Document: 356 U.S. 634 78 S.Ct. 932 2 L.Ed.2d 1030 INTERNATIONAL UNION, UNITED AUTOMOBILE, AIRCRAFT AND AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WORKERS OF AMERICA (UAW-CIO), an Unincorporated Labor Organization, and Michael Volk, Individual, Petitioners,v.Paul RUSSELL. No. 21. Argued Dec. 11, 12, 1957. Decided May 26, 1958. Rehearing Denied June 30, See 357 944, 1379. Mr. J. R. Goldthwaite, Jr., Atlanta, Ga., for petitioners. Norman W. Harris, Decatur, Ala., respondent. Justice BURTON delivered the opinion of Court. 1 The issue before us is whether a state court, in 1952, had jurisdiction to entertain action by employee, who worked industry affecting interstate commerce, against union its agent, malicious interference with such employee's lawful occupation. In United Construction Workers v. Laburnum Corp., 347 656, 657, 74 833, 834, 98 L.Ed. 1025, we held that Congress not 'given National Relations Board exclusive over subject matter common-law tort damages as preclude appropriate court from hearing determining issues where conduct constitutes unfair labor practice' under Management Act, 1947, or amended.1 For reasons hereafter stated, uphold courts this case did case. This was instituted Circuit Court Morgan County, Alabama, Paul S. Russell, respondent, petitioners, International Union, Automobile, Aircraft Agricultural Implement America, CIO, unincorporated organization, here called union, together other parties now Russell maintenance electrician employed Calumet Hecla Consolidated Copper Company (Wolverine Tube Division) at $1.75 hour earned approximately $100 week. bargaining agent certain employees Division but member nor he applied membership. 3 allegations his amended complaint may be summarized follows: on behalf it represented, strike commence July 18, 1951. To prevent hourly paid entering plant during strike, thus make effective, petitioners maintained picket line 18 September 24, located along public street which only means ingress egress plant. consisted persons standing walking compact circle across entire traveled portion street. Such pickets, force numbers, threats bodily harm damage property, prevented him reaching gates. At least one striker took hold Russell's automobile. Some pickets stood walked front automobile manner block impossible him, others similarly situated, enter also contained second count same general effect alleging unlawfully conspired do acts above described. 4 further alleged willfully maliciously caused lose time work August 22, 1951, earnings would have received been going accordingly, claimed compensatory loss mental anguish, plus punitive damages, total sum $50,000. 5 Petitioners filed plea jurisdiction. They controversy exclusion court. trial overruled demurrer plea. However, Supreme Alabama reversed upheld even though charged violation § 8(b)(1)(A) Federal Act.2 258 Ala. 615, 64 So.2d 384. 6 On remand, petitioners' again sustained. went jury resulted verdict judgment amount $10,000, including damages. appeal, reaffirmed Court's It affirmed merits, holding proved wrongful 264 456, 88 175. Because importance jurisdictional issue, granted certiorari. 352 915, 77 213, 121. 7 There much conflict testimony what place connection picketing those conflicts were resolved favor Russell.3 Accepting view evidence most favorable entitled conclude did, mass violence, engaging employment 22. could found available within if desiring entry, excluded force, strikers.4 leaves no significant fact decision here. principal law pre-empted vested exclusively Board. 8 outset, note union's activity clearly protected federal law. Indeed conducted enjoined courts. Youngdahl Rainfair, Inc., 355 131, 206, 151; Auto, Agr. Wisconsin Employment Board, 351 266, 76 794, 100 1162. 9 case, supra, intimidation demanded recognition entitled. manner, employer using regular forced abandon construction contract consequent profits. Virginia about $30,000 $100,000 petition certiorari, court's judgment. We assumed constituted Act. Nevertheless, Act expressly impliedly deprive right 10 similar many respects. each, awarded practice. situations are comparable except that, instant authorized, 10(c) award back pay circumstances. assume, purpose argument, authority Russell.5 assert possibility partial relief distinguishes Laburnum. our has made distinction not, either deprived victim kind involved rights all suffered. 11 Section upon must rely, gives limited employees. material provisions following: 12 'If preponderance taken shall any person named engaged practice, then findings cause served order requiring cease desist take affirmative reinstatement without pay, will effectuate policies Act: Provided, That directs required be, responsible discrimination suffered * *.' 61 Stat. 147, 29 U.S.C. 160(c), U.S.C.A. 160(c). 