Document: 348 U.S. 437 75 S.Ct. 489 99 L.Ed. 510 ASSOCIATION OF WESTINGHOUSE SALARIED EMPLOYEESv.WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC CORP. No. 51. Argued Nov. 17 and 18, 1954. Decided March 28, 1955. Rehearing Denied May 9, See 349 925, 657. [Syllabus from 437-438 intentionally omitted] Mr.David E. Feller, Washington, D.C., for petitioner. Mr. Mahlon Lewis, Pittsburgh, Pa., respondent. Justice FRANKFURTER announced the judgment of Court an opinion in which BURTON MINTON join. 1 Respondent is a Pennsylvania corporation engaged manufacture sale electrical equipment interstate commerce. Petitioner, unincorporated labor organization collective bargaining representative some 5,000 salaried employees at two respondent's plants, filed this suit against respondent United States District Western to enforce agreements then effect between it The was brought under § 301 Labor Management Relations Act 1947, 61 Stat. 156, 29 U.S.C. 185, U.S.C.A. Federal Declaratory Judgment Act, 62 964, as amended, 28 §§ 2201, 2202, 2202. 2 More specifically, petitioner alleged that contracts obligated pay represented by their full salary during April 1951, regardless whether they missed day's work, unless absence due 'furlough' or 'leave absence,' had violated deducting 4,000 those wages 3, when were absent. No reason who given absence, but not furlough leave absence. named made parties suit. Petitioner requested court interpret contracts, declare rights parties, compel make accounting (and name involved amounts unpaid salaries), enter favor individual wages. 3 moved dismiss complaint on three grounds: lacked jurisdiction over subject matter, wrong party plaintiff Fed.Rules Civ.Proc. 17(a), U.S.C.A., failed state claim upon relief could be granted. district held matter proper dismissed failure relief, without prejudice petitioner's right amend. It that, affirmative averments cause absences must assumed voluntary, did obligate voluntary absences. 107 F.Supp. 692. 4 Appeals Third Circuit, sitting en banc, judges dissenting, vacated court's order dismissing merits, directed dismissal lack jurisdiction. After stating 'is grant federal-question thus creates federal, substantive right' (210 F.2d 625) reviewing various theories explaining relationship union, employer agreement, adopted 'eclectic theory,' based primarily language J.I. Case Co. v. National Board, 321 332, 64 576, 88 762. contract, said Court, obligates include hire with each employee terms conditions been settled union employer, contract itself hire. Not until enters into performs services does become bound particular specified follows, if there breach case, employment paid. Section 301, other hand, grants federal courts only cases involving breaches employer. Therefore, concluded, 210 623. 5 dissenting agreed might well constitute hiring basis common-law suits employees. But deemed breach, any, also such cognizable 301. They concluded Rule 17(a) permitted sue alone, joinder employees, vindicate these class, being beneficiaries contracts. court, however, complaint, liable, since work alleged. page 630. 6 case here construction section Taft-Hartley has proved fertile source difficulty lower courts. 347 1010, 74 868, 98 1134. 7 1. In dealing enactment Act,1 necessary first ascertain its jurisdictional scope, more particularly, extends hand. Here, may infrequently question turns large measure what sources would required draw determining underlying parties—in deciding asserts. If Congress defined law authorized fashion judicial rules governing question, self-defeating limit scope power less than accomplish congressional aim. If, merely furnished forum enforcing body provide, serious constitutional problem lie threshold Moreover, function providing law, are good reasons finding despite broad wording intend confer type 8 meaning spontaneously yields, seem clear all give procedural directions 'When association happens appears before you litigant agreement,' told judges, 'treat though natural corporate legal person do so amount controversy require diversity citizenship.' 