Document: 450 U.S. 728 101 S.Ct. 1437 67 L.Ed.2d 641 Lloyd BARRENTINE et al., Petitioners,v.ARKANSAS-BEST FREIGHT SYSTEM, INC., al. No. 79-2006. Argued Jan. 13, 1981. Decided April 6, Syllabus Petitioner truckdrivers are not paid for the time spent conducting a required pre-trip safety inspection of respondent employer motor carrier's trucks and transporting that fail such to employer's on-premises repair facility. Petitioners' union submitted wage claim petitioners' pretrip transportation joint grievance committee pursuant its collective-bargaining agreement with employer. The rejected without explanation. Petitioners then filed an action in Federal District Court, alleging was compensable under § 6 Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) they were therefore entitled statutory remedy actual liquidated damages, costs, reasonable attorney's fees. They also alleged had breached duty fair representation, sought have committee's decision set aside proper compensation awarded agreement. Court addressed only fair-representation it. Appeals affirmed, held correct addressing FLSA claim, concluding voluntary submission their grievances arbitration barred them from asserting claims subsequent court action. Held : Petitioner's by prior contractual dispute-resolution procedures. Pp. 734-746. (a) rights petitioners seek assert independent process. Such devolve on as individual workers, members union, waivable. While courts should defer arbitral where employee's is based arising out agreement, different considerations apply statute, FLSA, designed provide minimum substantive guarantees workers. Cf. Alexander v. Gardner-Denver Co., 415 36, 94 1011, 39 147. 734-741. (b) There two reasons why right overtime pay might be lost if his precluded him later bringing suit federal court. First, even meritorious, might, breaching reasonably good faith decide support vigorously arbitration. Second, when has fairly fully presented still adequately protected. Because arbitrator effectuate intent parties, rather than enforce he may issue ruling inimical public policies underlying thus depriving employee protected rights. Furthermore, procedures less protective judicial procedures, but arbitrators very often powerless grant aggrieved employees broad range relief. Under can award fees, whereas authorized provisions 742-745. 8th Cir., 615 F.2d 1194, reversed. David C. Vladeck, Washington, D. C., petitioners. S. Walton Maurras, Fort Smith, Ark., respondents. Justice BRENNAN delivered opinion Court. 1 this case whether bring district court, violation Act, 52 Stat. 1060, amended, 29 U.S.C. 201 seq., after having unsuccessfully same facts union's 2 * employed at Little Rock terminal Arkansas-Best Freight Systems, Inc., interstate carrier freight. In accordance regulations Arkansas-Best's employment practices, conduct before commencing any trip, transport truck failing See 49 CFR §§ 392.7, 392.8 (1980). compensated complying these requirements.1 3 Pursuant between Local 878 International Brotherhood Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Warehousemen Helpers, petitioner Barrentine another driver series against Arkansas-Best.2 Art. 50 which requires compensate drivers "for all [its] service,"3 time.4 final binding 44 agreement.5 committee, composed three representatives employer, App. 22. 4 March 1977, United States Eastern Arkansas.6 first count complaint, seq.,7 accordingly fees.8 second count, president apparently entering into "side deal" regarding time. With respect 5 representation claim. it conceded "the evidence seems . predominate favor finding there side agreement" alleged, found existence did itself give rise breach because labor laws permit "parties own actions [to] fill gaps always arise written instrument you multiplicity situations practices." Pet. Cert. 8a, 9a. This affirmed unanimous panel Eighth Circuit, 1202 (1980), challenged here.9 one judge dissenting, merits Emphasizing national policy encourages disputes, stated "wage disputes subject collective bargaining so provides least knowingly voluntarily submit terms