Document: 414 U.S. 368 94 S.Ct. 629 38 L.Ed.2d 583 GATEWAY COAL COMPANY, Petitioner,v.UNITED MINE WORKERS OF AMERICA et al. No. 72—782. Argued Oct. 15, 1973. Decided Jan. 8, 1974. Syllabus Certain foremen at petitioner company's coal mine were suspended for falsifying records to show no reduction in airflow the when fact had been substantially reduced because of collapse a ventilation structure. When company reinstated while criminal charges pending against them, miners, who are represented by respondent union, struck protest alleged safety hazard created retention foremen. The union refused offer arbitrate. then brought this action under § 301 Labor Management Relations Act, contending that broad arbitration clause collective-bargaining agreement governed dispute. District Court issued preliminary injunction requiring end strike and submit arbitration, ordered suspension two arbitral decision. Appeals reversed vacated injunction, holding there was public policy disfavoring compulsory disputes that, absent an express provision agreement, contractual duty controversy hence implied obligation not strike. Held: 1. covering, inter alia, 'any local trouble any kind aris(ing) mine,' is sufficiently encompass instant dispute, foremen's continued presence being plainly issue. Pp. 374—380. (a) On its face such language admits only one interpretation: required dispute resolution impartial umpire. P. 376. (b) 'presumption arbitrability' (an order arbitrate particular grievance should be denied unless it may said with positive assurance susceptible interpretation covers asserted doubts resolved favor coverage), United Steelworkers America v. American Mfg. Co., 363 564, 80 1343, 4 1403; Warrior & Gulf Navigation 574, 1347, 1409; Enterprise Wheel Car Corp., 593, 1358, 1424, applies disputes. 377—380. 2. imposed gave rise no-strike supporting issuance work stoppage since, absence explicit expression negating obligation, construed as having coterminous application. 380 384. 3. facts, 502 Act providing quitting labor employees good faith abnormally dangerous conditions shall deemed strike, did deprive authority enforce final decision eliminated 385—387. 4. circumstances case satisfy traditional equitable considerations controlling availability injunctive relief, Boys Markets, Inc. Retail Clerk's Union, 398 235, 90 1583, 26 199, finding union's breach would irreparably harm petitioner, eliminating issue suspending 387. 466 F.2d 1157, reversed. Leonard L. Scheinholtz, Pittsburgh, Pa., petitioner. Joseph A. Yablonski, Washington, D.C., respondents. Mr. Justice POWELL delivered opinion Court. 1 This involves over between Gateway Coal Co. Mine Workers America. questions presented considerable importance development federal regarding enforcement 2 * (the company) owns operates large underground known Mine, Greene County, Pennsylvania. Some 550 production maintenance workers, employed company, purposes collective bargaining union), including administrative division, 4, Local 6330. 3 morning April 1971, shortly before daylight shift reported work, shuttle car operator on departing midnight noticed unusually low his section mine. His foreman made anemometer check discovered 11,000 cubic feet per minute, less than half normal rate 28,000 minute.1 evacuated men from day stand surface. An ensuing investigation revealed structure partially blocked intake airway. Immediate repairs restored airflow, mining operations resumed. In meantime, however, some 100 226 day-shift disregarded instructions gone home. following requested reporting pay those but refused. rejected miners all three shifts walked off job. 5 17, pursuant request, state inspectors visited determine adequacy repairs. although apparently occurred 4:30 checks purportedly sometime a.m. 8 disclosed airflow.2 inspector impounded book entries notified he press falsification records. immediately decided third trouble. 6 Sunday, 18, about 200 attended special meeting voted acquiesced demand, Monday returned work. Criminal prosecutions instituted foremen, Pennsylvania Department Environmental Resources undertook consideration possible decertification proceedings them. 7 May 29, still pending, received word liberty return if so desired.3 One retired during suspension, other scheduled them resume June date, mines. formally offered Subsequently, pleaded nolo contendere paid fines $200 each. Faced continuing refusal arbitrate, invoked jurisdiction 1947, 61 Stat. 156, 29 U.S.C. 185. It argued continuance temporary restraining later converted into umpire without delay.4 further provided umpire's prospectively both parties abide controversy. 