9 Since statute like organism, placed context legislation whole. So viewed, affords affected. While sections certain instances relevant actions binding States,2 no provision suggests general application theretofore available arising 10 This examination conclude English courts, is, any reading written drawing parliamentary debates. And considering we have found seems plain, so-called 'plain rule,' time rested likewise makes further inquiry needless indeed improper. rule dominated our decisions. contrary doctrine prevailed. Boston Sand & Gravel States, 278 41, 48, 49 52, 53, 54, 73 170; Dickerson, 310 554, 561, 60 1034, 1038, 84 1356. proceed legislative history see raises doubts search should limited itself. 11 Congressional concern obstacles surrounding litigation began manifest early 1943. session 78th thereafter numerous bills introduced proposing solutions, including incorporation,3 denial Wagner violators,4 creation action strikes acts violation contract,5 similar present 301.6 Only one these, 'Case bill,' acted upon. bill, passed both Houses 1946, fail through President Truman's veto, included somewhat section. That House following form: 12 'Sec. 10. Binding collective—bargaining All collective-bargaining shall mutually equally enforceable thereto, notwithstanding. event agreement contained either then, addition remedy remedies existing, damages maintained State having parties.' H.R. 4908, 79th Cong., 2d Sess. 13 Discussion chamber enlightening, perhaps fact bill substituted floor text very different never considered committee. presented achievement 'mutuality' obligation guiding explanation nature obstacle mutuality. section, gave support view created. 14 House, hearings Senate Committee Education Labor, Senator Taft pointed out Representative his view, deal real problem, enforceability obtaining organizations. redrafted reach problem.7 reported 10, asserting 'based misapprehension responsibility contracts,' 'are legally courts,' promote concerning them undesirable.8 Senators Ball, H. Alexander Smith minority report conceding 'theoretically contracts' contending overcome practical enforcement status unions associations. proposed differently worded later substance Houses, closely approximated 301.9 15 introducing amendment, stated: 16 '* * provide amendment associations suable corporations, involves commerce therefore question. *' 92 Cong.Rec. 5705. rather casual non sequitur suggest reliance existence establishment create 'federal question' technical sense mere enact law.10 statements opponents ambiguous,11 authoritative materials indicate strictly aim open solely because organizations employers suits. 18 80th Congress, independently strikingly final version bill.12 analytical. generalities praise mutuality reappear, evident specific desire remove union. Pepper Secretary Schwellenbach 'to forum' local law.13 result mutual enforceability, turn harmony. testimony (who together opposed 301), reports Houses,14 opposition Senate15 attention govern this, apart, raise substantial assertions appears. justify dependent interpretation contracts: 19 'Mr. President, title III contract. As unions, course, liable theory today, difficult them. incorporated; many members; members served; know served. pending provides can sued corporations organization, even association, liability labor-union funds, where fallen famous great financial distress unions.' 93 3839. 20 Legislative history, aspects, reinforces conveyed provision. 21 2. From conclusion inevitably emerge questions regarding constitutionality governed entirely citizenship yet would, cases, administer sits. allowable satisfy constitutionally 'Cases, Law Equity, Constitution, Laws Treaties made, Authority.' Art. III, 22 Almost exception, decisions statutory wording, tested presence, integral part plaintiff's action, issue calling law.16 Although sometimes suggested 'cause action' derive law,17 sufficient aspect essential success.18 litigation-provoking degree forefront remote, collateral peripheral. 23 generally exhausted statutes.19 lines decision, special federally incorporated organizations20 trustees bankruptcy,21 sustained traditional considerable latitude satisfied contingent likelihood presentation Analysis reveals analogies For respects, background affecting commerce: vests liabilities, distributed among members, 'entity' recognized purposes courts; actions, validity challenged grounds—that negotiating involved, subsequent changes affected continued agreement.22 24 incorporation has, severely restricted Congress,23 cast doubt vitality.24 Whether precedent extended meet difficulties encountered pose problem. 