Opinion ID: 543073
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Claim Concerning Conduct of Rodriguez-Estrada Before June 1

Text: 8 Hector Rodriguez-Estrada was the trustee of the bankrupt estate. In that capacity, he managed the hotel formerly managed by debtor Carib-Inn of San Juan Corp. By order dated March 7, 1986, the bankruptcy judge authorized the sale of the hotel to Horizons. Rodriguez-Estrada executed the deed May 14, 1986, providing for delivery of possession, May 31. Rodriguez-Estrada resigned as trustee June 1, and was immediately employed by Horizons as General Manager. On June 6, the bankruptcy judge confirmed the sale, concluding that the transaction had been consummated May 12, execution of the deed being postponed by agreement. 9 The NLRB amended complaint alleges that Horizons has continued to operate the business and is a successor of Carib-Inn and Rodriguez-Estrada. For many years the Union has been the collective bargaining representative of the employees. It alleges that since June 3, 1986 Horizons refused to recognize the Union and to bargain collectively with it, and has refused to employ certain former employees on account of their union activities. Paragraph 11 alleges that on several dates in May, 1986, Horizons acting through Rodriguez-Estrada threatened hotel employees with discharge for supporting the Union and created the impression of surveillance of employees' union activities, thus engaging in Sec. 8(a)(1) unfair labor practices. 10 As is obvious, paragraph 11 alleges conduct which occurred while Rodriguez-Estrada was still trustee and before possession of the hotel was turned over to Horizons. It is the position of the NLRB that during that period the bankruptcy trustee acted in a dual capacity as Horizons' agent and supervisor. 11 Horizons contends that paragraph 11 charges Rodriguez-Estrada with improper conduct in his official capacity as trustee and that the bankruptcy court, which appointed him, is the appropriate tribunal to adjudicate those charges. In support, Horizons cites decisions holding that before bringing an action against a bankruptcy trustee in a different court on account of acts done in his official capacity and within his authority, a plaintiff must obtain the permission of the appointing court. Those cases do not involve NLRB unfair labor practice proceedings, and because of the exclusive jurisdiction of the NLRB, we conclude their doctrine is not applicable. 12 We, of course, have no idea of the evidence by which the NLRB expects to prove that Horizons was responsible for Rodriguez Estrada's conduct before May 31, 1986. We have no view of the merits, but reject Horizons' argument that the bankruptcy court must make the inquiry. 13