's accusations.

The same month, following his conflict with Sagnis, Marin requested, and

the County granted, a transfer to Jim Alenduff's C Crew at the South Plant in

Renton. This assignment was initially temporary. Meanwhile, that October,

Sagnis told an HR staff member that Marin had "shit all over the crew" and "it

would not be pleasant" if he returned. The County gave Sagnis a written

reprimand for threatening retaliation against Marin.

Like other West Point operators, Marin considered South Plant a desirable

assignment because of its more convenient location. Because of the size of

South Plant and its differences from West Point, however, Marin needed training

to be proficient in the new plant. At his crew's request, Alenduff restricted

1 The County withdrew the reprimand in March 2010.
-3-
             

No. 72666-8-1 / 4

Marin's work duties while his assignment was temporary. He later explained that

Marin repeatedly made errors on C Crew that put crew members in "jeopardy."

In response, Marin complained to HR that he was not receiving

meaningful assignments, the crew did not want him working in their areas, and

they were aggressive toward him when he made mistakes. Marin alleged that