9 appeal, Third Circuit, judge dissenting, judgment injunction.5 1157 (1972). court intimated involved here might remove coverage general reasoned event, usual favoring relations apply concerning safety. Id., 1159—1160. Relying part 143, found Since 'neither particularly stated nor unambiguously agreed contract binding arbitration,' concluded F.2d, 1159. Perceiving wrong enjoin, unnecessary consider whether relief appropriate equity set forth 199 (1970). We granted certiorari, 410 953, 93 1418, 35 686 (1973). 10 presents questions. First, force these impose umpire? Second, so, give Markets injunction? Third, relief? answer affirmative accordingly reverse below. II 11 No arises solely operation law. law compels party has contracted do so. At times material case, bound National Bituminous Wage Agreement 1968 agreement). entitled 'Settlement Disputes'6 provides grievances direct negotiation ultimately, negotiations fail, 'mutually upon or operators affected . America.' states 'decision final.' governs 'as meaning application provisions agreement,' 'about matters specifically mentioned mine.' Paragraph 'Miscellaneous' agreement7 'agree affirm claims which settled machinery Disputes' ..' excepts 'national character.' 12 appears reaches face, 13 avoided conclusion reference assumed majority recognized encourages presumption arbitrability disagreements 'wages, hours, seniority, vacations economic matters.' thought treated sui generis, 'reject avoidable construction disposition arbitration.'8 1160. disagree. 14 firmly grounded congressional command. Section 203(d) 173(d), part: 15 'Final adjustment method declared desirable settlement arising existing agreement.' 16 trilogy,9 enunciated now well-known disputes: 17 'An Doubts coverage.' 582—583, 1353, 1409 (1960). 18 also elaborated basis policy. noted commercial have different objectives. former takes place litigation, latter 'arbitration substitute industrial strife.' 578, S.Ct., 1351. A cannot define every minute aspect complex relationship parties. Arbitration resolving unforeseen inevitably arise. And disputes, arbitrator necessarily appropriately resort foreign courts: 19 'The arbitrator's source confined contract, common law—the practices industry shop—is equally expressed it. usually chosen parties' confidence knowledge shop their trust personal bring bear criteria judgment. expect will reflect what says but, insofar permits, factors effect productivity result, consequence morale shop, tensions heightened diminished. For objective using process primarily goal uninterrupted make serve specialized needs.' 581—582, 1352, 1353. 20 think remarks applicable touching varieties disagreement. Certainly strife easily result unresolved controversies subjects, same unhappy consequences lost pay, curtailed production, instability. Moreover, expertise arbitrator, important other, need worker readily apparent. 21 feared too grudging appreciation workers' interest own see little justification court's assumption, especially since always free choose whose they trust. disagree implicit assumption alternative holds greater promise protection employees. Relegating arena combat offers ultimate ensure employee Indeed, workshop depend relative strength rather informed assessment facts. 22 therefore conclude announced trilogy covered agreement.10 III 23 second question enjoin stoppage. depends (1970), considered proper accommodation literal terms Norris-LaGuardia Act11 subsequently enacted 301(a) Act.12 emphasis 'from nascent movement encouragement techniques peaceful disputes.' U.S., 251, 1593. empowers violations 24 Although bargaining-argument contained clause,13 undertaking Teamsters 174 Lucas Flour 369 95, 82 571, 593 (1962), held commitment gives disputes.14 strong linchpin Court's reasoning Markets. Denial breaches obligations carried 'devastating implications enforceability agreements.' 247, 1591. As Brennan case: 25 '(A) implied, quid pro quo employer arbitration. Any incentive employers enter arrangement dissipated principal most expeditious can enforced eliminated.' 248, (Citation omitted.) Thus, linked concurrent issues remain analytically distinct. Ultimately, each intent contracting unusual, certainly permissible, agree mandatory yet expressly negate obligation. Such reinstate situation commonly our Absent intention, 27 present identified excepted first (e) committee central outcome we relevant full: 28 inspect equipment used producing coal. If believes endanger life (sic) bodies report findings recommendations management. instances where immediate danger exists recommends management workers unsafe area, follow recommendation committee. 'If closing down area acts arbitrarily capriciously, members removed Grievances arise request removal member handled accordance App. 12a. 30 contends reserves right committee's determination 'immediate danger' wholly subjective foundation fact. short, object call job whatever changes proposes. argues exercise option constitute enjoin. 31 decide subject expansive reading, for, found, never cause failure, showing ever Nor 'life which, any, formed requisite belief existence 'an danger.' 