Document: 437 U.S. 411 98 S.Ct. 2423 57 L.Ed.2d 313 AMERICAN BROADCASTING COMPANIES, INC., et al., Petitioners,v.WRITERS GUILD OF AMERICA, WEST, al. ASSOCIATION MOTION PICTURE AND TELEVISION PRODUCERS, Petitioner, v. WRITERS NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD, Nos. 76-1121, 76-1153 and 76-1162. Argued Dec. 5, 1977. Reargued March 20, 1978. Decided June 21, Syllabus Respondent union, which represents persons hired to perform writing functions for motion picture television films (hereinafter respondent), had collective-bargaining contracts with a producers association (petitioner in No. 76-1153) three networks (petitioners 76-1121). Among respondent's members are large number of (so-called "hyphenates") who engaged by petitioners primarily executive supervisory functions. Though the hyphenates, include various categories producers, directors, story editors, have minor tasks, these not covered contracts; only if hyphenates employed additional services rates therefor governed those contracts. In connection their regular, primary duties many represented unions other than respondent. anticipation an economic strike upon expiration its petitioners, respondent distributed rules members, including (to whom were made expressly applicable). The included prohibition against crossing picket line established at any entrance struck premise. After began, informed that they expected continue regular functions, though would be asked union contract. Thereafter notified hypenates returned work violated one or more rules, instances ban on line. ensuing disciplinary proceedings (at there was no proof performed recently expired contracts) imposed penalties hyphenates. Meanwhile network filed charges allegedly violating § 8(b)(1)(B) National Labor Relations Act, makes it unfair labor practice organization restrain coerce employer selection his representatives purposes collective bargaining adjustment grievances. extensive hearings, Administrative Law Judge findings hyphenates' performance grievance adjustment; insisted return work, but supervisory, rank-and-file, duties; reported did authority adjust grievances, when occasion arose. He found been because, keeping from deprived fully effective representatives. Board (NLRB) adopted conclusions, union's action under provision, issued remedial order Court Appeals denied enforcement. Held: Respondent's actions 8(b)(1)(B). Pp. 429-438. (a) ruling charge growing out discipline member elects during strike, NLRB must inquire whether sanction may adversely affect supervisor's grievance-adjustment tasks thereby contrary provision. See Florida Power & Light Co. Electrical Workers, 417 790, 94 2737, 41 477. 429-431. (b) NLRB's based substantial evidence coerced restrained reporting work; opportunity choose particular supervisors as strike; adequate basis concluding either after strike. Moreover, since showed, policy permit resign six months thereafter, could free supervisor further threats requiring him leave union. 431-437. 547 F.2d 159, reversed. Norton J. Come, Washington, D. C., petitioner Harry Keaton, Los Angeles, Cal., 76-1153. Charles G. Bakaly, 76-1121. Julius Reich, respondents each case. Lawrence Gold, AFL-CIO, amicus curiae special Court. Mr. Justice WHITE delivered opinion 1 issue this litigation is commits disciplines employee performing super isory duties, 2 * Writers Guild America, West, Inc. (hereafter employers production pictures films, 1973 certain about expire. Petitioner Association Motion Picture Television Producers, Inc., whose films. negotiation administration networks, NBC, CBS ABC, also negotiate administer 1973, both groups picketed premises, enforced own members. It gave rise 3 direction writers limited duties. These referred "hyphenates" editors.1 Although function write, do (referred contract "A H" functions) integral part between respondent.2 Only event assigned such which, exception noted, services, many, all, organizations Some contained no-strike clauses events involved herein occurred. Certain pressured honor pledges work. 4 Respondent, meanwhile, preparing kinds pressure keep working. preparation some 31 rules. among things, forbade act prejudicial welfare conduct tending defeat weaken effectiveness (Rule 1); prohibited all "from entrance" premises 12); entry required notice 13);3 obliged accept duty 28). Another rule 30), rescinded midway provided individual, writer-executive, rules.4 rules' applicability clear Rule 24: "All regardless capacity working, bound regulations same manner extent confine efforts writing." widely publicized, repeatedly emphasized, orally writing, enforce Nor hyphenate escape strictures resigning, policy, once way, withdrawal then following completion negotiations. 