Opinion ID: 527007
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Sweet Promises.

Text: 23 Finally, GM would have us hold that its representations at the VTEP meetings were protected expression under section 8(c) of the NLRA, which provides, 24 The expressing of any views, argument, or opinion, or the dissemination thereof, whether in written, printed, graphic, or visual form, shall not constitute or be evidence of an unfair labor practice ... if such expression contains no threat of reprisal or force or promise of benefit. 25 29 U.S.C. Sec. 158(c). Here, GM's contention is that its representations at the meetings amounted only to a statement of fact about the VTEP: Employees who opted for the plan were not eligible for rehire. 26 We cannot accept this characterization of the facts in the current procedural posture of the case. As we explain below, we find no provision in the VTEP that reasonably might be construed as governing the dispute over future eligibility. Making all reasonable inferences in favor of plaintiffs, we must conclude that GM's representations went beyond a recitation of what was contained in the VTEP. Hence, we can only construe GM's statements as a promise of benefit over and above what the VTEP offered. As such, GM's statements were not protected expression under section 158(c). 27