agreement." Id., 1199. Finding arbitration, concluded subsequently federal-court 1199-1200. We granted certiorari, 449 819, 70, 66 20 reverse. II 7 Two aspects tension case. first, reflected statutes governing relationships employers unions, negotiation conditions through second, employees, covered specific A arises parties make entitlement 8 favoring industrial self-government expressed National Relations 1935, 151 seq. (the Wagner Act). It received further expression definition Management 1947, 141 Taft-Hartley Predicated assumption workers little, any, power, "by pooling economic strength acting organization freely chosen majority, appropriate unit most effective means improvements wages, hours, working conditions," NLRB Allis-Chalmers Mfg. 388 175, 180, 87 2001, 2006, 18 1123 (1967), reflect Congress' determination improve well-being promote peace, interests some subordinated majority co-workers. Vaca Sipes, 386 171, 182, 903, 912, 17 842 (1967); 159(a). established system rule 9 "protected sake minimizing strife 'by encouraging practice procedure bargaining.' 151." Emporium Capwell Co. Western Addition Community Org., 420 50, 62, 95 977, 984, 43 12 (1975). 10 To policy, Congress declared 11 "[f]inal adjustment method agreed upon desirable settlement over application or interpretation existing 173(d). Thus, ordinarily collectively bargained-dispute resolution parties' dispute See, e. g., Hines Anchor Motor Freight, 424 554, 562-563, 96 1048, 1055-1056, 47 231 (1976); Gateway Coal Mine Workers, 414 368, 377-380, 629, 636-638, 38 583 (1974); Republic Steel Corp. Maddox, 379 650, 652-653, 85 614, 616-617, 13 580 (1965); Steelworkers Enterprise Wheel & Car Corp., 363 593, 596, 80 1358, 1360, 1424 (1960); Warrior Gulf Navigation 574, 577-578, 582-583, 1347, 1352-1353, 1409 American Manufacturing 564, 566, 568, 1343, 1345, 1346, 1403 Textile Workers Lincoln Mills, 353 448, 458-459, 77 923, 922, 972 (1957).10 Respondents contend aspect affirmance Appeals. note "any controversy" resolved n. 5, supra. processed those made unchallenged doing so. Accordingly, conclude component court.11 14 reject argument. Not suited bargaining. statute 15 These basis our 147 (1974). case, petitioner, black employee, been discharged allegedly producing too many defective parts. Claiming discharge racially motivated, asked pursue forth so, relying nondiscrimination clause just cause. brought Title VII Civil Rights 1964 arbitrator. summary judgment holding bound adverse decision. affirmed. 16 reversed, trial de novo foreclosed discrimination enacting VII, nonwaivable, law equal opportunities separate distinct created "majoritarian processes" 51, S.Ct., 1021. Moreover, access courts, provided inadequate forum enforcement rights, novo.12 would distinguish ground wages subjects heart process, particularly well bargained But contention misperceives nature claim.13 principal congressional purpose 1938 protect substandard oppressive "labor [that are] detrimental maintenance standard living necessary health, efficiency general workers." 202(a).14 contrast minimize collectively, protections ensure each receive " '[a] day's work' evil 'overwork' 'underpay.' Overnight Transportation Missel, 316 572, 578, 62 1216, 1220, 86 L.Ed. 1682 (1942), quoting 81 Cong.Rec. 4983 (1937) (message President Roosevelt).15 19 scheme grants courts. Section 16(b) 216(b), contains provisions, permits hour "in State competent jurisdiction." No exhaustion requirement other procedural barriers up, no referred statute.16 Court's decisions interpreting frequently emphasized nonwaivable Act. we cannot abridged contract otherwise waived "nullify purposes" thwart legislative effectuate. Brooklyn Savings Bank O'Neil, 324 697, 707, 65 895, 902, 89 1296 (1945); see A. Schulte, Inc. Gangi, 328 108, 114-116, 925, 928, 929, 90 1114 (1946); Walling Helmerich Payne, 323 37, 42, 11, 14, (1944); supra, 577, 1219; 785.8 (1974).17 congressionally take precedence conflicting arrangement. Martino Michigan Window Cleaning 327 173, 177-178, 379, 381-382, 603 Harnischfeger 325 427, 430-432, 1246, 1248-1249, 