Decker v. UCBR – Cmwlth. Court – unreported** memorandum decision – November 4, 2019
Burden of proof - A claimant who voluntarily terminates her employment has the burden to establish a necessitous and compelling reason for doing so. Petrill v. Unemployment Comp. Bd. of Review, 883 A.2d 714, 716 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2005). The claimant must prove that: (1) circumstances existed that produced real and substantial pressure to terminate employment; (2) such circumstances would compel a reasonable person to act in the same manner; (3) the claimant acted with ordinary common sense; and (4) the claimant made a reasonable effort to preserve her employment. Brunswick Hotel & Conference Ctr., LLC v. Unemployment Comp. Bd. of Review, 906 A.2d 657, 660 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2006).
Reprimand, etc. - It is well settled that resentment of a supervisor’s reprimand, absent unjust accusations, abusive conduct, or profane language, does not constitute a necessitous and compelling reason to voluntarily terminate one’s employment. Krieger v. Unemployment Comp. Bd. of Review, 415 A.2d 160, 161 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1980).
Furthermore, “an emotional upset over a reprimand imposed by the employer does not as a rule constitute ‘cause of a necessitous and compelling nature.’” Yasgur v. Unemployment Comp. Bd. of Review, 328 A.2d 908, 910 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1974) (citation omitted).
Here, Claimant contends that she was compelled to quit because Employer created a hostile, uncomfortable work environment and because she was singled out, embarrassed, and humiliated in front of her co-workers.3 Claimant also asserts that Mr. Nichols unjustifiably threatened her job. We conclude that the record belies these claims.
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**An unreported Commonwealth Court case may not be cited binding precedent but can be cited for its persuasive value. See 210 Pa. Code § 69.414(b) and Pa. R.A.P. 3716