13 If present otherwise prohibited Acts, certainly 10(c). section far being express grant superseding actions, recover tortious union. award, first convinced 'effectuate policies' 'The remedy remembered, entrusted Baord's discretion; mechanically compelled Act.' Phelps Dodge Corp. 313 177, 198, 845, 854. power s merely incidental primary stop practices. establish scheme authorizing full injuries conduct. 666 667, 838—839. Electric & Power Co. 319 533, 543, 63 1214, 1220, speaking Board's relief, said: 14 reimbursement (which dues checked off dominated union) redress private wrong. Like order, does restore some measure them because Company's this, both these types monetary awards somewhat resemble compensation injury, constantly remembered remedies created statute—the explicitly implicitly concept effectuation Act—which designed aid achieving elimination industrial conflict. vindicate public, private, rights. Cf. Agwilines, Inc. Cir., 87 F.2d 146, 150, 85 1271. reason erroneous characterize penal adjudication tort. equally wrong fetter discretion compelling observe conventional common chancery principles fashioning inquire into actually Whether extent matters should considered complex problem decide light administrative experience knowledge.' Laburnum, distinguishing Garner Teamsters, etc. 346 485, 161, 228, 15 'To prescribed preventive procedure practices, recognized conflicting end. extent, however, dealing consequences already committed, there ground concluding existing criminal penalties liabilities eliminated. care demonstrate between was, itself, existed, survived.' page 665, 838. 16 lost pay. create 'conflict' referred Our cases distinguishable. concerned lest forum enjoin, illegal, find legal, restrict exercise guaranteed Acts.6 17 not. nothing inconsistent employee wages law, necessary purposes allowed discretion, incidently provide victims mean necessarily intended discretionary constitute pattern money injuries. Nor think remedy, altered duties affirmatively established Congress. 19 back-pay alternative suit earnings. commonlaw tortfeasor cut off, unions substantial immunity coercion 20 situation illustrated supposing, car turned resulting personal injury him. Under presumably recovered medical expenses, pain suffering property items recovery beyond scope remedial orders. Following reasoning adopted believe pre-empted. Ass'n Machinists Gonzales, 617, S,.ct. 923. can see difference, purposes, expenses wages. recover, courts, cannot fairly said clearer declaration congressional policy than Of course, collect duplicate 21 Punitive well-settled form when willful Penney Warren, 217 120, 115 So. 16. nature, more Acts. Republic Steel 311 7, 10—12, 77, 78—79, 6. impose sanctions approved included police State also, 274, 799, 22 Accordingly, affirmed. 23 Affirmed. 24 BLACK part consideration 25 Chief WARREN, whom DOUGLAS joins, dissenting. 26 Taft-Hartley State's assess denying worker access economic strike—conduct subjects correction practice 8(b)(1) (A). specifically provided States circumstances, sanctioned course clear. specific words manifest, 336 245, 252, 69 516, 520, 93 651, guided regulation established. consistent 27 clear legislative history subjecting intention impairing traditional powers punish instances offensive leading termed 'such traditionally local safety use streets highways.' Allen-Bradley Local 315 740, 749, 62 820, 825, 86 1154. Both proponents critics conceded practices include 'constituting State,'1 'illegal Law,'2 'punishable law,'3 nature 'the main conditions prosecution better enforcement.'4 role lawmakers they 'two remedies'5 violent example, Senator Taft explaining Senate import responded suggestion 'result duplication laws': 28 'I say arguments suggested provision covered violence duplicated I wish point out agreed committee covering might Secondary boycotts, strikes, so forth, involve respecting criminal, duplicating But my opinion, valid argument.'6 (Emphasis added.) frequent reference continuing prescribe punishments defined sharp contrast absence 30 reliable indication intent, lead result will. fetters Hill Florida, 325 538, 65 1373, 89 1782, counterpart regulatory scheme, Union Automobile O'Brien, 339 454, 70 781, 94 978, duplicates remedies, Teamsters 228. determine 'stands obstacle accomplishment execution objectives Congress.' Hines Davidowitz, 312 52, 67, 399, 404, 581. frustrate expressed implied fall. here—a certified representative nonstriker striking members denied tested standard. 