Document: 419 U.S. 301 95 S.Ct. 429 42 L.Ed.2d 465 LINDEN LUMBER DIVISION, SUMMER & CO., Petitioner,v.NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD et al. NATIONAL BOARD, Petitioner, v. TRUCK DRIVERS UNION LOCAL No. 413 Nos. 73—1231 and 73—1234. Argued Nov. 18, 1974. Decided Dec. 23, Syllabus An employer who has not engaged in an unfair labor practice impairing the electoral process does commit a violation of § 8(a)(5) National Labor Relations Act simply because he refuses to accept evidence union's majority status other than results Board election. At least absence any agreement permit be determined by means election, union that is refused recognition despite authorization cards or such purporting show it represents employees burden taking next step invoking Board's election procedure. Pp. 303—310. 159 U.S.App.D.C. 228, 487 F.2d 1099, reversed. Norton J. Come, Washington, D.C., for NLRB. Lawrence M. Cohen, Chicago, Ill., Linden Lumber Division, Summer Co. Laurence Gold, respondent Unions. Mr. Justice DOUGLAS delivered opinion Court. 1 These cases present question expressly reserved NLRB Gissel Packing Co., 395 575, 595, 601 n. 89 1918, 1930, 1933, 23 547 (1969). 2 In obtained from petitioner's demanded recognized as collective-bargaining representative those employees. said doubted claimed suggested petition The filed with but later withdrew when declined enter consent abide on ground organizational camaign had been improperly assisted company supervisors. Respondent thereupon renewed its demand collective bargaining; again declined, saying membership influenced Thereupon struck bargaining shortly charge against based refusal bargain. 3 There no practice1 apart held Lineden should guilty practice2 solely basis 'of election.' 190 N.L.R.B. 718, 721 (1971). 4 Wilder3 there apparently were 30 plant, 11 signed two unsigned requested agent company's production maintenance Of 18 unit which found appropriate bargaining. No answer was given employer, Wilder, recognitional picketing began. request signed, Wilder denied recognition. charges Wilder. A series decisions judicial decisions, necessary recapitalate here, consumed about seven years until decision Court Appeals.4 made same ruling respects did Linden's case. See 198 123 (1972). On petitions review Appeals 1099 (1973). We reverse Appeals. 5 we engages 'unfair' practices "likely destroy seriously impede election" may insist before bargains get secret ballot U.S., at 600, S.Ct., 1933. nor either case agreed voluntary settlement dispute then reneged. As noted, questions 'whether, absent interference employer's practices, obtain only if one himself; whether, not, must bargain card Union chooses seek election; latter situation, bound ultimate determination regardless his earlier good faith doubts, whether can still Union-sought makes affirmative showing positive reasons believing representation dispute.' Id., 6 while acknowledged superiority ascertaining support, 'adequately reflect employee sentiment.' 603, 7 Generalizations are difficult; urged unions precise facts dispose concrete cases. said, however, Gissel, largely abandoned test warranted, goodfaith doubt represented majority. different approach indicated. said: 8 '(A)n obligated check proof status, under current practice, required justify insistence making own investigation sentiment doubting status. Aaron Brothers, 158 1077, 1078. If make investigation, recent indicate reasonable polling this regard will always termed violative 8(a)(1) conducted accordance requirements set out Struksnes Construction 165 (1062), 65 L.R.R.M. 1385 (1967). And even limited interrogation Act, might serious enough call order. supra; Hammond Irving, Inc., 154 1071 (1965). noted above, emphasized 'any conduct Section nature gravity, necessarily support refusal-to-bargain finding,' supra, 1079.' 295 609 610, 1937—1938. 9 employers 'should upon (their) N.L.R.B., 721; see 998. poor deemed relevant inquiry. concluded doubts could petitioning It 10 'While have indicated alone, strikes ambiguous utterances do provide 'convincing support' so require order, they certainly create sufficient probability asserting resolve possibility through avoid both duty inquiry into actuality doubt.' U.S.App.D.C., 240, F.2d, 1111. To take position say wholly unreliable indication union. concededly valid objections recognizing basis. His objection may, course, mask opposition unions. hand rational, good-faith grounds distrusting situation. He convinced fact strike picket establish desire particular their representative. Fear indeed prevent some crossing line; sympathy strikers, saddle, influence others. factors difficult examination motive ascertain faith. domain reject approval retreat whih took 'good faith' inquiries. 12 faced unwilling alternative remedies instant file press Gissel. promises consume much time. time between filing 1/2 years; years. experience indicates median contested 388 days. 611 30, 1938. Regional Director 4k days.5 terms getting problems inaugurating regimes industrial peace, policy encouraging elections favored. remains—should ask responsibility employer? 13 since Congress 1947 authorized enacting 9(c)(1)(B),6 them. But history provision aimed eliminating discrimination previously existed prior rules, permitting confronted claims more unions.7 suggestion wanted place employer. 14 'Today 15 man comes officer says, 'I represent your Sign agreement, towmorrow.' Such instances occurred all over United States. way determine really not. bill gives him right go circumstances, say, want I know my employees." 93 Cong.Rec. 3838 (1947) (remarks Senator Taft). 16 Our problem picking favorites trying find congressional purpose examining statutory administrative interpretations incline another. Large issues ride takes initiative. common issue is, what unit? first (or 25 argued), (assuming them valid) would business. 