Document: 350 U.S. 270 76 S.Ct. 349 100 L.Ed. 309 MASTRO PLASTICS CORP. and French-American Reeds Manufacturing Co., Inc., Petitioners,v.NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD. No. 19. Argued Oct. 17, 1955. Decided Feb. 27, 1956. Rehearing Denied June 11, See 351 980, 1043. Mr. Bernard H. Fitzpatrick, New York City, for petitioners. Dominick L. Manoli, Washington, D.C., respondent. Justice BURTON delivered the opinion of Court. 1 This case presents two principal questions: (1) whether, in collective-bargaining contract before us, union's undertaking 'to refrain from engaging any strike or work stoppage during term this agreement' waives not only employees' right to economic benefits but also their solely against unfair labor practices employers, (2) whether § 8(d) National Labor Relations Act, as amended,1 deprives individuals status employees if, within waiting period prescribed by 8(d)(4), they engage a employers. For reasons hereafter stated, we answer each negative. 2 Mastro Plastics Corp. petitioners herein, are corporations which, 1949 1950, were engaged interstate commerce, manufacturing, selling distributing plastic articles, including reeds other accessories musical instruments. They operated City same plant, under management with employees. collective bargaining, represented Local 22045, American Federation Labor, 3127, United Brotherhood Carpenters Joiners America, AFL. These locals occupied office used services representatives. During question, representation petitioners' was transferred back forth between them material here. Accordingly, referred 'Carpenters.' 3 In August 65 Wholesale Warehouse Workers Union began campaign among an effort become representative. Petitioners bitterly opposed movement, believing be Communist-controlled. Feeling that too weak cope successfully 65, asked transfer bargaining rights 318, International Pulp, Sulphite Paper Mill Workers, When declined do so, selected committee visit obtain membership cards seek members union. The distributed working hours paid time spent campaign, attendance at meeting 318. Petitioners' officers supervisors instructed sign these indicated those refusing so would 'out.' 4 September 28, filed Board its petition certification October 24, 318 intervened proceedings it certified. However, many revoked applications reaffirmed adherence Carpenters. followed on 31 Carpenters' refusal consent election ground had unlawfully assisted campaign.2 5 November 10, crisis developed when president summarily discharged Frank Ciccone, employee over four years' standing, because latter's activity support his opposition We accept finding 'discriminatorily discharged, thereafter refused reinstate, Ciccone organizational activities * (Carpenters).'3 discharge once precipitated which is us found 'was clearly caused prolonged cumulative effects (petitioners') culminating discriminatory Ciccone.'4 There no disorder plant virtually shut down until December 11 March 9, 1951, Carpenters, behalf employees, made unconditional request return work. ignored neither nor striking has been reinstated. 6 While continued, approached expiration date 30, and, apart above-described controversy, taken timely steps secure modification agreement. notice (dated 29, 1950) 'requesting modification' contract.5 thus started statutory negotiating running above-mentioned 8(d).6 met several times pressed demands changes passed without agreement being reached. 7 January initiated present charging practices. Acting charges, Board's general counsel complaint alleging numerous violations 8(a)(1), (3) Act.7 8 admitted question rehired them. denied, however, doing committed Their first affirmative defense waiver strike, expressed contract, applied strikes all such directed employer. 9 existing that, virtue Act,8 strikers lost That turned upon interpretation 8(d), applying occurring period, 10 trial examiner findings fact sustaining recommended ordered cease desist interference complained required offer full reinstatement, together pay 1951. 103 N.L.R.B. 511, 526—563. With minor modifications, adopted examiner's conclusions issued order. 511. chairman one member dissented part. Court Appeals, judge dissenting part, accepted law enforced 214 F.2d 462. Since then, Appeals Seventh Circuit reached similar conclusion. v. Wagner Iron Works Bridge, Structural & Ornamental Shopmen's 471 (AFL), 220 126. Because importance issues industrial relations amended, granted certiorari. 348 910, 75 297, 99 714. 12 Apart raised defenses, reflect flagrant example employers expressly protected select own disclose vigorous efforts influence even coerce abandon representatives substitute unless sustain least must suffer consequences violating amended. 