32 believed vote membership, body superior committee, constituted substantial compliance purpose obviated formal procedure. matter simple interpretation, proposition doubtful. Under (e), good-faith danger, how unfounded view, conclusive. management's recourse arbitrary capricious decisions seek offending members. Circumvention procedures members, thus removes deterrent unreasonable Given circumstance, lightly assume failure specific outlined somehow de minimis. properly explicitly commits agreement.'15 33 based denial 34 '(N)or employment chapter.' limited exception 'a apprehension physical protected activity enjoinable, even subscribed comprehensive contract.' main thrust statement—that called protect authorized either damages award injunction. 36 erred, concluding honest belief, unjustified, 'abnormally work' invokes 502. courts require evidence actually obtain, speculative inquiry motives workers. Judge Rosenn pointed out dissent below, difficulty occasioned view apparent where, here, claim concerns identifiable, presently threat employees' safety, generalized doubt competence integrity supervisors.16 supervisor fellow incompetent honestly fears future time commit unspecified mistake creating could demand colleague's discharge walk despite statutory command, unwilling Congress intended circumvented slender thread judgment, however be. seeking justify contractually prohibited s must 'ascertainable, condition exists.' 1162. find reading statute consistent sense previous See, e.g., Philadelphia Marine Trade Assn. NLRB, 330 492 (CA3), cert. sub nom. International Longshoremen's Assn., 1242 379 833, 85 65, 41 1566, AFL—CIO 841, 79, 47 (1964); NLRB Fruin-Colnon Construction 885 (CA8 1964); Knight Morley 251 753 (CA6 1957), denied, 357 927, 78 1372, 1370 (1958); Redwing Carriers, Inc., 130 N.L.R.B. 1208 (1961), enf'd modified, Teamsters, Chauffeurs Helpers Union etc. 117 U.S.App.D.C. 84, 325 1011 (1963), 377 905, 84 1165, 176 (1964). IV 37 facts clear inferred record working condition. assertion alone suffice invoke conditioning similar reasons, evident principles 254, 1594. irreparable circumstances, say abused discretion. 39 40 DOUGLAS, dissenting. does involve hourly wages, pension benefits, like. death occupation America.1 history miner fatal catastrophes, prompted protective legislation.2 exception. classified States Bureau Mines 'especially hazardous,' triggering inspection insure Federal Health Safety 1969, 103(i), 83 750, 813(i). testimony problems year complained supervisors' negligence matters, practice 'not testing gas.'3 hearings Senator Harrison Williams, author 1969 act, commented performance 'outrageous just plain unbelievable.'4 42 context negligently failed began, duty. Instead false log books. 28,000. Reduced buildup methane gas, accidental explosions resulting equipment. removed. passes concern few exemplary record. Yet incident, admitted misfeasance precisely reckless disregard miners' permeates industry. 43 response history, obtained, 'mine committee' 'recommendation' area. disagreement determinations, acted arbitrarily. reserved itself closed hazards. arbitrable, disagrees recommendation. inescapable inference, contrary presumption, arbitration.5 clearly buttress matter, prior contracts excluded contains union. 44 action, 185, compel is, course, established provision, question, broadly construed. (United 1424.) grounded, points out, Act. once determined enforceable close Flour, supra, 104—106, 577; 247—249, 1590. 45 whole scheme, policy, allow congressionally indicated exceptions suit 'which fashion national laws.' Textile Lincoln Mills, 353 448, 456, 77 912, 918, 972. sufficient ordinary overcome I seriously weakened shields walk-offs concerned safety: That reads nothing legislative shed light purpose, words themselves fairly clear. They recognize unavoidable principle human behavior: self preservation. Hastie Appeals: 'Men wont 46 involving 'the penumbra mandates' solved 'by looking legislation fashioning remedy effectuate policy.' 457, 918. extend here. Application inevitable But act elsewhere. arbitrable follows then, remedy. up pervasive controls environmental mines,6 742. more effective regulatory scheme described H.R.Rep.No.91—563; 1970 U.S.C.ode Cong. Admin.News, p. 2503. priority health precious resource—the minor.' 2(a), 801(a). Ease investigating mines insured. representative violation standard imminent exists, given Government. 103(g), 813(g). Secretary Interior spot five days hazardous exist. Once entering 104(a), 814(a). abate incipient potential areas, 105, 815; orders within limits judicial review well operators, 106, 816. 48 Detailed ventilating requirements placed 303, 863; examinations 'three hours preceding beginning shift.' 