1711 Jewell Ridge 161, 166-167, 170, 1063, 1066-1068, 1534 (1945).18 As Tennessee Coal, Iron R. Muscoda 123, 321 590, 602-603, 64 698, 705-706, 88 949 (1944) (footnote omitted): 21 "The codify perpetuate [industry] customs contracts. intended, instead, achieve uniform guaranteeing work engaged Any custom falling short basic like requirements, utilized deprive rights."19 22 Wage invariably unions employees. Since objective maximize overall members, receives best deal available, cf.Gardner-Denver, U.S., 58, 19, 1024, balancing validly employees' statutorily benefits sacrificed alternative expenditure resources result increased whole.20 23 "specialized competence pertains primarily shop, land," id., 57, 1024; 581-582, conversant FLSA.21 typically involve complex mixed questions fact law—e. what constitutes "regular rate," "workweek," "principal" "preliminary postliminary" activities. must light volumes history four decades legal administrative rulings. Although resolve preliminary factual questions, "punched in" said did, lack ultimate violated.22 24 though particular interpret law, authority do An arbitrator's power both derived from, limited by, Gardner-Denver, 53, 1022. He "has invoke conflict bargain parties." Ibid. His task construing meaning parties. 25 "[i]f 'solely view requirements enacted legislation,' 'exceeded scope submission,' will enforced." Ibid., 597, 1361. 26 rights.23 27 Finally, 57-58, 1024-1025, costs. 216(b). arbitrator, contrast, provision "is confined "award legitimate long draws essence unlikely III 28 sum, organization. intended minimum-wage forum, hold Gardner-Denver: "In submitting seeks vindicate By filing lawsuit [the statute], asserts accorded Congress. distinctly vitiated merely violated occurrence. And certainly inconsistency results permitting enforced respectively forums." 49-50, 1020-1021. 30 Reversed. 31 Chief BURGER, whom REHNQUIST joins, dissenting. 32 today moves—rather blithely, me, unnecessarily—in direction counter needs contrary system. does theory advances careful analysis reveals Congress, anything, mandated contrary. funds appropriated Executive Branch, Department Justice, Judicial Branch undertaken studies pilot programs remove routine relatively modest-sized Today, moves precisely opposite direction, ignoring objectives common sense situation. toward making small constitutional concept special jurisdiction. 33 I agree, course, 206, workers' direct worker (1945). agree creates private cause wage. 16, 216. different—indeed, totally proposition say enforcing outside costly, cumbersome process and, specifically, arm's-length bind themselves—as here—to controversy arise." 24, litigation necessarily either nonwaivable; holdings countless state contracts arbitrate placed doubt. "[T]he question depends intention manifested statute." 705, 901. 34 Unfortunately, neither nor amicus curiae point clear answer hornbook however, strong resolving disputes. 201(b), 203(d), 171(b), 173(d); Norris-LaGuardia 8, 108. acknowledged past. 4, 1350, 918-919, (1957). pays lipservice ante, 734-736, then—paradoxically—ignores 35 wise obvious: costly consuming, more judges adapted nuances shops factories shop stewards, business agents, managerial supervisors, traditional ad hoc panels factfinders. 1352-1353. together persons actually involved workplace, assisted neutral experienced matters, swiftly cheaply. mechanism promotes harmony avoids strikes conflicts; swift, fair, inexpensive remedy. 36 extrajudicial methods areas well. flooded increasing volume, length, variety novel forms,1 Institute leadership Attorney General Griffin Bell, 1979 launched multimillion-dollar program field test mediation neighborhood level could fashion satisfactory Neighborhood Centers Field Test: Final Evaluation Report 7-8 study—and similar financed sources2—confirmed suspected: satisfaction employing cumbersome, time-consuming, expensive processes litigation.3 recommended study implementation Test, 108-109. recognized problem studies. Dispute Resolution 17. 