Linn v. Florida Unemployment Appeals Commission
Docket: No. 3D06-3081
Court: District Court of Appeal of Florida; July 18, 2007; Florida; State Appellate Court
David J. Linn appeals a decision by the Unemployment Appeals Commission that overturned an appeals referee's ruling granting him unemployment benefits. The appeals court reverses the Commission's order, directing reinstatement of the referee's decision. Linn worked as the director of operations for Washington Inventory Service Inc. since February 1998. In April 2006, he raised concerns about potentially illegal business practices to his superiors, who suggested he might consider resigning. Linn negotiated a severance package and submitted his resignation, which the employer rejected, offering a pre-printed resignation letter that indicated he was voluntarily leaving and satisfied with his separation benefits. Linn signed this letter under the threat of losing his severance. Initially, he was found eligible for unemployment benefits, but the employer contested this, claiming he quit voluntarily. During a hearing, the appeals referee concluded that Linn's resignation was attributable to the employer's failure to address his concerns, establishing good cause for quitting. The Commission adopted the referee's factual findings but reached a different conclusion, claiming Linn's resignation stemmed from dissatisfaction with his supervisor and general concerns rather than specific illegal practices. The appeals court emphasizes that the appeals referee is the trier of fact and is responsible for evaluating evidence. It asserts that an employee leaving due to a reasonable belief they are required to perform illegal acts constitutes good cause attributable to the employer. The court found that the referee's conclusion, supported by substantial evidence, was misinterpreted by the Commission. Thus, the court reverses the Commission's order and remands to reinstate Linn's unemployment benefits.