13 absence some contractual provision contrary, provide adequate orderly occurred Under circumstances, lose entitled reinstatement pay, if replacements have made.9 Failure enjoin illegal conduct failure seriously undermine primary objectives Act. Rice Milling 341 665, 673, 71 961, 965, 95 1277. assume explicit provision, could waived Congress, deprived strikers, circumstances case, questions 1949—1950 deprivation enacted Congress amended 1947. 14 I. Does waive employers? turns proper particular us. Like contracts, read whole light relating made. 15 '* declared congressional policies our responsibility try reconcile. seeks preserve competitive business economy; organize better conditions through agency bargaining. determine here how far intended neutralize results envisioned other.' Allen Bradley Co. 3, Electrical 325 797, 806, 1533, 1538, 89 1939. 16 policy. A dual purpose emphasized follows amended: 17 "It hereby policy States eliminate causes certain substantial obstructions free flow commerce mitigate encouraging practice procedure protecting exercise workers freedom association, self-organization, designation choosing, terms employment mutual aid protection." 61 Stat. 137, 29 U.S.C. 151, U.S.C.A. 151. also, declaration 1(b) Management 1947, 136, 141(b), 141(b). 18 complementary. depend foundation assurance 'full association'. Only after assured can parties turn effective negotiation means maintaining 'the normal production articles commodities *.' 129 19 On premise fair representation, contracts frequently included waivers employers' lockout enforce respective contracts. Provided selection representative remains free, contribute maintenance regular schedules. Individuals clauses appropriately employees.10 20 rely, follows: 21 '5. agrees agreement, there shall kind operations interruptions slackening members. further agreement.' 22 clause expresses concern continued operation natural application stoppages involving subject matter contract. 23 Conceding words 'in (oneyear) agreement,' complete isolation, may include every nature, yet examiner, agree scope context unanimity much weight.11 24 argue 'any strike' leave room necessarily strikes, unlawful destructive rest. disagree. believe whole, deals relationship employees.12 It typical dealing plant. year assumes existence lawfully designated Its adjuncts operating aimed avoiding prompted change relationships. main function arbitration mechanism due disputes meaning various provisions. 25 To adopt all-inclusive quite different matter. eliminate, year, petitioners, coercion, ousted lawful threats discharge, new Whatever said legality explicitly basis implying more compelling expression than appears 26 court decision called attention held language hand, prior apply consequent loss status.13 27 suggested precludes reliance Act strike-waiver clause. section provides "Nothing except specifically provided construed either interfere impede diminish way affect limitations qualifications right." 163, 163. above language, claim contractwaiver prohibits nothing 'limitations qualifications' places right. Such point issue. relies itself, rather statute, define waived. 28 As fact, initial 'shall adds emphasis insistence preserving protect concerted action. Inasmuch anywhere excepted recognition propriety.14 stated given below, conclude did 30 II. deprive Here again background take action §§ 8(a),15 warfare securing satisfactory wages, conditions. Section 8(d)16 bring about termination agreements interrupting goods, while 8(a) insure times. especially relied "Any who engages sixty-day specified subsection employer dispute, purposes sections 8, *" 143, 158 (d), 158(d). 32 contend regardless purpose, 60-day thereby fellow require reversal judgment Appeals.17 If isolation possible. 'In expounding guided single sentence sentence, look provisions law, object policy.' Boisdore's Heirs, How. 113, 122, 1009. Peck Jenness, 612, 622—623, 841; Duparquet Huat Moneuse Evans, 297 216, 56 412, 80 591, Trucking Ass'ns, 310 534, 542—543, 60 1059, 1063—1064, 84 1345. 33 Reading conjunction rest points out period' meanioned paragraph (4) 8(d). requires party giving desire 'terminate modify' part obligation bargain 8(a)(5) 8(b)(3), continue force effect, resorting lock-out, sixty days whichever occurs later'. seeks, renegotiation relieve pressure relation subjects negotiation. final warns join proscribed consequently, reinstatement. 34 key respect problem 'termination modification'. instant atrike terminate modify contract,18 designed instead protest loss-of-status applicable. interpretation. construction produce incongruous results. concedes oust representative, give penalized exercising strike. most weapon need obvious. Although demonstrate freely chosen effect cutting off relegate filing charges slow effective. result unduly favor handicap periods contrary inherent inequity penalizes induced other, advantage wrongdoer.19 35 applicable strukes, well status. Assuming justifiable clarification warning period. Moreover, face placed choice representatives, limitation 8(a), freedoms, clear order restrict very needed. 