Document: 420 U.S. 50 95 S.Ct. 977 43 L.Ed.2d 12 The EMPORIUM CAPWELL CO., Petitioner,v.WESTERN ADDITION COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION. NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD, Petitioner, v. WESTERN ORGANIZATION et al. Nos. 73—696, 73—830. Argued Oct. 22, 1974. Decided Feb. 18, 1975. Syllabus A union, after investigating complaints that the company with which it had a collective-bargaining agreement was racially discriminating against employees, invoked contract grievance procedure by demanding joint union-management Adjustment Board be convened 'to hear entire case.' Certain employees who felt inadequate refused to participate and, union's advice, picketed company's store. company, warning fired them on their resumption of picketing, whereupon local civil rights association belonged (hereinafter respondent) filed charges National Labor Relations (NLRB) under § 8(a)(1) Act (NLRA), makes an unfair labor practice for employer interfere employee's right 7 engage in concerted action 'for purpose collective bargaining or other mutual aid protection.' NLRB found were discharged attempting bargain over terms and conditions employment as they affected racial minorities held could not circumvent elected representative's efforts such bargaining. On respondent's petition review Court Appeals reversed remanded, concluding activity discrimination enjoys 'unique status' NLRA Title VII Civil Rights 1964; 'should inquire, cases this, whether union actually remedying fullest extent possible, most expedient efficacious means'; '(w)here fall short this high standard, minority group's activities cannot lose (their) section Held: Though national policy accords highest priority nondiscriminatory practices, does protect issues discrimination, thus bypassing exclusive representative. Pp. 60-70. (a) 9(a) recognizes principle representation, is tempered safeguards protection interests, establishing regime majority rule, Congress sought secure all members unit benefits strength full awareness superior some individuals groups might subordinated interest. 61-65. (b) Separate essential eliminate discriminatory may well have opposite effect. Here directed precisely at determining practices occurred. 65-70. (c) If discharges here involved violate VII, its remedial provisions are available but follow also violated NLRA. 70-72. 158 U.S.App.D.C. 138, 485 F.2d 917, reversed. Lawrence G. Wallace, Washington, D.C., petitioner No. George O. Bahrs, San Francisco, Cal., 73—696. Kenneth Hecht, respondents both cases. Opinion Mr. Justice MARSHALL, announced Chief BURGER. 1 This litigation presents question whether, light employment, protects group discrimination. representative District Columbia Circuit holding certain circumstances would protected. 917. Because importance issue administration Act, we granted certiorari. 415 913, 94 1407, 39 466. We now reverse. 2 * Emporium Capwell Co. (Company) operates department store Francisco. At times relevant party negotiated Francisco Retailer's Council, member, Department Store Employees Union (Union) represented stock marking area Company. agreement, recognized sole agency covered prohibited reason race, color, creed, origin, age, sex, activity. It no-strike lockout clause, established arbitration machinery processing any claimed violation contract, including antidiscrimination clause.1 3 April 3, 1968, Company met secretary-treasurer Union, Walter Johnson, present list grievances claim basis race making assignments promotions. official agreed take investigate charge He appointed committee prepared report employees' grievances, he submitted Council turn referred described 'the possibility discrimination' perhaps important raised termed situation potentially explosive if corrective taken. offered example problem Company's failure promote Negro employee regarded outstanding candidate victim 4 Shortly receiving report, relations director representatives 'look into matter' see what needed done. Apparently unsatisfied these representations, meeting September attended officials, California Fair Employment Practices Committee (FEPC) anti-poverty agency. concluded discriminating, process every through necessary. Testimony about taken transcribed court reporter, next day notified formal demanded 5 expressed view procedures handle systemic sort; suggested instead begin picketing protest. Johnson explained bound processes his successful grievants helping only themselves others victims invidious well. FEPC antipoverty same advice. Nonetheless, when October 16, James Joseph Hollins, Tom Hawkins, two whose testimony intended elicit procedure. Instead, Hollins read statement objecting reliance correction individual inequities approach president meet four protestants work out broader dealing saw it. then walked hearing. 6 attempted discuss shortly incidents 16. drawn discussion personnel matter. spoken before, made no effort do so again. Rather, Hawkins several dissident press conference 22 denounced store's racist, reiterated desire deal directly top management' conditions, intention picket institute boycott Saturday, November 2, least throughout distributed entrance handbills urging consumers patronize store.2 encountered again urged rely process, warned activities. pickets, however, dissuaded, continued demand president.3 7, given written warnings repetition public statements lead discharge.4 When conduct repeated following fired. 