25 Recognition bankruptcy draws power, reasonably sweep within interests sufficiently related main purpose call organic treatment. To attempt what, anything, encompassed 'arising laws States' beyond recognizes.25 26 3. effort avoid problems, discordant answers. Most ascribed 'substantive rights' subjection common law.26 We must, defer strong presumption—even matters jurisdiction—that legislated accordance Constitution. Legislation possible, will enable survive. adjudication normally invoked narrow otherwise dubious language. E.g., Delaware Hudson Co., 213 366, 527, 53 836; Rumely, 345 543, 97 770. Here endeavor resulted adding regulation saw fit exercise nor concrete guidance defining regulation. 27 sure, frequently dispute await determination declares imperfectly partially judiciary rounds compatibly. start wholly bristles problems Article III. them, interpolation proposed. something clearly be? particularly vexing choice policy alternatives uncertainty consequences choice. Is justified creating delicate direction sake giving subject? How far go reshaping transforming obvious design achieve fashioned? words Cardozo, speaking whole Court: 'We think light flood whatever places dark. Courts striven mightily times canalize along path safety. When susceptible interpretations, preferred preserves destroys. 'But avoidance pressed point disingenuous evasion.' 'Here intention revealed too distinctly permit us ignore misgivings power." Hopkins Savings Loan Ass'n Cleary, 296 315, 334 335, 56 235, 240, 80 251. assuming proceeding suggestion permits code free difficulties. Such task involve multiplying solved disclosing intended Application lead incongruities: (1) conflict interpretations agreements; (2) displacement (3) exclusion matters. interrelationship employee's exist unfolding designed, objectives accomplished need statute. issue, and, 1331, 17(b), entity. dispense requirement adopt minor rules. 30 modest role assigned law. originally plagued called identify relations created contract27 generalized agreements, viewed authorization concept leaving detailed 31 excessively sophisticated attribution Congress. Evidence wolly wanting aware diverse views taken or, event, interfering objective. once granted really ambiguously drawn undertook resolve ambiguities, inextricably Discrepancies treatment, while inevitable entire interpretation, result. difference opportunities forum-shopping. 32 agency working viable smacks unreality. Nor reasonable delivery discretionary hands judiciary, finally important, complicated subtle field. These illustrated discussion holding case. Its theory' statute, contrary, ways repugnant it. example, seeks 9(a) preserve 'right' take up grievances employer; ever excludes stage preliminary stages. empowered negotiate settle barred bringing settlement reached. tend impair union's satisfactory settlement. expect just secure procure benefits promised. promise impotent promised benefits, lose support. cannot ultimately resort suit, encouraged strike action. 33 Perhaps prime example distinguished cause, Appeals' discharge single employee. situation vivid, assume propriety ground commit offense Yet precisely incidents often pull trigger stoppages. stoppages occur, most grievance respect few much smaller number stoppage. wildcat officially unauthorized emphasizes group interest incident. industrial disciplinary penalties individuals, rates claimed, promotion layoff another, reasons, frequent occurrences. A denying standing protect individuals encourage indiscipline. true desirable social habit rely stoppage lawsuits procedure industry. There procuring benefit agreement. represent press interest, avoided; cannot, resorts self-help. below eliminate interest; stimulate manifestation way strike. 34 line alter? former, obliterated express contract; trusted find suitable quick constitutions statutes decision Elgin, Joliet Eastern Ry. Burley, 325 711, 65 1282, 89 1886; Id., 327 661, 66 721, 90 928.28 latter, rule? fear able sue. hold sue, forum, vice versa. At least why adjustment disagreement, extent other. 35 Speculative reflection possible additions limitations restrict elaboration legislation, meritorious possibilities specialized insignificant dissipate themselves. 36 4. avoided, be, orthodox process limiting doubtful legislation. reasoning reaching extend relied discoverable intent considerations field relations. same objections not, prevail applicable law—in law—would recognize burden type. 37 Considering correlative disposed read allowing With regard raised, bring extensive range heretofore entertained congestion heavy areas, doors potential employer's comply relating compensation, peculiar which, violated, always courts.29 hampered extent, 'enforceable.' 