Opinion ID: 1495456
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The Discharge of Arthur Morey.

Text: The Board also ordered the reinstatement of one Arthur Morey, employed by Ward as a radio technician. The discharge of Arthur Morey has been separately treated, and has no connection with the discharges and disposition thereof made in the 4 departments already mentioned. In view of the principles followed in this opinion, we believe and so state that the following evidence pertaining to the discharge of Arthur Morey is substantial and sufficient enough to justify a refusal to direct a verdict, if the trial were to a jury: (1) A background of anti-union activity on the part of Ward, which discouraged union membership; (2) knowledge by Ward that Morey was an active union member; (3) the exceptional ability and capacity of Morey; and (4) the hiring of a new man to occupy the job formerly held by Morey. Ward sought to show justification for the discharge by introducing evidence that the reduction in personnel required the action taken, and that Morey was displaced in order to provide a place for an employee older in service. The effect of this evidence was completely destroyed by Ward's subsequent action in hiring a new employee to take over the very job formerly held by Morey. We conclude, therefore, that the Board's finding of discriminatory discharge is supported by the evidence, and the order based thereon will be enforced. The order of the Board will be modified in accordance with this opinion, and as thus modified and construed, the order of the Board is enforced.