8 Western Addition Community Organization respondent), members, Board. Board's General Counsel subsequently issued complaint alleging discharging amended, 61 Stat. 140, 29 U.S.C. 158(a)(1). After hearing, Trial Examiner believed good faith resorted belief. concluded, protected did not, therefore, 8(a)(1). 9 Board, oral argument, adopted findings conclusions dismissed complaint. 192 N.L.R.B. 173. Among course 10 'was mere presentation nothing employees.'5 11 attempt undermine statutory system exclusive, representative, impede unions' bettering working 'and place Employer unreasonable burden placate self-designated while abiding valid whatever demands put forth agreement.'6 remanded. virtue NLRA, United Packing-house Workers NLRB, 135 111, 416 1126, cert. denied, 396 903, 90 216, 24 179 (1969), 1964, 78 253, 42 2000e seq., adequately account necessity accommodate protecting opposition from retaliation.7 minority-group case orderly considered disruptive effect outweighed where necessary immediate realization In formulating standard distinguishing between unprotected activity, 'Board should means. Where protection.'8 Accordingly, remanded make determination favor consider particular tactics disloyal deprive our decision Electrical Workers, 346 464, 74 172, 98 L.Ed. 195 (1953).9 II 13 Before turning central questions cases, firmly mind character underlying apply them. As stated, minorities. Although expressly declined set aside finding,10 respondent has devoted considerable attacking Court,11 theory within meaning first proviso 9(a).12 occasion disturb finding Universal Camera Corp. 340 474, 491, 71 456, 466, 456 (1951). issue, then, attempts separate proscribed 9(a). 14 Section affirmatively guarantees basic industrial self-determination, self-organization, form, join, assist organizations, collectively own choosing, protection,' refrain These are, part, rights, act concert one's fellow employees; sake instrument minimizing strife 'by encouraging bargaining.' 151. 15 Central fostering bargaining, elect course, rule. See Jones & Laughlin Steel Corp., 301 1, 57 615, 81 893 (1937). chooses permits membership condition thereby imposing choice upon minority. §§ 157, 158(a)(3). power,13 interest majority. Vaca Sipes, 386 171, 182, 87 912, 17 842 (1967); J. I. Case 321 332, 338—339, 64 576, 580, 88 762 (1944); H.R.Rep.No.972, 74th Cong., 1st Sess., 18 (1935). result, '(t)he complete satisfaction hardly expected.' Ford Motor Huffman, 345 330, 338, 73 681, 686, 97 1048 (1953). 16 recently re-examine underpinnings majoritarian Allis-Chalmers Mfg. Co., 388 175, 2001, 1123 (1967). unions struck common enforce new contract. each two-thirds required constitution international voted strike, nonetheless crossed lines work. later tried fined charged 8(b)(1)(A) restraining coercing exercise committed disciplining approached literal language eye must read: 'National been built premise pooling economic acting organization freely chosen majority, appropriate effective means improvements wages, hours, conditions. therefore extinguishes power order creates vested interests employees. 'Congress seen fit clothe powers comparable those possessed legislative body create restrict whom represents . ..' Steele Louisville N.R. 323 192, 202, 65 226, 232, 89 Thus grievances; even away strike during term U.S., 180, 2006 (footnotes omitted).14 vesting broad authorize tyranny interests. First, confined context "unit appropriate' purposes bargaining,' i.e., sufficient commonality ensure submergence distinctively different employment. Chemical Pittsburgh Glass, 404 92 383, 393, 30 341 (1971). Second, undertook 1959 Landrum-Griffin amendments, 519, assure voices heard functioning democratic institution. Third, held, very nature status implicitly imposed duty fairly represent unit. supra; Wallace 248, 238, 216 cf. 173 (1944). And position refusal duty, practice. Hughes Tool 147 1573 (1964); Miranda Fuel 140 181 (1962), enforcement 326 172 (CA2 1963). Indeed, ordered implicated propose specific contractual prohibit Local 12, Rubber America 368 (CA5 1966) (enforcement granted). B 19 Against background long consistent adherence representation urges fashion limited exception principle: seek separately elimination peculiarly affecting them,15 free constraints exclusivity Essentially because or, case, machinery, too time consuming, requires exception, argues, adoption unduly compromise legitimate either employers.16 20 Plainly, embodies principles nondiscrimination matter priority, Alexander Gardner-Denver 36, 47, 1011, (1974), commonplace construe part. Textile Lincoln Mills, 353 448, 456—458, 77 923, 972 (1957). general respondent, far clear help facts demonstrate, proposed remedy just without qualification manner grievable issue. occurred.17 That determination, affirmative, arbitral award enforceable court.18 Nor there believe inherently Quite apart essentially grieve 'pattern practice' deems inconsistent