38 Nowhere discuss show recognition here, suing behalf accrued one. 39 Affirmed. 40 HARLAN took consideration 41 Chief WARREN, whom CLARK joins, concurring. 42 agree opinion. interpretation. explicit authorize uniquely personal bargained receive compensation rendered Thus becomes unnecessary issues. 43 REED, 44 My analysis leads me concur grounds stated comment treatment FRANKFURTER. 45 What applied pertinent properly section—that set forth carry undertakings appropriate my doing disagreement raised 46 Assuming provisions venue service, powers Board Cases (National Jones Laughlin Steel Corp.), 1, 57 615, 81 893. means bargaining. arise covered furnishes cases. sets principles bear it, controls machinery agreements. points things commerce, Acts, Interstate Commerce et seq., do. entered law; although explicitly constitutes granting actionable. bar Government conflict, prevails. gives interpret. Prairie Oil Gas 273 195, 200, 47 338, 339, 71 602. largely solution policy, supplements fulfills Com'rs Jackson County 308 343, 351, 285, 288, 313. equity necessarily follow limitation. Holmberg Armbrecht, 392, 582, 743. act. Jerome 318 101, 104, 63 483, 485, 87 640. 48 affect 23, sub. Bankruptcy 664, 46, a, causes thereunder Schumacher Beeler, 293 367, 55 230, 79 433; Williams Austrian, 331 642, 67 1443, 91 1718. Osborn Directors Company Bank Wheat. 738, L. Ed. 204; Pacific Railroad Removal (Union Pac. R. Myers), 115 11, 1113, 1117, 319. Cf. Tort Claims Act. try activity issues, dictate applied. applied, operating permission effect, reference. authority, power. manifested vest breaches, derived immaterial. truly state. regulate Houston, East West Texas (The Shreveport Doctrine), 1914, 234 342, 833, 836, 58 1341, Cases, 1937, 893, national advocates effectually. integration national, use authority needed, established. I occasion, late date, allow fog another day obscure problems—this subdivison FRANKFURTER's 50 reason, think, recover arises separate undertake furnish workers. duty, employee, Therefore facts employee—a 51 preceding paragraph conforms avoids suggesting cripple system 52 DOUGLAS, BLACK concurs, dissenting. REED sanctions controversies justiciable germane sources, 54 dissent refusal majority represents, he absence.' account absence' declaration Though prayed owed mountains molehills respects Individual resultant system, continues operate after made. 159(a), includes negotiation settling end there. terms, 158(d), 158(d). mean agent drops picture enough trade-union practices advent produced permanent, organized day-to-day administration deed far. specifically bargain collectively performance faith wages, hours, employment, *,' 142, 158(d) (italtics added). processing perform. 152(5), 152(5) defines 'labor organization' deals employers, inter alia, 'concerning grievances.' Hughes Tool 104 N.L.R.B. 318, 326, 'The grievances, larger aspect, constitutes, degree, actual contract.' life meaning. development administrative practice force own 159(a). speak themselves, attached important conditions. First, 'inconsistent effect.' Second, 'opportunity adjustment.' Id. 59 process. lawsuit ultimates grievance. lawsuit, arbitration, resolves settles short, represents community wide envisaged exclusive 'in pay, hours employment.' interests. obtains entitled defend forums provided. disallow standing, keep abreast developments age. provides: (a) Suits representing industry organizations, parties. '(b) Any whose activities agents. entity States. money assets, member assets. '(c) proceedings maintains principal office, duly officers agents acting members. '(d) service summons, subpena, officer capacity such, organization. '(e) 'agent' responsible acts, performed actually subsequently ratified controlling.' states enumeration 'legitimate definition outlawed furthering peace. inference content introductory generalization. indicates guide contractual liabilities flow 302 contains highly restriction legality employers' payments representatives. 303 suffered improper boycotts. enumerates unfair practices; Certain safeguards about agreement: it; duty steps prior terminating modifying unilaterally. 8(d), 204(a)(2). conferred incidentally 9(a). significant, 'unfair practice.' proposal deleted conference observation: 'Once left usual processes Board.' H.R.Conf.Rep.No.510, 1st 42. expressly defers shop 8(a)(3), 14(b). 