37 rejecting simple thereby rejects followed half century throughout relations now being applied reach strange result, relies compels today's holding. 1964, 42 2000e aimed workplace free discrimination, racial otherwise. That fundamental waiver negotiated union. obviously vast difference allegations settling typical here expressly minorities women, happily receding,4 led forbid employers. 2003e-2(c). Against background aware that, context sometimes adversary Plainly, comport behind seeking civil allow forces practiced away For reached combination perpetuated invidious foxes guardians chickens. Even beyond historical observed likely needed experience issues "whose language given reference concepts." 1024. Leaving unfamiliar undermined protect. "tension" seen 734, simply present here. 40 entirely context. setting, allies, united individually collectively. distorts possibility members' dispute. Ante, 742. If rare exception arose, protection abundantly available way representation. (1967).5 41 Despite view, 743-744, driver's vehicle taking road, facility constituted "compensable time" "Federal Laws," (petitioner Barrentine's grievance), disposition following factors relevant: mandated, regulation, 392.7 (1980); regulation places responsibility inspect directly; (c) benefit public; 45 (d) wages; 46 (e) produced rate above wage, presumably took account requirements. elementary falls within exists agreements, channels years movement developed acceptable sides who familiar [and] demands norms relations." generalizations about powers arbitrators, 744-745, irrelevant; whatever confer them. Here, extends arise," (emphasis added). Surely covered. 48 Allowing party unilaterally resort established, simplified, available—and desired, here, union—can increase costs consume unnecessarily. makes sound read Gardner-Denver—written case—to govern matter traditionally entrusted unaware people's patience wearing thin. Its runs every exhortation Judiciary, Executive, urging establishment mechanisms keep matters kind Pound Conference: Perspectives Future passim (West Pub. 1979); Bar Assn., Conference Minor Disputes (1978). Government, noted earlier, millions dollars experimenting simpler Approving first-class second-class means. tailoring involved." Disputes, Joint Hearings Subcommittee Courts, Liberties, Administration Justice. House Committee Consumer Protection Finance, Interstate Foreign Commerce, 96th Cong., 1st Sess., (1979) (testimony Assistant Meador). ought oblivious desperately changes inundated handled cheaply methods. Upon arriving begin "punch timeclock perform certain office work. hourly rate. After completing work, out," locate vehicle, inspection. passes inspection, proceeds trip driving circumstances. pass timeclock. approximately 15-30 minutes elapse out" driver, J. N. Scates, longer litigation. Article states part: "All Agreement shall service Employer. Rates minimums. Time computed ordered report registers until effectively released duty. payment rate." 27. addition 21. contention, Judge Heaney, dissenting Appeals, "no arbitration." 1203 (CA8 1980). need Unions strikes, lockouts, tieups, proceedings using possible Agreement, applicable, arise. taken up Employer Union involved. Failing apply: "(a) Where Multiple Committee, vote, settles appeal Southern Area Grievance Committee. 24-25. Plaintiffs included Barrentine, whose dismissed failure interrogatories, drivers. last never formally refused dismiss complaints exhaust internal futile denial grievance. "treat[ed] named plaintiffs considered denied." 6a. treatment appeal. F.2d, 1197, 3. depend grievances, address correctness approach issue. principally relied 6(a) 1062, 206(a), provides: "Every workweek commerce production goods commerce, rates: ." Alternatively, Portal-to-Portal 1947 amendments 61 86, 254, Except subsection section, liability punishment 1938, "(1) walking, riding, traveling place performance activity activities perform, "(2) postliminary activities, occur workday commences "(b) Notwithstanding section relieve activity, relieved either— express nonwritten effect, agent, representative employer; employed, covering inconsistent contract, effect employer." 