clause one expect continue routinely results adverse decisions.19 21 handful bypass employer, contrast, predicated actual existence An confronted necessarily, probably, able agree steps satisfactory once. Competing claims employer's ability demands, e.g., reassignments promotions number positions, divide overcome Having divided themselves, will advance cause unless recourse seriatim coercion, can further dividing along lines.20 materially where, apparently happened here, purport speak Even various perceive divergent subdivide field largely pre-empted current instance know form advanced take, motivated indicates included transfer sales areas higher commissions paid.21 Yet provided transferred higher-paying lower-paying classification except consent layoff reduction force.22 potential conflict manifest. With conflicting demands—the incumbent resort coercion—the probability deadlock, high; likelihood headway minimal. Gateway Coal Mine 414 368, 379, 629, 637, 38 583 (1974). What said evaluating obvious implications related compromised thereby. below minimized impact noting cross-purposes dissidents, indeed fair obligations VII. Company, cited proposition objection dissidents achieve compliance law. 23 argument confuses substantive securing rights. Whether thought depend independent source NLRA,23 pursued expense contemplated vestiges subject incorporating substance obligation discriminate decisions; done much, dereliction grievance-arbitration But mean strong objections fronts implementation reasons above. Similarly, lawfully establishment continuation 173, 2000e—2(c)(3), presenting united front seeing dissipated stature denigrated subgroups pursuing responsive legal obligations, yield pro tanto law, conciliation offices EEOC, federal-court claiming aggrieved. think neither aspect contention support short-circuit orderly, eliminating well-founded. self-determination require fragmentation consist face fragmentation, meant lubricate endure unhampered. III 25 sanction contended element preserved. congressional reprisal oppose unlawful 704(a) n. supra. Since had, lights, 'opposed' argued 'fell plainly scope of,' violated, 704(a).24 notion integrity seriously undermined. agree. 26 assuming instituting consumer employer,25 necessarily entitled affirmative Under scheme participants' discharge. discharge immune attack grounds case. violative provide recover jobs backpay. 5(g) (1970 ed., supp. III). 27 Respondent objects remedies effectively conferred There significant differences proceedings initiated proceeding. chose encourage voluntary emphasizing conciliatory before federal coercive invoked. EEOC direct enforcement, courts 44—45, 1011. By once decides complaint, vindication charging party's becomes function expense, favorable brings administrative order. result differences, told relief typically filing significantly shorter time, less risk, than obtains EEOC. 28 Whatever factual merit, properly addressed NLRB. hold violates override host consciously decisions competence Legislature.26 obviously, do. Reversed. DOUGLAS, dissenting. 31 Court's opinion members—and similarly situated—prisoners Union. I think, designed prevent tragic consequence. Hence, dissent. 32 involved, black obtained Emporium, seem suffered rank race. They theoretically breach spelled law phase roblem evolved heavy. 190, 916, 842, 'arbitrary, discriminatory, bad faith.' 33 forbids 'race, religion, sex origin.' 'discriminate opposed (the Act), charge, testified, assisted, participated investigation, proceeding, hearing Act).' 'opposition' participation brought pursuant statute, self-help 704.* 34 took foregoing courses, fraught obstacles, protest Emporium's practices. 'concerted activities' Act. engaged traditional protest, matters unquestionably proper concern. ago New Alliance Sanitary Grocery 303 552, 561, 58 703, 707, 82 1012, observed: 35 'The equitable part persons persuasion, removal discriminations religious beliefs quite concerned fairness equity trade craft association.' 36 observations added force today enactment unequivocally eradication policy, laws construed. 37 confront outside control. upholds commanded 'exclusive representation' embodied control, treatment based 147, circumscribe opportunity 'concerns processes, individual's equal opportunities. VII's strictures absolute command practices.' Id., 51, 1021. facilitate involvement quest equality prisoner union. While reasonably first, kind 'exhaustion' requirement resorting Tanner Livery, 419 (CA9), inhibition apparent response inadequate. remand prosecuting means.' 152, 931. standard. oppressive faith. inertia weak-kneed, docile leadership devastating aggressive subversion. Continued submission demanded. affirm judgment below. 5B provided: 'Any employe interfering Faithful performance harmonious relationship employers UNION, proper, permissive agreement.' App. 100—101. 36B consisting three management members. 36C remained unsettled seven days, insist dispute final binding arbitration. 100 101. text handbill '* BEWARE 'EMPORIUM SHOPPERS "Boycott Is On' 'Boycott For years black, brown, yellow red people worked lowest jobs, levels. Time intelligent, hard brothers sisters denied respect. 