36 sufficient ambiguity permit consideration relevant legislative history. history conclusive answer, consistent view Courts Second Circuits.20 37 Senator Ball, manager 1947 amendments Senate conferees bill, mandatory what already good preventing 'quickie strikes' occasionally gain advantages. 38 'The defining providing where union existence, fulfilling both sides (bargain) collectively days' it, another primarily public, employee, victims 'quickie' strikes. I think taking away simply saying should follow sound, fair, sane majority ones now follow.' 93 Cong.Rec. 5014. 39 One minority report fear suggestion, comment reports debates.21 An unsuccessful cannot put into mouths thus, indirectly, amend bill.22 40 record shows supporters bill aware established distinguished strikes.23 wanted practice, readily done specific provision. fairly intrusion rights, claim, here.24 41 Finally, last makes cross-reference reference does expand merely violated whom applies, then 10.25 42 stands way, affirmed. 43 Affirmed. 44 FRANKFURTER, MINTON HARLAN join, dissenting. 45 plastics manufacturing Taft-Hartley 141, 141. negotiated one-year Union, A.F.L., governing contained outlawing life commenced solicitation 1950 requested certify exclusive 46 keep enlisted third union, Pulp Workers. latter organization bested elsewhere wars. proselytized late October, having gained adherents, proceeding 47 Meanwhile written stating wished negotiate current letter demands, followed. became manifest, lodged unfair-labor-practice Board. Some incumbent tried counteract machinist, active urging remain loyal 48 this. antecedent practices, plant-wide accompanied peaceful picketing. early February participants rejected earlier notified discharge. 49 resulted (3). entered order, affirmatively reinstate pay. Chairman Herzog Member Murdock portion (Swan, J., part) certiorari important case. 50 argued here, erred guilty committing concluding Rather maintain lacked power Two urged. First, claimed constitute breach therefore unprotected activity. rightly 'no-strike' cover provoked second reason ceased 'cooling-off' 51 defines duty collectively. long proviso treats renegotiation. portions follow: 52 "* covering industry affecting mean desiring modification— 53 "(1) serves proposed thereof, event contains date, make modification; 54 "(4) continues later: *. Any he reemployed employer." 142 158(d), 55 struck notification 8(d)(1) 10. holding Board, sustained striker. 136. couched ordinary nontechnical English words, concededly 'status' "for *." Accordingly re-employment authority real problem, controlling considerations preclude written. literalness ascertainment statute's meaning, certainly beginning. 57 so-called canons technical rules afford like But 'axiom(s) experience', Boston Sand Gravel States, 278 41, 48, 52, 54, 73 170, helpful guides determining plain ours respected enforced. Relevant construing amendatory issue are: state amendment shed placing legislation, i.e., harmony discord result. word, enactments considered organic whole. 58 original form, assist organizations, protection'. Duties imposed 8. Among these, 7, faith empowered undoing violation, effectuate 59 obligations example, faith, forbidden achieve come up clear. unleashed violation duties jurisdiction reinstated Phelps Dodge 313 177, 845, 85 1271. Furthermore, itself interfered 'concerted activities.' All action, 7. Fansteel Metallurgical Corp., 306 240, 490, 83 627, sit-down activity; Southern S.S. 316 31, 62 886, 86 1246, decided laws mutiny interferes sanctioned violate Thus discharges higher him strikers. place unions, infringe implicit federal policy, statute mutiny. changed situation. unions. Collective violates course Cox, Right Engage Concerted Activities, Ind.L.J. 319, 325—333 (1951). duties, one, 8(d): unions 63 By enactment, participating legitimate day says resort powerless curtail power, since resorted petiod expired. situation striker Yet construe qualifying have. 64 purpose. becomes examine absence. assumption, based is, obviously activity, no-strike extends cf. Sands Mfg. 332, 344, 508, 514, 682, 8(d)(4) (not confused provision) stoppage. situation, discretion gave finds remedy 10(c) necessary 'employees' eligible significance. At rate, advised apply. 