5 Petitioners, however, petitioners' operations continuing report Petitioners careful assure requested 6 went informing employers, responde t knew, producer, director, editor. Others refrained Between April November 8, 30 charged Most often, related Rules 1, 12, 13.5 Various trials ensued. proceedings, normal positions employed. There terminated As observed, "for most professed little interest what kind done strike" chose work.6 25 September 28, result proceedings. expulsions, suspensions, quite fines.7 7 Meanwhile, charges, General Counsel complaints charging violations 61 Stat. 141, 29 U.S.C. 158(b)(1)(B), provides "[i]t shall . grievances." Extensive hearings followed, ultimately recommending sustained making co clusions Board. 8 analysis concluded editors within meaning 2(11) 152(11). regularly task adjusting grievances.8 "It clear, has found, involves and, case distant location, engage organizations."9 Furthermore, record indicated "during where situation arose, dealt grievances employees worked or, event, available deal matters capacities arose."10 Significantly, none forbidding employer. During "not concerned working strike,"11 although easy determine facts testimony completed return. 9 ultimate factual conclusions "selected grievances";12 issuing engaging designed compel refrain "restrained managerial participation bargaining," thus "coerced Section 8(b)(1)(B)";13 charging, trying, disciplining who, "performed required, rank file work," "further employers" 8(b)(1)(B).14 10 arriving rejected claim 477 (1974) (FP&L ), result, saying "violated plain statute without necessity resort statutory exegesis."15 11 On exceptions supporting briefs, majority three-member panel Board, except respect,16 rulings, findings, Judge. reasoned FP&L, bargaining-unit extend cases ordinary supervisorial (including grievances). relied two decided subsequent FP&L: Chicago Typographical Union 16 (Hammond Publishers, Inc.), 216 N.L.R.B. 903 (1975); New York 6, International Union, AFL-CIO (Daily Racing Form, subsidiary Triangle N.L.R.B 896 (1975). 12 application review Board's enforce, divided Second Circuit enforcement brief per curiam indicating that, like dissenting considered supra, bar results reached 159 (1976). We granted petitions certiorari well because apparent conflict decision below decisions Courts recurring nature issue.17 430 982, 97 1677, 52 376 (1977). II 13 set greater detail comprehensive prohibitio restraining coercing representative was, until 1968, applied pressures exerted directly force into multiemployer unit otherwise dictate control choice purpose course administering existing San Francisco-Oakland Mailers' 18, (Northwest Publications, 172 2173 (1968), section prohibit member-supervisors he adjustment. "sought substitution attitudes rather persons, [employer] indirect direct means," fact interfered employer's over representative. "Realistically, Employer replace foremen face de facto nonrepresentation them." Oakland Mailers, 2173. 14 coercion through personnel continued evolve FP&L Illinois Bell18 District Columbia cases, disciplined supervisor-members rank-and-file behind companion Bell,19 Bell explicitly relied,20 infraction 8(b) (1)(B),construing "to selected will completely faithful desires" holding achieved "if method, action, can deviate interests employer."21 fashion, held fining doing stoppage "struck loyalty should able expect therefore representatives."22 15 overturned properly representatives, reasonably lines work: "When forsakes role ordinarily domain nonsupervisory employees, longer acting management merits immunity discipline." U.S.App.D.C., 286, 487 F.2d, 1157. This affirmed judgment Appeals: 17 "The conclusion inescapable constitute violat of, as, adjuster bargainer behalf employer." U.S., 804-805, S.Ct., 2745. 18 "even effect [union] carry functions," enough show deprive full allegiance over, purposes." Id., 807, 2746. Assuming deciding Mailers fell outer reaches 8(b)(1)(B), not, "certain adjustment, activities thereto, crossed work." 805, 19 Subsequent applying involving supervisor-members, directed attention, understood require, question Hammond supervisor-member Wisconsin River Valley Dist. Council (Skippy Enterprises, 218 1063 rested "carryover" influence hence interfere Triangle, N.L.R.B., 897; Hammond, 904. challenged courts, enforced, 176 U.S.App.D.C. 240, 539 242 (1976), Skippy 532 47 (CA7 1976).23 III 20 tried prior issuance Court's closed Appeals' final case; here handed down 24, 1974, before recommended decision. we already indicated, Judge, accepted duties;24 arose.25 analyzing pronoun ements never violation hold test prescribed here. His "designed going strike," might perform, ."26 By "coercing restraining" bargaining, "actually selecting employers' strike."27 "threatening blacklist perpetuity [and] drive [them] industry,"28 manner, bargaining. employer, turn, 21 according elaborated select grievance-adjusting representatives29 threatening embraced Judge,30 taken construed illegal others viola ed section. IV 22 cannot agree appears fundamental position questioning proposition picketing aimed debilitating Indeed, focusing section, delineated boundaries violate 8(b)(1)(B): whenever adjustor bargainer. situations is, impact felt—the 23 adjudicate