31 deny individuals physical inflicted regulated Act.7 majority's illustration involving facts sort therefore beside point. imply like forms loss. unprovoked infliction period unrest neither expected justified, inevitably attends stoppages. Furthermore, assessed regard merits controversy, fix responsibility consider whole background status dispute. As consequence, precedents examples inapposite sustained 32 majority assumes argument compensate so, afforded objections voiced dissent Association 623, 926. unnecessary rely particular view, Even assume respondent circumstances existence gap legislation license fashion correctives. Guss Utah 353 1, 598, 601. represents attempt balance competing interests management. By providing additional upset effectively frustrating ones. 33 State-court impact objection want uniformity introduces regulation. Unquestionably sought uniform national approving state-court assures violating vary availability constituent elements given procedures rules essential vindication. one. Several outlawed severely restricted recoveries.8 Those still wide differences end exaction terms imposed.9 34 multitude tribunals imposing unfavorable achieve. Especially plaintiff seeking vague nonexistent. Differing attitudes toward organizations expression verdicts returned jurors various localities. provincialism engender direct opposition single body nationwide administer code inescapable content application laws, State. basic 35 scant attention pays large proportion plaintiff's judgment10 disguise serious posed recovery.11 element deterrence inherent imposition ordinarily makes repugnant prospect liability concerted activities influence disputes. very real staggering accumulated through successive actions injured succumbed emotion frequently accompanies unrest. threat render too risky undertake. Must resorts lockout succession recoveries hands employees? deterrent serves paralleling precisely sensitive area relations preemption doctrines avoid. 36 vices recovery. A Wagner Acts promote peace.12 Consistent aim tribunals, calculated bring disputes speedy conclusion. discourages resort curative features pertinent aims legislation. one, unlikely seek cease-and-desist quickly terminate assured lucrative well. 37 jurisdictions, theory variance instructed defendant 'actuated ill-will' 'smart money' (punitive damages) 'for making smart *.'13 controversies enough devices another 'smart' putting stamp approval another. conceive disruptive congenial arming management potential 'smarting' exemplary element, climate relations. Each new step proceedings rekindles animosity. Until final constant source friction parties. nearly six years since filed. numerous awaiting outcome portend bitterness settled warned Constr. 671, 841, 'drags keeping old wounds open, robbing healing effects have.' 38 places reliance supra. joined decision, understanding differs stranger contractual While mining properties used AFL laborers pursuant collective contract. field Workers, affiliate Mine informed foreman working 'Mine territory,' sole Otherwise, threatened, 'close down' work. t ultimatum Laburnum's employ belonged Plaintiff refused. few days later appeared job site 'rough, boisterous crowd' variously estimated 40 150 men. drunk. carried guns knives. Plaintiff's join 'we kick you here.' workers yielded mob. refused subjected until afraid proceed their discontinue lost. sued profits interference, recovering damages.14 39 three crucial First, strike. Since refrain complains, offers machinery correct it. hand, fortuitously. Damages relationship performed. defendants chose happened committed variety way simply holds immunize himself having relation adopts transgress comprehensive discourage invoking employees.15 tolerated employer's interest derivative, dissuade employees, directly concerned, activity. Second, employed, incident enforce wage demands. Thus, grows ordinary Continued litigation. contract, claim membership worker. suit, need concern impair. attempting coerce pressures, ranks. predatory forays disfavored undertaken peaceful picketing, engage crude 41 Finally, entirely different results employer, exacted probably defendant's Where wronged, dozens conduct, each own demand thirty suits claiming damages.16 Whatever States, seems previous inadmissible defense subsequent conduct.17 series well recoveries. pending $1,500,000, fraction added certainty legal entailed defending suits. vicarious members' ill-advised lines, judgments reduce bankruptcy, perform represents. approve risk exact require. 42 From foregoing attributes extravagant proportions, controlling judgment, allowing seeks implement. impels me dissent. 136, 141, 141. violate provides: '(b) organization agents— '(1) restrain (A) 7: paragraph impair respect acquisition retention therein 158(b)(1)(A), 158(b)(1)(A). Among instructions following requested petitioners: '5. charge unless reasonably satisfied proximate (respondent's) inability Decatur 1951 (petitioners) (respondent) plant, period, return (respondent). '6. complained occurred, natural acts, your (petitioners).' jury, statement: 'If, after considering you, doing charged, actuated malice ill-will, unlawful alleged, addition actual any, give sake example punishing smart, exceeding complaint. 