3-7. 1069, "Any violates [minimum wage] title liable affected amount unpaid additional damages. shall, plaintiff plaintiffs, fee defendant, action." literally, require question, since "[t]here [inspecting vehicle] business." 4a. Nonetheless, obliged let stand conclusion, literal appeared cover disputed 1198. 184, 913, manner Only tainted, 567, 1057; 186, 914. affirmance, respondents failed comply "No [FLSA action] unless gives consent writing become brought." suit, nonclass action, satisfied signed sets interrogatories. U. Bulk Carriers, Arguelles, 400 351, 357, 91 409, 412, 456 (1971) (seaman Seaman's previously pursued remedies procedures); McKinney Missouri-Kansas-Texas 357 265, 268-270, 78 1222, 1224, 1225, 1305 (1958) (employee returning military seniority Universal Military Training Service components "preliminary" amendments, 254. Steiner Mitchell, 350 247, 76 330, 100 267 (1956). 4(b)(1) 254(b)(1), "time Employer" Third, "an [collective agreement]," 4(b)(2) 254(b)(2), "a effect" terminals whereby threshold then, "activities [their] activity," 254(a)(2), conducted inspections vehicles. inquiry "are integral indispensable part [petitioners] employed." 256, 335 (changing clothes showering dangerously caustic toxic materials); Mitchell King Packing 260, 263, 337, 339, 282 (1956) (knife sharpening butchers meatpacking plant); 790.7, 790.8 follow, construction "detrimental" endanger health consequently interfere commerce. Darby, 312 100, 109-110, 451, 454-455, 609 (1941); 202(a). mandatory language, "[e]very rates. 7(a)(2) 207(a)(2), employ forty hours excess specified one-half times regular encourage 709, (1945), permitted sue back damages fees addition, empowered Secretary 216(c), 217. 216(c). "[N]othing knowledge act authorizes us decisive weight declarations bargaining." Bay Operating Aaron, 334 446, 463, 68 1186, 1195, 92 1502 (1948). "[E]mployees deprived represented agents." 167, 1066. true includes number references agreements. Muscode 602, 18, 18. Sections 7(b)(1) (2) 207(b)(1) (2), maximum, pursuance [containing maximum provisions] certified bona fide Board." 3(o) 203(o), excludes "hours worked" changing washing beginning end workday" noncompensable "under 4(a)(2) "postliminary" compensable. 207(e)(7), (f). plaintiff's exceptions, assume deciding relevant exceptions. wholly independently deference inappropriate. Humphrey Moore, 375 335, 349, 84 363, 371, 370 (1964) ("we ready find agent's position individuals represents supporting group another"); Ford Huffman, 345 337-339, 73 681, 685-687, 97 1048 (1953). substantial proportion lawyers," 18; Bernhardt Polygraphic 198, 203, 273, 276, 199 (1956), committees, drawn ranks management leadership. evidentiary bearing decided admitted evidence, "[w]e adopt standards decision, determined court's discretion regard circumstances Relevant include conform substantially degree fairness adequacy record arbitrators. full consideration [statutory] properly accord great weight. especially solely fact, specifically adequate record. 60, 21, 1025, crucial incorporates remains regardless to, duplicative of, secured statute]." 53-54, 1022-1023. filings fiscal year 1960 59,284; 1980 168,789, 184.7%. increases numbers judges, cases per risen 35.1%, 242 327. Annual Director, Administrative Office Courts During period, appeals docketed rose 3,899 23,200, 495.0%, caseload 172 527, 206.4%. 1. Resolution, Yale L. 905 (1979). 1976 joined Justices Association sponsor conference search ways improving justice, emphasis 1979). Of 3,947 "cases"—i. e., matters—voluntarily centers cities (Atlanta, Kansas City, Los Angeles), 45% form, hearing placing contact other. came days weeks. Interviews disputants 63% mediated six months later. complainants respondents, 88% experience; 80% 83% reached. two-thirds felt kept bargain, fewer 30% problems arisen. 45-50. Weber, 443 193, 1, 99 2721, 2725, 480 (1979), sources cited therein; 218, 2735 (BURGER, J., dissenting). Indeed, complaint 7. oral ruling, 12a, 8a-11a. findings clearly erroneous.

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