very line, unlikely anticipated satisfied true circumstances 24 say every effort satisfy standards specified present necessarily iolation But view correctly mean may—indeed, addressed issues here, regard capable withstanding judicial review, seems us construction fairly recognizes respects "acceptable reading language reasonable implementation relevant sections." Iron 434 335, 441, 651, 656, 54 586 (1978). objects Act impermissibly intrudes right sanctions However, rights declares unrestrained freedom representative, dominate. Ample leeway accorded permitting member, even supervisor, work—to power purely inappropriate extension interference prerogative. so ruled, often observed " '[t]he striking [the] balance effectuate national difficult delicate responsibility, Congress committed subject review.' 350, 660, quoting Truck Drivers, 353 87, 96, 77 643, 647, 676 (1957); Insurance Agents, 361 477, 499, 80 419, 432, 454 (1960). Here, adjudicating intertwining moved new area regulation Congress, ibid., conclude assumed "fundamentally inconsistent structure sections upon." American Ship Building NLRB, 380 300, 318, 85 955, 967, 855 (1965); supra.31 V 26 unpersuaded infirm grounds submitted. First, urged insufficient showing carefully detailed intent positions, grievances.32 especially vulnerable them actually prevented sufficiently kept job, us, approaches frivolous argue support them. follows, concluded, being totally 27 Second, strenuously Again, unwilling differ respects. inquiry assert, matter probabilities, resolution depends much experience suggest justifiable inferences known facts. peculiarly determination Board: 28 "An administrative agency adversary commands occurred infer limits proven proven. One lead creation boards evidential experienced officials appreciation complexities entrusted administration." Republic Aviation Corp. 324 793, 800, 65 986, 89 L.Ed. 1372 (1945); Radio Officers 347 17, 48-49, 74 323, 339-340, 455 (1954). Erie Resistor Corp., 373 221, 227, 83 1139, 1144, 308 (1963); Teamsters 365 667, 675, 81 835, 839, (1961). "entitled greatest deference recognition competence dealing problems." 316, 966. does groundless lacking necessary adverse effect. Strike February; strikes began 24; ended July 12. 8—both strikes—some rules,33 closing reduced appeal. publicized time imposition. Other pending remained meted least accused complied orders empl yers Hyphenates faced actuality trial, severe simply jobs. And enough, threatened industry. How long remain job one, particularly predict. 32 back still appealing fines suspensions. At time, demanded, considering appeal personal sanctions. supervisors, felt wrath, controversy untenable diminished effectively range supervisors.34 Such tempted give side favorable slant while threat remained, pending. least, fined willingly answer call stoppage, near future.35 For insure having satisfactory require change 33 fr m now likely constitutes sufficient restraint declined invitation overrule again. willingness serve adjustors bargainers, fulfill functions; coerces representative.36 34 Third, later himself discipline. submission case, since, period thereafter. entire addressed, terminate membership, recourse 35 Carried logical end, another argument always insist affiliation discharge. Yet, posited plainly possibility arising accepted, sanctioning (as ) could, request, contrary, said, prepared juncture override it.37 36 Because unreasonable purposes, lacked evidence, reverse Appeals. 37 So ordered. 38 STEWART, BRENNAN, MARSHALL, STEVENS join, dissenting. 39 holds today locked confrontation powerless impose pledge adversary. Nothing provision permits radical alteration natural management. I respectfully dissent. 40 A ability maintain unified front confrontations "adher[e] enemy struggle" essential survival organization. Summers, Legal Limitations Discipline, 64 Harv.L.Rev. 1049, 1066 (1951). An securing represent dealings protected specific provisions Act.1 Thus, (FP&L), real concerns raised sides responsibilities "any solution generalized problem loyalties." 813, 2749. That enacted prohibiting exerting settlement S.Rep.No.105, 80th Cong., 1st Sess., pt. p. (1947). reserved affecting fall "outer limits" proscription flatly enforcing uniform ancillary "depriv[ing] 42 entirely notes, ante, 417-418, n. expressed lines. Its sole traditional relies solidarity potential hardship Cf. Allis-Chalmers Mfg. Co., 388 175, 181-184, 87 2001, 2007-2008, 1123. 43 reversing Appeals, forbids crosses line—who clearly gives "aid comfort enemy" see 1066—solely incidental depriving hypothetical duration superior responsibilities,2 belongs calls short, prevents calling strike.3 44 sweeping limitation weapons remedy want share belong union; welcome consequences supervisors' membership legally penalize activities, "resolv[e] conflicts arise procedures bargaining." 2749.4 45 protect way grant relationship supervisor-members.5 leaves equipoise. decision, contrast, tips measurably favor point confrontation, preventing enlisting aid effort. me Shipbuilding 953, 855. 