'In authorize fixing willfulness wantonness reckless disregard person.' it, 400 attended meetings gates o'clock morning. crowd 1,500 2,000 people, 400, near shift due report a.m. Between 700 800 automobiles parked led ended strikers, carrying signs feet apart, moved extending completely Adjacent point, group changed circle. side street, 50 people. Many came, bringing lunches, expection day usual. tried reach crowd, proceeded slowly line. felt drag stopped. stopped, regional director came said, salaried, go in. hourly, go.' nevertheless edged entrance someone out, 'He's try through.' Another yelled, 'Looks we're turn get rid him,' several 'Turn over.' No attempted blocked progress. He remained half. time, ease forward but, car, touching car. When became running somebody getting over, home. plant's offices open salaried throughout operate company During next five weeks kept touch unchanged entrance, set securing signatures wished resume work, After obtaining 200 signatures, presented 18. 20, advertised newspaper operations. All highway patrol officers convoyed 230 reporting among immediately put Thereafter, difficulty run switch engine yard cars containing copper ingots. engine, met strikers path. One pulled engine's ignition key threw away. Others fan belts, air hoses spark plug wires, removed distributor head disabled brakes. rolled crew mission accomplished. occasion. wrongfully termination status, interferes remains times employee. re Furniture 84 N.L.R.B. 563, 565. acknowledged Progressive 187 298, 306—307, adhered cases. E.g., 983, 1123. contend interpretation rationale 1271, 1568. 92 916, 920 (dissenting opinion); Electrical, Radio Machine 95 391, 392, n. 3. question pass See, e.g., San Diego Bldg. Trades Council Garmon, 607, 618 (involving injunction picketing); Amalagamated Meat Cutters, Fairlawn Meats, 23, 604, 605, 613 (same); Arkansas Oak Flooring Co., 62, 75, 559, 566, 941 etc., 498—500, 169—171, 228 Weber Anheuser-Busch, 348 468, 475—476, 479—481, 75 480, 487—488, 99 546 Amalgamated Street, Elec. Motor Coach Employees, (Bus Employees) 340 383, 394—395, 398—399, 71 359, 365, 367—368, 364 statute restricting of, arbitration by, utility employees); 456—459, 782—783, 978 requiring, condition precedent, vote majority); La Crosse Telephone 24—26, 379, 382—383, 463 certification unit bargaining); Bethlehem New York 330 767, 773—776, 67 1026, 1029 1031, 91 1234 Florida ex rel. Watson, 541—543, 1374—1375, 1782 eligibility representative). Cong.Rec. 4024. S.Rep.No. 105 1126, Supp.Views, 80th Cong., 1st Sess. 50. 4019. 4432. 4437. Hall Walters, 226 S.C. 430, S.E.2d 729, certiorari 349 953, 881, 1277; McDaniel Textile Tenn.App. 236, 254 S.W.2d 1. Louisiana, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Washington allow Indiana forbids punishable criminally. Connecticut limits McCormick, Damages, 78. Note, Harv.L.Rev. 517. extra feelings. jurisdictions deter rather compensate, permit costs answer agent's authority. list exhaustive. §§ 78—85. per week weeks. Therefore, $9,500 $10,000 'mental anguish.' N.L.R.B., 6, overstepped conferred reimburse Work Projects Administration discharged subsequently WPA projects. payment penalty concluded penalty. discussion directed 151, 151. 632. 194 Va. 872, 694. invoked investigative An 'any CFR, 1955 Cum.Supp. 102.9. York, Haven H.R. 350 155, 160, 227, 230, 166. Petitioner supplied abeyance Unless noted Alabama. shown asked, composed relatively insubstantial loss-of-wages Petitioners' Appendices, pp. 7a—9a. Burl McLemore AFL-CIO, et al., 6150, Verdict $8,000. improper counsel. 170. 2. James Thompson Same, 6151, Appeal N. A. Palmer 6152, $18,450 4. Lloyd E. McAbee 6153, 5. Tommie F. Breeding 6154, David G. Puckett 6155, 7. Comer T. Junkins 6156, 8. Joseph Richardson 6157, 9. Cois Woodard 6158, 10. Millard Green 6159, 11. C. Hughes 6160, 12. Dillehay 6161, 13. Kirby 6162, 14. Cloyce Frost 6163, 15. L. Thompson, Jr. 6164, Glasscock, 6165, 17. Hoyt Penn 6166, Spencer Weinman 6167, 19. Hightower 6168, 20. Kilpatrick 6169, Charles Kirk 6170, Richard 6171, 23. Robert 6172, 24. H. Abercrombie 6173, 25. Tanner 6174, 26. Carroll 6175, 27. Ordell Garvey 6176, 28. Barran 6177, 29. 6178, Goodwin, 210 158. passenger streetcar collision. show growing properly excluded, 'in civil aspects act omission distinct unrelated wrongs it.' pages 658 659, 160. conceding logical relevancy recovery, rule introduction collateral verdict. Southern Sherrill, 232 184, 167 731. 82, Sutherland, 402 (4th ed., 1916), discussing prior punishment misfeasance.

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