Legal Document

339 U.S. 454 70 Supreme Court Reporter 781 94 L.Ed. 978 INTERNATIONAL UNION OF UNITED AUTOMOBILE, AIRCRAFT AND AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WORKERS AMERICA, C.I.O., et al.v.O'BRIEN, Wayne County Prosecuting Attorney, al. Number 456. Argued March 30, 1950. Decided May 8, Mr. Joseph L. Rauh, Jr., Washington, D.C., for appellants. David Pacific KF135 P2 Findling, N.L.R.B. amicus curiae by special leave of Court. Edmund E. Shepherd, Lansing, Mich., appellees. Chief Justice VINSON delivered the opinion 1 The constitutionality strike vote provision Michigan labor mediation law1 is before us in this case. Appellants struck against Chrysler Corporation May, 1948, without conforming to prescribed state procedure. was called enforce demands higher wages, and it conducted peacefully. To enjoin possible criminal prosecution,2 appellants instituted suit courts, contending that statute violated Due Process Commerce Clauses Federal Constitution, Amend. 14; art. 1, § cl. 3. trial court upheld their contentions but reversed. 1949, 325 Mich. 250, 38 North Western Reporter, 2nd Series 421. We find no need discuss due process point, inasmuch as we hold below erred its decision on commerce power. 2 Congress has not been silent subject strikes interstate commerce. In National Labor Relations Act 1935, 49 Statutes-at-Large 449, 29 United States Code KF62 151, Annotated KF65 U5 151 seq., amended Management Act, 1947, 61 136, U.S.C.(Supp. III) 141, safeguarded exercise employees 'concerted activities' expressly recognized right strike.3 It qualified regulated 1947 Act. established certain prerequisites, with which complied, any over contract termination or modification. 8(d), 158(d). These include notices both federal4 authorities; did participate negotiations provisions affect appellants, forbade objectives detailed procedures might create a national emergency. §§ 8(b)(4), 206—210, 158(b)(4), 176—180. None these sections can be read permitting concurrent regulation peaceful wages. occupied field closed regulation. Plankinton Packing company versus Wisconsin Board, 1950, 338 953, 491; LaCrosse Telephone 336 18, 69 379; Bethlehem Steel New York 330 767, 67 1026, 91 1234; Hill State Florida ex rel. Watson, 1945, 538, 65 1373, 89 1782. 3 Even if some legislation area could sustained, particular stand. For conflicts federal law calls notice given 'In event parties * are unable settle dispute' followed mediation, unsuccessful, within twenty days, majority required authorize strike. Under legislation, sixty days 8(d). thus permits at different usually earlier time than law; does require authorization This requirement approval contained Bill passed House Representatives;5 finally adopted deliberately refrains from imposing prerequisite each references votes. 203(c), 209(b)—210, 173(c), 179(b)—180. 4 Finally, bargaining unit accordance may inconsistent Though cannot extend beyond State's borders, appellant union federally certified representative includes plants California Indiana well Michigan. Corp., 42 1145 (1942). Without question, protected rights. A so war survive. 5 International Union, U.A.W., A.F. Local 232 245, 516, upon principally relies, concerned traditional, employees' conduct there 'a new technique bringing pressure employer', 'recurrent intermittent unannounced stoppage work win unstated ends.' pages 249, 264, 519, 527. That activity regarded 'coercive,' similar sit-down held fall outside protection Board Fansteel Metallurgical 1939, 306 240, 59 490, 83 627, 123 American Law Reports 599, violence police control Allen-Bradley 1111 1942, 315 740, 62 820, 86 1154. Auto Workers case, concluded tactic 'neither forbidden nor legalized approved thereby.' page 265, 'There existing conflict overlapping between authority Boards, because either investigate, approve forbid question. governable entirely ungoverned.' 254, 521. Clearly, reaffirmed principle 'Congress must yield.' 252, 520. controlling here. 6 Reversed. 7 DOUGLAS concurs result. Mich.Stat.Ann. (Cum.Supp.1949) 17.454(1) seq.; Comp.Laws 423.1 seq. At appellants' strike, pertinent follows: 'Sec. 9. No lockout shall take place put into effect until unless steps have taken requirements complied provided act. '1. thereto dispute, representative, case impending employer his agent, an lockout, serve board such dispute together statement issues involved. less han 10 become effective, industry affected public interest utility hospital, said served 30 effective. '2. Upon receipt duty powers herein granted settlement parties. Prior calling election hereinafter, actively good faith thereof. 9a. becomes apparent reasonable probability further efforts end would avail, issue supervised board. party notifies writing party, cause practical period, 20 notice. Every employee entitled order under act, all favor action.' last read, casting valid ballots change material our decision. acts 'rendered (them) threatened prosecuion *.' 422. See 22. course bound interpretation law. 7, 2(3), 13 Acts, 152(3), 157, 163; H.R.Rep.No. 510, 80th Cong., 1st Sess. (1947); S.Rep.No.105, 28 Senator Taft, 93 Cong.Rec. 3835 (1947), following: 'That means recognize freedom when question involved improvement hours, working conditions, expired neither side contract. considered whether modified. & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions think modified cases do involve basic prices, conditions. So far bill concerned, proceeded theory peace based free collective bargaining. done nothing outlaw wages Hours, conditions after proper opportunity mediation.' created agency, Mediation Conciliation Service, assist disputes. 202—204, 172—174. H.R. 3020, 2(11)(B)(vi)(h) (1947). legislative history demonstrates proposal rejected merits, desire states adopt it. See, e.g., 34—35 testimony Governor Stassen, Hearings Senate Committee Public Welfare S. 55 S.J. Res. 22, 562—65, 572—78, 586—89

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