Opinion ID: 439255
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The Effect of the Union's Merger with Local 988.

Text: 24 The Company maintains that the Union's merger with Local 988 subsequent to the Board order now sought to be enforced was effected by improper procedures. On the basis of these asserted improprieties the Company contends first that the Board erred by directing in the representation proceeding that a second decertification election be held with Local 988 appearing on the ballot as the Union's successor. The Company also asserts that some aspects of the Board's order in the unfair labor practice proceeding have become moot as a result of the merger. 25 We do not have jurisdiction to consider the Company's first contention because the NLRA provides only for judicial review of final orders of the Board in unfair labor practice cases. Though consolidated for hearing with an unfair labor practice proceeding, the Board's decision in the representation proceeding does not constitute a final order. 9 See AFL v. NLRB, 308 U.S. 401, 60 S.Ct. 300, 84 L.Ed. 347 (1940); R. Gorman, Basic Text on Labor Law Sec. 10 (1976). In Hendrix Manufacturing Co. v. NLRB, supra, at 106, we held: 26 [E]ver since American Federation of Labor v. NLRB, 1940, 308 U.S. 401, 60 S.Ct. 300, 84 L.Ed. 347; NLRB v. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, 1940, 308 U.S. 413, 60 S.Ct. 306, 84 L.Ed. 354, it has been clear that Courts of Appeals do not have the power to review representation proceedings. And jurisdiction does not come into being because the representation order arises out of a consolidated hearing as to which the Court of Appeals has jurisdiction to review the order concerning unfair labor practices. 27 See also TRW-United Greenfield Division, supra, at 415 n. 2; Custom Recovery, Division of Keystone Resources, Inc. v. NLRB, 597 F.2d 1041, 1046 (5th Cir.1979). 28 The Company also contends that the merger of the Union with Local 988 effectively renders the Board's order moot because it is directed at the Company's conduct relative to Local 949, and Local 949 no longer exists. 29 When the Board finds that unfair labor practices have been committed, it is entitled to have its order enforced by the courts to prevent a recurrence of that unlawful conduct in the future. In this manner, the Board and the courts vindicate the statutory right of employees to freely choose a bargaining representative, see NLRB v. Raytheon Co., 398 U.S. 25, 90 S.Ct. 1547, 26 L.Ed.2d 21 (1970), and the public interest in preventing unfair labor practices. See National Licorice Co. v. NLRB, 309 U.S. 350, 364, 60 S.Ct. 569, 577, 84 L.Ed. 799 (1940). Doubt as to the existence of Local 949 and the validity of a successor's affiliation election should not be permitted to excuse the Company's previous unlawful conduct. See NLRB v. Union Carbide Caribe, Inc., 423 F.2d 231, 235-36 (1st Cir.1970) (doubt as to identity or existence of union affords no basis for denying enforcement of Board's order to bargain). 30 In NLRB v. Raytheon Co., supra, the Supreme Court held that a subsequent election lost by the union did not moot the union's action to enforce a Board order requiring the employer to cease and desist from unlawful campaign tactics and to post an appropriate notice. Following Raytheon, the Fifth Circuit has held that an election result could not moot an enforcement proceeding against an employer who had committed unfair labor practices. NLRB v. Mangurian's, Inc., 566 F.2d 463 (5th Cir.1978). See also Chef's Pantry, Inc. v. NLRB, 654 F.2d 458 (6th Cir.1981). Despite intervening compliance, or ... union victory, future misconduct may occur, and enforcement is an essential predicate for a future contempt order. NLRB v. Mangurian's Inc., supra, at 468. Likewise, termination of Local 949's status as the authorized bargaining representative and doubt as to Local 988's status as successor cannot be permitted to pretermit enforcement of an order aimed at preventing future misconduct. Cf. NLRB v. Katz, 369 U.S. 736, 82 S.Ct. 1107, 8 L.Ed.2d 230 (1962). 31 We conclude that enforcement of the Board's order would best effectuate the statutory purpose of protecting the right of the Company's employees to freely choose a bargaining representative. Allegations of impossibility of compliance have not prevented courts from enforcing Board orders against employers who have discontinued their business operations. See, e.g., Southpart Co. v. NLRB, 315 U.S. 100, 104-07, 62 S.Ct. 452, 454-456, 86 L.Ed. 718 (1942); NLRB v. West Coast Casket Co., 469 F.2d 871, 873 (9th Cir.1972); NLRB v. Kostilnik, 405 F.2d 733, 735 (3d Cir.1969). Thus, the public interest in prohibiting and discouraging the commission of unfair labor practices is no less critical in cases where union representation has ceased or changed, despite the Company's allegations that it has been ordered to perform an impossible act. 32 Accordingly, pursuant to section 10(e) of the NLRA, enforcement of that part of the Board's order arising from the Company's unfair labor practices is enforced as hereby modified. 10 33 Paragraph 1(a) of the recommended order of the ALJ, adopted (with modifications) by the Board, is hereby modified by the insertion of the following language after the date November 30, 1979 and before the period: (said Local 949 or its successor, including Local 988, Teamsters, should it be deemed the successor to Local 949 as a result of the pending representation proceeding, shall be referred to herein as the Union). 34 The Notice to Employees is modified by striking the fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth paragraphs and substituting the following paragraphs: 35 WE WILL NOT deny access to our premises to agents of your certified collective bargaining representative, including agents of Local 988, Teamsters, should it be deemed the successor to the rights of Local 949 as a result of the pending representation proceeding, who seek admittance for the purpose of representing you so long as we are legally obligated to give effect to applicable collectively bargained provisions permitting access to our premises by the representative's officials. 36 WE WILL NOT cause the arrest of any official of your certified collective bargaining representative who is on our premises pursuant to a collectively bargained access provision for the purpose of providing you with representation so long as the officials make arrangements with us to enter our property as provided by the applicable collectively bargained provision. 37 WE WILL NOT unilaterally alter the terms under which officials of your certified representative may enter our premises to represent you from those which existed under any collective bargaining agreement without first providing the certified representative with an opportunity to bargain concerning such a change, and, if the certified representative chooses to bargain, we will maintain the existing provision in effect until an agreement is reached upon a change or until an impasse is reached in our bargaining over any proposed change. 38 WE WILL NOT in any like or related manner interfere with, restrain, or coerce you if you choose to exercise the rights you have under the National Labor Relations Act, or refuse to bargain with your certified representative as required by the Act. 39 WE WILL rescind the restrictions which we placed on the access by officials of your certified representative to our premises on December 13 and 14, 1979. 40 As modified, the Board's order will be enforced. See NLRB v. Express Publishing Co., 312 U.S. 426, 439, 61 S.Ct. 693, 701, 85 L.Ed. 930 (1941); NLRB v. Calumet Steel Division of Borg-Warner Corp., 121 F.2d 366, 371 (7th Cir.1941). 41 ENFORCED AS MODIFIED.