Opinion ID: 691975
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: unenforceable subpoena argument

Text: 18 Line contends that the subpoena is unenforceable because: 1) the subpoena is overly broad in the number of documents it seeks because the statute of limitations relating to unfair labor charges is six months and the subpoena seeks documents from five years ago; and 2) there is no collective bargaining agreement. A subpoena issued by an administrative agency may be enforced where the investigation is within the authority of the agency, the demand is not too indefinite, and the information sought is reasonably relevant to the agency's investigation. United States v. Morton Salt Co., 338 U.S. 632, 652-53, 70 S.Ct. 357, 369, 94 L.Ed. 401 (1950). 19 After examining the subpoena, we find that the documents are relevant to the NLRB's investigation despite their five year reach. The documents sought in the subpoena seek to establish the existence of a collective bargaining agreement and whether Oklahoma fixtures has established a non-union company to divert work away from the unionized company. In regard to Line's argument concerning the existence of a collective bargaining agreement, such an argument goes to the substance of the complaint. As acknowledged by Line, a party may not interpose a defense of an underlying unfair labor practice charge in a subpoena enforcement action. D.G. Bland Lumber Co. v. NLRB, 177 F.2d 555, 557-58 (5th Cir.1949); NLRB v. Dutch Boy, Inc., 606 F.2d 929, 933 (10th Cir.1979). We therefore find this contention is without merit.