Opinion ID: 1263597
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Express Federal Cause of Action

Text: Congressional intent is unmistakably evident in the case of an express cause of action. An express federal cause of action states, in so many words, that the law permits a claimant to bring a claim in federal court. Section 501(b) of the LMRDA, which expressly authorizes members of a labor union to bring a claim for violations of § 501(a) in any district court of the United States, opens to these members the doors of the federal court system. Congress's intent is unequivocal, establishing § 501(b) as a clear example of an express federal cause of action. A plain reading of both subsections (a) and (b) of § 501 makes it equally clear that neither provision contains an express federal cause of action for a labor organization. See Guidry v. Sheet Metal Workers Nat'l Pension Fund, 493 U.S. 365, 374 n. 16, 110 S.Ct. 680, 107 L.Ed.2d 782 (1990). Both circuit courts to have considered the issue have reached this same conclusion. See Statham, 97 F.3d at 1419; Bldg. Material & Dump Truck Drivers, Local 420 v. Traweek, 867 F.2d 500, 506-07 (9th Cir. 1989). The absence of an express cause of action does not end our inquiry, however. We next ask whether the statute creates an implied federal cause of action.