46 Accordingly, affirm Executive help associate responsibility television. begins idea concept film series carries post-production stages filming. Directors principal photography film. They responsible employment crew actors employees. Story consultants, script consultants principally assist producer highly important scripts writers. individual judgment, initiative, supervisory. Approximately another, approximately editor category. finding was: executives excluded agreements parties acknowledged non-hyphenate agreements, hereinabove discussed) involved." (Footnote omitted.) App Pet. Cert. 76-1162, 35a. "shall person writer hereunder." 33a. provided: "Members entering discussion sale material employment, take Members viewing [S]hould find visit reason apart foregoing inform advance prospective visit." 36a-37a. "No writer-executive suspended instituted person." 38a. initial complaint letter stated, "because old misconstrued maintaining improper sanction, anathema Guild, ." assessment "In particular, mandatory indications encourage voluntary blacklist. [T]he it, impossible disentangle flowing actions." 69a-70a. typical following: "Specifically, you with: (1) Guild's March, April, May your business said company obtained pass enter premises; (2) rendered times (3) refusing Guild." 45a. 43a-44a. counsel, took lie given assurances noted tried: "Two expelled $50,000 each; $10,000; years $7,500; $5,000; $2,000; $100; $100. received wide publicity local press trade papers. appeals nine men [sic ] voted meeting drastically reduced. Apparently remaining respect hyphenate-members abeyance cases." 46a. found: directors craft actresses, similar situations. Producers writers, disputes editors." 26a. supervise producer. "Without distinguishing detail, occupying industries hire, terminate, responsibly recommend Act." 27a. With determined "hire actors, discharge director 28a. development ideas scripts. interview hiring advise concerning retained. "On series, participate dispute screen credits. buffer writer, ameliorating writer's distress rewritten. record, editor, consultant, ar 29a-30a. 57a. 60a. 59a. 62a. Ibid. 63a. addition Seventh seemingly odds IBEW, Local 134 242, 1113, rev'd rehearing en banc, 272, 1143 (1973), 134, 192 (1971) (Illinois IBEW Systems U-4, 193 ). 2150, Electric (1971). "We discernible difference reasons forth instant Bell, 86. 78. 31. Skippy, characterized amount minimal, 30% time. light presented element reasoning Skippy. note duties—the A-to-H functions—normally FP&L. attention App. 59a, respect. unexceptionable. premise issue. tasks. Valley. suggested contrary; authorized obviously attempting coercively before, after, grievance. 64a. 69a. reasoned, conclusion. "To illustrate: acts capacity, normally includes others. addition, shot location spot unions. Thus sought prevent, statute. Similarly, classifications normally, appear indicates actual strike." 63a-64a. adopt approach single above, foreseeable (1961), News Syndicate 695, 849, rest assumption illegally future. that: convincing aware management, hyphenate-members, drafted compelling done." Violations 13, alleged. 416-417, 3. determining exceeded limitations recognized adjustor, "he immune participating conceded oral agreed remains dividing context sharply defined easily understood." "[W]here cross merely deprives strikebreaking replacement employees." 47, 53 hand, "Where violates tends services—including services—and anticipate future meet approval." forever, successful. let go, unavoidably consistent "basic rationale [of [for] management's hollow indeed duties." 282, 283, 1153, 1154. court agreement Mexico Carpenters Joiners America (A. S. Horner, 177 500 (1969), enf'd, 1116 (CA10 1972), 284 19, 1155 19. fine compliance demands leaving "the Company 502. A. Horner "thus falls close original choosing." 284, argued erred director-hyphenates ever adjusted did. Hence, alleged possibly writers' simple adjust. adjust—at grievances—because replacements few strikebreakers. Nevertheless, others, Directors' subjected financial loss, less reliable strikes. itself represents. Organization Masters, Mates Pilots, Marine Division, 197 400 (1972), 11, 14, 486 1271, 1274 cert. denied, 416 956, 1970, 306 (1974), Pilots 554, 559-560 (CA5 1976). permanent blacklist—a refusal offending director—and revocation formal remove threat. central role, means permitted independent violations, brought trial disciplined. 29a. 2(3) excludes "supervisors" definition "employees," excluding coverage Act. concerted activity 14(a) "no compelled deem law relating 808-811, 2746-2748, Since indicia status "restrai [ed] includ[e] Ante, 431-432. Under rule, separate consisting commit ordered indeed, called own, chosen Alternatively, ease dilemma offering provide defense indemnify breach Several offers 42a. 2173, member-foremen assigning agreement. illusory happened occupy position. adhere 2745, best

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