Opinion ID: 380054
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Liability of Local 18

Text: 67 We see ample evidence in the record supporting a finding of liability against Local 18. The conduct of John Frank and John Possehl is the basis for this liability. Frank, of course, was the appointed head of district two as well as Vice-President of the local. Possehl was the Business Manager of the local. 68 Much of the evidence in the record regarding John Frank's conduct has already been outlined above. There is more. Ervin Shimman testified that he had a lengthy telephone conversation with John Frank on October 14, 1971. Ervin Shimman testified that during this conversation Frank made numerous threats, including if you don't go along with me, you are my enemy , and I destroy all my enemies. Frank also stated: I am the hatchetman from Cleveland. I come here to chop heads and you are one of the heads I am going to chop. 69 The next day, Ervin Shimman spoke with John Possehl and informed him of John Frank's threats. Possehl did intercede with Frank and arranged for Ervin Shimman to get a job referral to which he was clearly entitled. At about this time, John Frank was denying work assignments to Glenn Oberle and Walter Shimman. 28 Walter Shimman complained to John Possehl about this, but received no satisfaction. Walter Shimman testified that he outlined Frank's conduct to John Possehl and requested Possehl to remove Frank from the district before there was trouble. Possehl's response was no, I sent him here for a job and he is going to do it. I know there is trouble in this district and I know it is in the office. 29 On September 16, 1971, Glenn Oberle wrote to John Possehl, also outlining John Frank's conduct. Possehl sent back a non-committal letter but apparently took no action. The testimony regarding John Possehl is unrefuted. 30 70 The plaintiff argues, and the district court apparently found, that Possehl sent Frank to suppress the long-time dissidents in District Two. It is clear that Possehl failed to act when informed of John Frank's abusive conduct. 31 Although there is no direct evidence in the record of open antagonism between Possehl and the dissidents, it is obvious that their interests were opposed. Possehl, as Business Manager of Local 18, was a key official opposed by the dissidents. Indeed, they ran candidates against him. Possehl essentially did nothing when he received notice of John Frank's illegal and highhanded conduct. Possehl at the very least had an obligation to see to it that his subordinate, John Frank, did not flout the law. 71 The conduct of Frank and Possehl, in our opinion, justifies finding Local 18 liable. Frank was the district representative who ran District Two on behalf of Local 18. His long-term anti-dissident conduct was within the scope of his authority. Frank's conduct in instigating the beating of John Shimman is imputable to the local union. The local's liability also stems from Business Manager John Possehl's inaction despite continuing anti-dissident conduct by John Frank. 32