20th Century colonial plantation. being treated way slave mines Africa. 'Whenever racist pig injures harms sister brother, injure insult people. THE MUST PAY FOR THESE INSULTS. Therefore, money store, until promoted justly Emporium. 'We welcome churches, unions, sororities, fraternities, social clubs, Afro-American Institute, Black Panther Party, W.A.C.O. Poor Peoples Institute.' 107. testified 'informed me wanted talk Batchelder president) informed him negotiations 1967 spokesman few thousand clerks never 76. 'On you newspapers, radio, TV stations invited. contents substantially sheet attached. broadcast Channel 1968 Station KDIA. 2nd copies attached customers prospective customers, passing 'These untrue will, reputation 'There ample correct exist. your deliberate unjustified employer. 'This inform repeat above acts similar statement.' paragraph included. 106. N.L.R.B., 185. evidence mar-Hollins' shaled consisted perceived pickets desist them; Hawkins' 'talk get better conditions'; 'group him,' use machinery. stopped resolving invective call bespoke malicious harm grounded squarely member used obtain Member Jenkins dissented ground Brown relied revealed 'but simply urge Company) existed Emporium.' 179. 159(a), provides part: 'Representatives designated selected purposes, shall respect rates pay, hours 2000e—3(a) Supp. III), provides: 'It applicants labor-management controlling apprenticeship training retraining, on-the-job programs, individual; thereof applicant membership, subchapter, subchapter.' U.S.App.D.C., F.2d., 931 (emphasis original). hasten point determined forum, discharged, conduct. so, introduced defense supported Judge Wyzanski insofar evaluate adequacy Union's opposing regardless efforts. 150 34, F.2d, 929 (majority opinion); id., 158, 937 (dissenting opinion) ('There plainer respecting distinguished adjustment grievances'). Brief 27—34; Tr. Oral Arg. 37—40, 44, 49. states: 'That adjusted, intervention barganing clearly misapprehends 'right' section. intendment permit entertain opening itself liability derogation 8(a)(5). H.R.Rep.No.245, 80th (1947); H.R.Conf.Rep.No.510, Sess. (House manager's statement), 46 U.S.Code Cong.Serv.1947, p. 1135. nowhere refuse presentation, nor coercion. fully explicated Black-Clawson Machinists, 313 1962). Republic Maddox, 379 650, 85 614, 580 (1965). deemed protected, reading main 9(a), burdening load carry. introducing bill became Senator Wagner rule: 'Without phrase 'collective bargaining' devoid meaning, encouraged workers themselves.' 79 Cong.Rec. 2372 choose new, no, Magnavox 322, 1099, 358 conceded rule espouses application identifiable employees—racial groups, women, etc.—that object 31. seemingly Appeals, give adjust self-help. Our analysis unnecessary accept reject predicate, viz., cumbersome effective. note, record proposition. Thus, stresses fact October, overlooks although contact state file Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Further, abandoned sort putting us off going lot delay unnecessary,' 26, moment testimony. 'prepared go arbitration' position, advised attorney difficult members' denies putative discriminatee's access foreclosed. 147. disputes vehicle content agreement,' Steelworkers Warrior Gulf 363 574, 581, 80 1347, 1352, 1409 (1960); hence "common shop." 1351, quoting Cox, Reflections Upon Arbitration, 72 Harv.L.Rev. 1492, 1499 (1959). remarks Secretary-Treasurer suggestion abandon avenue coercion indicative. "I them," "what own, do, wasn't drama, lasting effect." 182. Information Report EEO—1 period arose information required. alone recorded male female Negro, Oriental, Spanish surnamed. 120. addition, older discriminated against. belief survey, Briefing Conditions, Gen.Counsel Ex. 10, 167. document, reproduced Court, selling Racial infiltrated commission areas. Black, Mexicans, Chinese, Filipinos, etc.' departments listed. 118. 20B (Seniority). 205. Packinghouse 903 (1969); 1966). somewhat weakened insistence seeking amicus curiae brief Association Advancement Colored People, pp. 9—14, assumption, bargaining—over alone—was objective. declination upset effect, applicable doubt argues courts. Pettway American Cast Iron Pipe 411 998 1969). previously note '(n)othing compels absolve rehire deliberate, it.' McDonnell Douglas Green, 792, 803, 93 1817, 1825, 668 (1973). afforded extends beyond it, presented answered Questions arising resolved purpose. arguing affirmance below, called effectiveness unit, takes equipped experience perspective play major role Board-enforced noted, already exposed problems inhere detecting deterring unions. capacity propriety sensitivity pertains, rather, allocation function—adjudication violations VII—that assigned elsewhere. 48 9, 1019, refer Clark's interpretive memorandum stating anywhere else affects Senator's somehow constrict redress regimes, foreclosing created broadened policies CCH Decisions (1973) 6264 (Apr. 19, 1971). spite involving 'no strike' plant blacks. said: 'An oppose, retaliation, abolished diminished agreement. affords Charging Party 1's analogized exists containing nostrike clause.' rightly line Mastro Plastics 350 270, 76 S.Ct., 349, 309.

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