66 confronted demonstrable stripping usefulness idle collection employer's immaterial.1 Even though might impression seem undesirable result, rejecting promoting determined Congress. place, set high value adjustments, judicial forefront thinking feeling Eightieth And unrelated cause clear, controversy regarding prove experience always true, indeed often true. sharpest controversies, difficult determination, true negotiated. unreasonable, therefore, find litigation contentious deter crucial 67 obey command. enough legislate idly, intend effect. 'We liberty deny language. cardinal rule significance shall, possible, accorded word. Bacon's Abridgment, sect. 2, 'a ought, prevented, clause, word superfluous, void, insignificant.' repeated innumerable Another equally recognized connection parts harmonize, each.' Washington Market Hoffman, 101 112, 115—116, 782. reversed. 140, 142—143, December, Locals withdrew (through 3127) proceeding. direction but, postponed regional director deem proper. 512, see 462, 464. N.L.R.B., 513. following examiner: additional objective previously presented (petitioners), discussion meetings 22045 3127 possible met. vote ever taken, otherwise upon. am fully satisfied, find, immediately Ciccone's unplanned spontaneous demonstration Nor character seeking compel modifications employment. evidence negotiations conducted overtures along lines commencement (petitioners) hearing offered establish than, addition to, General Counsel.' 560. id., 511—512, confirmed page 465. pages 560 n. 2. "Sec. "(d) section, performance meet reasonable confer hours, employment, arising thereunder, execution incorporating party, proposal making concession: Provided, "(2) offers containing modifications; "(3) notifies Federal Mediation Conciliation Service thirty simultaneously therewith State Territorial mediate conciliate Territory dispute occurred, time; lockout, paragraphs (2), (3), inapplicable intervening individual, superseded 9(a), requiring discuss fixed reopened (Emphasis supplied 'Provided.') 140. Employees protection, extent affected condition authorized 8(a)(3). (a) employer— with, restrain, guaranteed 7; dominate formation administration financial it: discrimination regard hire tenure encourage discourage organization: 157, 158(a)(1), 158(a)(1—3). note 6, supra. Before Poultrymen's Cir., 138 204, 210; Remington Rand, 130 919, 927—928; Moore-Lowry Flour Mills 122 419, 426; M. Ritzwoller 114 432, 437; Sunshine Mining 110 780, 792; Boss 107 574, 579; Carlisle Lumber 533, 535; 94 862, 871. amendments, West Coast Casket 205 902, 907—908; Kobritz, 193 16—17. Dyson Sons, 72 445, 457; Scullin Steel 1294, modified, 161 143. cases suggest subsequent inapplicability. Both approval House Conference Report amendments. H.R.Conf.Rep. 510, 80th Cong., 1st Sess. 39. 6442. Electric Products 995, 514. disagreed majorities body dissent preamble states hereto enter rates will methods harmonious co-operation Employers end accomplish adjustments arise interruption Employers' businesses balance relates to: Limitation standing; definitions exempt shop; Availability arbitration, 19, failures memberships; Check-off dues; Exempt employees; (5) Strike quoted text; (6) Lockout (7) Arbitration, actually occurred; (8) Probationary (9) control requirements resulting layoffs, furloughs intra-plant transfers; (10) Employee seniority; (11) Hours work; (12) Work weeks extra shifts; (13) Rest periods; (14) Overtime; (15) Holidays; (16) Rates wage incentives; (17) Contract interpreted reduce standards conditions; (18) stewards governed rules; (19)(a) Disputes arbitration; (b) Rights grievances assured; (20) Notice days; (21) Vacations; (22) manage 'for cause' preserved; cooperate interest efficiency; (23) increase lieu recently awarded (24) Effective 1, 1949—November intention terminate, 'negotiations promptly started.' U.S., dated treated concerned putting 4, Note, Col.L.Rev. 1023, 1025. exception suggestion report, discussed elsewhere, describe applicability 8(a). S.Rep. 105, 24; 34—35. Pt. 21—22; 6385, 4036, 6503. fears doubts authoritative guide legislation. sponsors doubt.' Schwegmann Bros. Calvert Distillers 384, 394—395, 745, 750—751, 1035, S. Camp 160 519, 521. hold worker gone longer legal sanction act redress individual injured thereby.' 573, 74th 6—7. Ball amendment, definition 'employee' 2(3) unintentionally abrogated distinction favored going 'too far,' brought attention. 1827—1828. H.R.Rep. 245, 27; 38—39. noted opponents objected just reason: '(T)he silent accommodate conflicting provocation desirous ridding himself provocative lengthy admonition 'cease desist' contrast relatively delicate treatment employer, unwilling idly countenance abuse, self-help removed protection replace insist justice. denies equitable doctrine 'clean hands.' conclusive—the summary dismissal irrespective conduct.' 105 (Minority), Part 21—22 (1947).

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