303(d)(1), 863(d)(1). Examinations least week, 303(f), 863(f); weekly investigations various monitors detect gases installed, 303(l), 863(l). detail. 49 Penalties run violate specified ways 'mandatory standards.' Compensation laid provided, 110(a), 820(a); discrimination protests given. 110(b), 820(b). 50 Title treats disability payments miners. bolsters workmen's compensation laws makes owners liable, through self-insurance liability insurance, adequate exist, 423, 933. State inconsistent suspended; provide stringent standards survive, 506, 955. 51 convinces me displace agreements conditions. respect extreme Bulk Carriers Arguelles, 400 351, 91 409, giving seamen displaced comes health, life, mines, pre-empted field. arbiter paraphernalia seeks compromise, adjustment, accommodation. There mandate Those named construe, apply, formulate courts. 52 awards compromise administration Rulings arbiters jibe rulings Secretary. color negativing very lawsuits damages. 53 Hence, though way clause, read authorize precludes specifies arms handle share power. While undoubtedly increased accumulation dust flammable gas mine, exceeded requirement 6,000 Pa. Minn Pub.L. 659 Pa.Stat.Ann., Tit. 52, 701—242(b) (1966), 9,000 303(b), 767, 863(b). 303(d)(1) 863(d)(1), requires inspections shift. After investigation, that: 'In satisfactory past legal feel taken matter. (3) assistant desires.' 16a—17a. reinstatement 15. appeal Appeals' decision, rendered determined, permitted provides, 'Should differences aries earnest effort settle immediately: (The counsel steps below.) '1. Between aggrieved '2. Through '3. district representatives commissioner (where employed) company. '4. By board consisting four whom designated operators. Neither Workers' operators' persons participated (1), (2), '5. Should fail shall, twenty (20) after board, referred mutually duly America, expeditiously delay case. final. Expenses salary incident services Workers. 'A reached stage above hereto reopening branch association except mutual 13a—14a. provides: maintain character event heretofore practiced industry, courts.' 15a. follows: 'Considerations peace weight Men enlightened society encourages, much requires, believe correctible unnecessarily adding dangers employment, sound reason subordinate staking stake theirs judgment.' analysis unpersuasive reasons opinion. relied 143. 'be directly scope suggest limit See Legislative History pp. 290, 436, 573, 895 (G.P.O.1948). reason, reserve discussion until Part To extent arbitrability, outweigh ambiguous import context. 1403 (1960); 1424 support agreement. empowered facilities finds danger,' evidently ambiguity arbitrability. However, '(d)oubts 583, '(i)n excluding forceful exclude prevail, exclusion vague quite broad.' 584—585, 1354. fall clause. maintains 742, 801 seq., pre-empts field 'displace(s) conditions.' Post, 394. Respondents contention, fair discloses accomplish drastic result. 'No permanent growing prohibit person participating interested (as herein defined) doing, singly concert, acts: '(a) Ceasing refusing perform relation 70, 104. 'Suits organization representing affecting commerce defined chapter, organizations, parties, amount regard citizenship parties.' 185(a). 239 n. 3, 1586. relief. compelling. 1591, (1970): '(A)n halt illegal Furthermore, prosecuted tend aggravate early difficulties union.' argue disavows Appalachian Joint 19, 1941, 11, 1945, containing 'no strike' 'penalty' clauses denominated 'Illegal Suspension Work' hereby rescinded, cancelled, abrogated null void.' 14a. paragraph effectively rescinds certain agreements. not, purport noted, exclusive means finally Cf. Lewis Benedict 259 346 1958) (Stewart, J.), affirmed divided 361 459, 489, 442 contended test open 'new avenues unrest strikes.' He stated: 'This accept naked plant constitutes hazard. label another risk thereupon engage characterization unreviewable court, stability relations. victim attitudes, fancies whims Unions, themselves, mercy 'wildcatters." Statistics, Injury Rates Industry, 1970, (Report 406, 1972). S.Rep.No.91—411, 3—6; H.R.Rep.No.91—563, 1—3; U.S.Code Hearings Subcommittee Senate Committee Public Welfare, 91st Cong., 2d Sess., 27, 351 191. inference strengthened agreement's objected inspectors. (b)(2) obviously felt regular machinery. Indeed long construction. 1946 Krug-Lewis President Truman's seizure 1946, 258, 67 677, L.Ed. 884, committees initiate stoppages, Administrator (Capt. N.H. Collisson), Centralia disaster, 111 Krug testified 'was complete get S.Res. 98 Special Lands, 80th 1st 312. predecessor current appeared deleted Collisson's override hazards great Congress, latest Occupational 1590, coal-mining business. looks toward increasing quality environment improving system protected. Brodeur, Casualties Workplace, New Yorker, Nov. 1973, 87, account industrial-medical works keep plants profitable

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