Document: 334 U.S. 249 68 S.Ct. 1031 92 L.Ed. 1347 KENNEDY et al.v.SILAS MASON CO. No. 590. Argued April 20, 1948. Decided May 17, Mr. Leonard Lloyd Lockard, of Shreveport, La., for petitioners. [Argument Counsel from page 250 intentionally omitted] Messrs. William L. Marbury, Baltimore, Md., and Charles D. Egan, respondents. Justice JACKSON delivered the opinion Court. 1 This case involves questions as to application overtime provisions Fair Labor Standards Act1 certain persons who worked in a government-owned plant which respondent produced munitions under cost-plus-fixed-fee contract with War Department. It such subsidiary issues whether plaintiffs were employees Government or private contractor, shipment across state lines war use are 'commerce'2 they 'goods'3 within meaning Act. Substantial claims petitioners may be denied large sums added cost by answers these questions, many cases other than this will controlled its decision. 2 The manner has thus far developed raises question matter good judicial administration Court should attempt decide far-reaching on record. 3 No one that, taking allegations at their face value, complaint states cause action Summary judm ent gone against because, affidavit exhibits, have been found unsustainable. defendant filed motion summary judgment Rule 56 Federal Rules Civil Procedure, 28 U.S.C.A. following section 723c,4 'on ground that is entitled law.' motion, so Act was concerned, based an 'which facts showing law neither complainants nor covered' 'were engaged commerce production goods commerce.' Made part reference defendant's construction operation some 22 supplements change orders covering nearly 200 pages then supplemental all regulations interpretative bulletins Department Administrator clarifying explaining it. And, exhibits plaintiffs, recited District Court's opinion, offered affidavits three former contractor customs payment bearing issue government those contractor. do not appear record, but parts deemed relevant set out court's opinion. 4 On basis first judgment. F.Supp. 576. view whatever forms transaction, reality employed and, hence, own terms did cover them. But it held covered § 4(b) July 2, 1940,5 recover 5 rehearing, court concluded, however, no remedy latter available them pleaded. Accordingly, granted D.C., 70 929. Circuit Appeals, Fifth Circuit, sitting en banc affirmed. 164 F.2d 1016. substance United States, Act, any event 'goods' One judge, concurring, pass only war, commerce. judge dissented whole system 'was designed operated States employer' considered transportation place outside State therein subject here cerriorari, 333 841, 664. 6 Silas Mason Company, sense, more nominal defendant, reimbursement Government. Government, ultimate party interest, appears through support statutory itself. advises us 'The Army respondent's position merit reasons forth brief respondent. concerned great subjected if numerous suits akin lost, even must bear defending Furthermore, believest hat classes involved well paid, accepted compensation without expectation receiving until litigation commenced sometime after termination employment, accordingly there little equity employees' present position.' 7 Three Acts Congress require consideration. say controlling. Army, handled consider 1940, controls liability. trial cannot adjudication plaintiffs' because pleaded holding become since appeal. also Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act,6 unavailable below petition certiorari acquiesces dropping our 8 employer, decided below, makes clear, factual simple allegation. says corporate allegation overborne interpreting contracts between alleged employer third party, is, known employees. There substantial controversy way two parties, actual practice, construed contracts, both sides being events we asked take notice spell tests affords. turn seek counteract inferences drawn version dealings contrary defendant. prove dealings, offer relate specifically 'laborers mechanics' while inspectors foremen, difference material. Insofar impeached course dealing supported parties. What paid what basis, already theory applies, know. 9 Defendant's position, which, know, shared need settle effect war-time legislation up wholly new production, enterprise operation, amalgamation two, prescribed complete labor relation statute supercedes precludes broad contention seems submitted either consistent theoretical decisions fully presented time reply 10 short extremely important question, probably affecting contractors immediately, ultimately vast sum fighting war. conclusion prudently rested indefinite foundation. case, counsel described constantly expanding one, comes almost status come court. In addition welter contentions pick among over score technical each amending earlier full background knowledge hearing disputed facts, sorting documents select provisions, ascertain form practical put parties reduction mass conflicting fact inference task primarily nine. 11 We hold took tribunal lacked power justification applying procedure. procedures, however salutary where clear-cut simple,7 treacherous record deciding far-flung import, draw caution complicated courses legislation, contracting practice. 12 withhold decision another shall solid findings comprehensive statement agreed facts. While might able, reach would later lacking thoroughness precede importance purpose process provide. 13 Without intimating merits, vacate judgments remand reconsideration amplification light contentions. 14 Judgments vacated. 15 BLACK thinks reversed. 16 DOUGLAS concurs result. June 25, 1938, c. 676, 52 Stat. 1060, 29 U.S.C. 201, seq., 201 seq. defines follows: 'Commerce' means trade, commerce, transportation, transmission communication several thereof. 'Goods' (including ships marine equipment) wares, products, commodities merchandise, articles subjects character, ingredient thereof, does include delivery into physical possession consumer thereof producer, manufacturer, processor provides award hearing, provided pleadings, depositions, admissions file show genuine material moving law. 508, 54 712, 189a. 30, 1936, 49 2036, 41 35, 35. requires rendered 'there * *.' See note 4.

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