Document: 359 U.S. 354 79 S.Ct. 844 3 L.Ed.2d 872 PLUMBERS, STEAMFITTERS, REFRIGERATION, PETROLEUM FITTERS, AND APPRENTICES OF LOCAL 298, A.F. of L., et al., Petitioners,v.COUNTY DOOR, a Municipal Corporation, al. No. 396. Argued March 6, 1959. Decided May 4, Mr. David Previant, Milwaukee, Wis., for petitioners. Donald J. Howe, Sturgeon Bay, respondents. Opinion the Court by Justice BLACK, announced DOUGLAS. 1 Respondent, County Door, Wisconsin, is municipal corporation; petitioners are Plumbers' Union Local and Council Trade Unions. The hired respondent Oudenhoven to do general contracting work on an addition Door Courthouse. At same time some eight contracts covering specific items construction were entered into with various other firms. Among contractors was Zahn who had successfully bid plumbing in project. Unlike successful bidders, however, employed nonunion labor. This disturbed which attempted induce him sign union agreement. After refused, picket assigned walk around courthouse carrying placard stated that workers picketing, though peaceful, effectively stopped all since members refused cross line. 2 To end interruption respondents County, Zahn, sought injunction local Circuit Court. Petitioners defended claiming, among things, under National Labor Relations Act1 state courts no jurisdiction controversy exclusively subject Board control. trial court, believing interstate commerce not affected dispute, denied held power existed. It found law been violated picketing issued injunction. On appeal Wisconsin Supreme affirmed. 4 Wis.2d 142, 89 N.W.2d 920. apparently disagreed basis lower court's holding assumed dispute did affect commerce, but N.L.R.B. because governmental subdivision, those seeking relief. Since power, court ruled, laws pre-empted could stand. Under similar circumstances both United States Appeals Third have concluded has jurisdiction.2 We granted certiorari resolve this conflict. 358 878, 123, 109. There can be doubt party litigation would over dispute. stipulated facts show total cost project about $450,000. Roughly half materials brought from outside Wisconsin. often sufficient effect give juridic tion See, e.g., v. Denver Bldg. & Const. Trades Council, 341 675, 683—684, 71 943, 948—949, 95 L.Ed. 1284. see reason deviate holdings. also admitted here involved kind normally exclusive power. Respondents allege attempt force stop doing business each or, alternatively, coerce making his employees organize shop. Both these allegations, if proved, constitute unfair labor practices § 8(b)(4) Act.3 If charges proved conduct might well 'protected' 7 Act.4 In either case determination must made 'state (courts) decline deference tribunal Congress selected. * *'5 claimed, presence somehow deprives re-establishes contention based fact political subdivisions expressly excluded definition 'employer' Act therefore many its provisions.6 allow file complaint against would, it argued, advantages without subjecting correlative responsibilities statute imposes. 5 25 International Brotherhood Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Warehousemen Helpers America New York, N.H. H.R. Co., 350 155, 76 227, 100 166, we decided railroad seek relief before although railroads, like subdivisions, term Act.7 Our opinion pointed out 'the empowered issue complaints whenever 'it charged' any person engaged proscribed practice,' regulations such charge filed 'any person' as defined Act, at page 160, 230.8 'Since railroads Act's 'person' *.'9 tht ' they entitled protection practice 8(b)(4)(A),' reasoning result best effectuate congressional policies uniform control abuses parties injured practices. Ibid. 6 position county seem identical policy considerations guided us 25, statutory language there construed, apply equally here.10 distinguish claiming subdivision included considered within law's coverage essential functions will impaired subjected coverage. But times government bodies federal may, nevertheless, law.11 And grant relief, far interfering functions, serves safeguard interests subdivisions. Accordingly, find neither respondents' contentions convincing. not, course, decide whether Union's violates 8(b)(4), protected 7, or covered provision Act. Those questions determine proper proceeding it. Weber Anheuser-Busch, Inc., 348 468, 481, 75 480, 488, 99 546. merely hold that, therefore, error exercise jurisdiction. 8 judgment reversed cause remanded action inconsistent opinion. 9 Reversed remanded. 61 Stat. 136, amended, 29 U.S.C. §§ 151—168, U.S.C.A. 151—168. 313, Electrical Workers, Cir., 254 F.2d 221, affirming Peter D. Furness, 117 437. See Mexico Branch, Assoc. Gen. Contractors, CCH 1957—1958 L.Rep. (4th ed.) 55,304; Freeman Constr. 55,353. Section provides part: 'It shall organization agents engage in, encourage employer strike where object thereof is: (A) forcing requiring cease using, selling, handling, transporting, otherwise dealing products producer, processor, manufacturer, person; (B) recognize bargain representative unless certified *.' 141, 158(b)(4), 158(b)(4). reads: 'Employees right self-organization, form, join assist organizations, collectively through representatives their own choosing, concerted activities purpose collective bargaining mutual aid protection. *' 140, 157, 157. question violence award damages. generally, San Diego Millmen's Union, 2020, Garmon, 236, 773. 'The include wholly owned Government corporation, Federal Reserve Bank, State 137, 152(2), 152(2). Railway 44 577, 45 151, 151. CFR, 1958 Cum.Supp. 102.9, states 'A engaging affecting may person. itself. 102.1. As includes one more individuals, partnerships, associations, corporations, legal representatives, trustees, trustees bankruptcy, receivers.' 152(1), 152(1). (Italics added.) 10 Significantly, Court's decision agreed 'persons' shortly after itself felt prior rulings completely undercut 25. Compare Al Schneider 87 99; 80 221; Victor M. Sprys, 104 1128, 437; Assoc, 55,304. 11 Ohio Helvering, 292 360, 370 371, 54 725, 727, 78 1307 (a meaning taxing persons sale liquor); California, 297 175, 186, 56 421, 425, 567 regulating common carriers rail applies State); Georgia Evans, 316 159, 62 972, 86 1346 Sherman 15 1—7, note, statute).

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