1781, Sess.; 4960, S. 2488, S.J.Res. 133; H.J.Res. 8; 43, 1641, 1656, 123; 267, 1430, 55, 404; 725, Under 937, Sess., hear Hearings Subcommittee 11. S.Rep.No.1177, 8. Part 2, 3—4, 10—14. follows: —-. affects States: Provided, assets.' During product duties adequate justification Public Welfare, 22, 57. Murray Magnuson seemed 'Federal rights.' 5708, 5720, 5411—5415. Murray, thinking admittedly spoke containing understood differed considerably version. 3020, 302; 1126, Welfare 58. 'Since narrow, gates opened invite litigation, done Speaking lawyer former objection abandonment $3,000 controversay prerequisite jealously guarded cluttered mass petty back position occupied prohibition days became little bit above level average police insofar criminal concerned. 'I abandon requirement. abandoned constitutionally. know, limits Constitution 56. H.Rep.No.245, 108—110; S.Rep.No.105, 13—15. 4033, 4906 (Senator Murray); id., 4768 Thomas). Gully First Nat. Meridian, 299 109, 96, 70. American Well Works Layne Bowler 241 257, 260, 585, 586, 987. Kansas City Title Trust 255 180, 243, 577. See, e.g., Mishkin, 'Question' Courts, Col.L.Rev. 157, 160; Shulman Jaegerman, Some Jurisdictional Limitations Procedure, Yale L.J. 393, 405, n. 47; Wechsler, Jurisdiction Revision Judicial Code, Contemp.Prob. 216, 225. LaCross Telephone Corp. Wisconsin Employment 336 69 379, 463. 934, 1349, 1349: civil owner one-half capital stock.' 113, 97, 98, advanced sense, Mutual Ins. Columbia Tidewater Transfer 337 600, 1173, 1182, 1556; Textile Workers Union America Thread 113 137; Hart System, 744 747; Contempt.Prob. 224; 184. Insurance Agents' International Union, A.F. Prudential 122 869; 137, 140 (suggestion possibility). Woodworkers America, Local 6—64, C.I.O. McCloud River Lumber 119 475 (state 301); Isbrandtsen 1291 Longshoremen's Ass'n, 72, affirmed Cir., 204 495 (diversity again present; appeal, avoided); John Hancock Life Office Professional (removal denied rights, complaints framed reference law). choose apply latter. Electrical, Radio Machine Oliver Corp., 205 376; Milk Ice Cream Drivers Dairy Employees Gillespie Products 203 650; Shirley-Herman Hod Carriers 210, 182 806, A.L.R.2d 609; Plainfield Motor Automobile, Aircraft Agricultural Implement C.I.O., 123 683; Waialua Agr. Sugar Workers, L W U 114 243; Ludlow Mfg. Sales (CIO), 108 45; Potter, Inc., 977, Auto 103 684; Fay Cytoscope Makers, 278; Aleo 94 626; Wilson Packinghouse 83 162; Colonial Hardwood Flooring Furniture 76 493, 168 33; Operating Engineers 181 Dahlem Const. 193 470 (semble); Rock Drilling, Blasting, Roads, Sewers, Viaducts, Bridges, Foundations, Excavations Concrete Work, etc., Mason Hanger 217 687, 691; Schatte Alliance Theatrical Stage Moving Picture Operators Canada, 158, 164. Arista Mills 529 (refusal pass created; apparently event). distinction 'remedy.' Hamilton Foundry Molders North 209 (federal frauds applied); 137 (whether applies matters, arbitration clauses applies). variously as: formulation usage custom member-employees, negotiated employees' agent; employees; (4) below, insist consistently obligations running Brotherhood Locomotive amended Standing Rules automatic consent Brotherhood's prosecution Tenth Triennial Convention 1947. Firemen Enginemen added 35th Order Railway Conductors Brakemen 'statute' 1946. Trainmen 1946 new General prosecute 'Except serve seasonable notice contrary.' examples passed, Gulla Barton, 164 App.Div. 293, 149 N.Y.S. 952; Blum Landau, Ohio App. 426, 155 N.E. 154; Mastell Salo, Ark. 408, 215 S.W. 583; McGregor Louisville N.R. 244 Ky. 696, S.W.2d 953; O'Jay Spread Hicks, 185 Ga. 507, 195 S.E. 564 (class suit); Rentschler Missouri 126 Neb. 253 N.W. 694, 95 A.L.R. 1; volquardsen Southern Amusement La.App., 156 So. 678; Yazoo M.V.R. Sideboard, 161 Miss. 4, 133 669; Cross Mountain Coal Ault, 157 Tenn. 461, 692; Hall St. Louis-San Francisco 224 Mo.App. 431, 687. Moore Illinois Central 312 630, 754, 85 1089; J. I. 336, 579, 762; Teller, Disputes Collective Bargaining (1940, 1947 Cum.Supp.) 166—168; II Williston, Contracts (rev. ed. 1936), 379A. still entertained. Dufour Continental Lines, Miss., 68 So.2d 489; Donahoo Thompson, Mo.App., 270 104; Marranzano Riggs U.S.App.D.C. 184 349; MacKay Loew's, 170, case); Contracts, 379A (1954 Cum.Supp.).

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