17 9(c)(1)(B) visualizes claim individuals 'to defined 9(a).'8 That raised applicant employees, 'in purposes.' 9(a). significant discrepancy wants asked recognition, dismiss petition. Aerojet-General Corp., 185 794 (1970); Bowman Bldg. Products Div., 170 312 (1968); Amperex Electronic 109 353 (1954); Wm. Wood Bakery, 97 122 (1951). event union, desired smaller unit, petition, leaving free contest appropriateness unit. thought litigable reduced. recurring conflict coupled asks opposes dismissed, enough. expertise these matters judgment though permissible, course. points brief here wanting gain delay draw elicit protests obviate litigation sufficiency interest purview well taken. sure backed 30% interest. parties.9 19 light scheme practical procedural involved, cannot forward recognize arbitrary capricious abuse discretion. 20 sum, sustain holding that, unless impairs process,10 21 Reversed. 22 STEWART, whom WHITE, MARSHALL, POWELL join, dissenting. Under recently adopted policy, independent prejudicing fair absolute refuse selected wins Board-supervised agree Court's conclusion constitutes permissible interpretation §§ 9(a) Act.1 Accordingly, affirm remanding further proceedings, although views somewhat variance expressed Appeals' opinion. 24 provides employees' exclusive shall 'designated selected' Neither 8(a)(5), specifies how chosen. language thus seems purposefully designed impose whenever presents convincing method demonstrated. past consistently interpreted mean exactly that. 'union certified winner invoke obligation; 8(a)(5)—by instance, union-called vote, or, possession authorizing 597, 1931, (footnote omitted).2 Taft-Hartley amendments strengthen Act. One early version House amended refusing 'currently (through election) section 9.' H.R. 3020, 80th Cong., 1st Sess. proposed change, eliminated requiring rejected conference. H.R.Conf.Rep. 510, Sess., 41. After rejection amendment, Conference Report explicitly stated intended follow provisions 'existing law.' Ibid. law' unequivocally thereby obligation winning 596—598, 1930—1932. 26 amendments, immediate behalf 9(c)(1)(B), added 1947, alleging organizations presented 27 This section, together 9(a), clear direction proper situation us. When elect four alternatives. First, satisfy representatives employees.3 Second, pursuant 9(c)(1)(B). 599, 1932. Third, rather expedited ordered after 29 CFR 102.62. Finally, also union-requested event, clearly collectively General Counsel complaint determines order directing See, e.g., Dahlstrom Metallic Door 112 756; (CA2) cf. 595—600, 1930—1933. 28 offers justifications new which, disregarding requires union.4 circumstances noncertified supported compel re-enter subjective Ante, 306. fear unwarranted. true administration lawfully 597 11, 1931. Remington Rand, 94 862, 868 (CA2). 'could ignored.' 756, 757 (CA2); 596, 1930; 868. Within broad limits imposed itself, use understanding policies considerations Act's 'convincing.' Cf. Insurance Agents' International Union, 361 477, 499, 80 419, 432, 454; Truck Drivers 87, 96, 77 643, 647, 676. define evidence' manner reintroduces continues believe, past, unworkable adopt standard determining breached incorporates element. 592—594, 1928—1930, reference objective criteria—for example, 'a . ..' 597,5 31 Even adoption measuring support,' 'subjective' adequately safeguarded 9(c)(1)(B)'s assurance Despite discretion area, rule avoids inquiries entirely 32 second justifies serves remove obtaining 307. Although improper eliminate burden. 33 case, requirement prejudice Act: designated option consenting union-petitioned explains, exercise option. voluntarily risk constitute short, device created self-protection, gave deliberately chose 598—599, 1932—1933.6 34 petitioned won 'It us Congress. statute. defeated policy.' Colgate-Palmolive-Peet NLRB, 338 355, 363, 70 166, 170, L.Ed. 161. Board, proceedings consistent reinstate alleged supervisors therefore unprotected practice. reinstated tendered court below. 234, 487—F.2d 1105 provides: '(a) employer— '(5) subject 9(a).' 49 Stat. 453, amended, 61 141, U.S.C. 158(a)(5). 4, infra. long rulings described Appeals, 229—232, 1100—1103. certiorari. 73—1234, granted, convenience referred herein Thirty-seventh Annual '(1) Whenever filed, accordinace regulations prescribed Board— '(B) 9(a); 'the investigate cause believe affecting commerce exists hearing due notice. regional office, recommendations respect thereto. finds record exists, direct certify thereof.' 144, 159(c) (1)(B). S.Rep.No.105, 10—11 (1947); 3838(1947). 'Representatives purposes purposes, rates pay, wages, hours employment, conditions employment 143, 159(a). Savair Mfg. 414 270, 287 6, 495, 503, 38 495 (1973) (White, J., dissenting). reach result obtains breaches Snow Sons, 134 709 (1961), enf'd, 308 687 (CA9 1962). 'never mutually acceptable legally means, Board-conducted resolving status.' 159(a), '(r)epresentatives 158(a)(5), For Mine Workers Arkansas Flooring 351 62, 69, 76 559, 563, 100 941, where denial violated bona fide existence eligible attained grant minority unlawful 8(a)(2) Ladies' Garment 366 731, 737—738, 81 1603, 1607—1608, 762. result, imposes real hardship merely withheld Boardconducted selection 739, 1608. addition, concerned approved Court, attempt specify standards evidence.' view expertise, better qualified undertake specifics task. suggest bare demonstrated cards, strike, evidence. Given undue peer pressure coercion personal solicitation nonsecret votes, higher level dependability greater reiterates generally preferred suggests consented somehow less desirable 309. distinction possible. advantages desires representative, ensuring choice influences mass psychology, Brooks 348 100, 75 176, 179, 99 125, unrelated initiated proceedings.

Category: 6