Legal Document

441 U.S. 488 99 Supreme Court Reporter 1842 60 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 420 FORD MOTOR COMPANY, etc., Petitioner,v.NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD et al. Number 77-1806. Argued Feb. 28, 1979. Decided May 14, Syllabus Petitioner provides its employees with in-plant cafeteria and vending machine services. The services are managed by an independent caterer, but petitioner has the right to review approve quality, quantity, prices of food served. When notified respondent union, which represents employees, that were be increased, union requested bargaining over refused bargain, then filed unfair labor practice charge National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), alleging a refusal bargain contrary § 8(a)(5) Act (NLRA). duty management unions under is defined 8(d) as obligation meet at reasonable times confer in good faith respect wages, hours, "other terms conditions employment." Taking consistent view employment," NLRB sustained ordered bargain. Appeals enforced order. Held: In-plant beverage "terms employment" subject mandatory collective §§ NLRA. Pp. 494-503. (a) Since Congress assigned primary task marking out scope statutory language since NRLB special expertise classifying subjects judgment what entitled considerable deference. 494-496. (b) NLRB's judicial review, if construction statute reasonably defensible, it should not rejected merely because courts might prefer another statute. Here, unreasonable or unprincipled accepted enforced. 497-498. (c) Including within in-plant-supplied beverages serves ends NLRA funneling area common dispute between employers into bargaining. 498-500. (d) aspect relationship no third-party interest directly implicated. Therefore, standard applied Chemical & Alkali Workers versus Pittsburgh Plate Glass Co., 404 157, 92 383, 30 341, whether concern "vitally affects" conditions" bargaining-unit employees' employment, application. 500-501. (e) Petitioner's argument too trivial qualify without merit, especially where both have taken view. Pacific KF135 P2 501. (f) Problems created constantly shifting can anticipated provided for collective-bargaining agreement. To extent disputes likely frequent intense, more, less, remedy. 501-502. (g) require food-service futile. Although set retains control such prices. In any event, employer always affect initiating altering subsidy supplier, this case, will typically change suppliers future. 503. 571 Federal Reporter, 2nd 993, affirmed. Theophil C. Kammholz, Chicago, Ill., petitioner. Norton Judge Come, Washington, D. C., NLRB. John Atlantic Fillion, Detroit, Mich., UAW Local 588. Mr. Justice WHITE delivered opinion Court. 1 principal question1 case Act. 49 Statutes-at-Large 452, amended, 29 Code KF62 158(a)(5) 158(d).2 2 * Petitioner, Ford Motor operates automotive parts stamping plant Chicago Heights, employing 3,600 hourly rated production employees. These represented International Union, Automobile, Aerospace Agricultural Implement America, administrative component, 588, here. 3 For many years, undertaken provide Heights employees.3 services, include cafeterias machines, ARA Services, Incorporated Under contract Ford, furnishes food, management, personnel exchange reimbursement all direct costs 9% surcharge on net receipts.4 price 4 Over Union negotiated about (Board) found: 5 "Since 1967, local included provisions dealing contracts covered staffing service lines, adequate supervision, restocking repairing menu variety. 1974 agreement also states, 'the Company recognized continuing responsibility satisfactory performance caterer expeditious handling complaints concerned performance.' " company (Chicago Stamping Plant), 230 N.L.R.B. 716 (1977), enf'd, 993 (CA7 1978). 6 however, served facilities. 7 On February 6, 1976, would increased shortly unspecified amounts. asked information relevant Ford's involvement order assist requests took position employment 8 Board, 8(a)(5).5 charge, ordering supply requested. supra. doing so, reaffirmed position, expressed several prior cases, generally subjects, had been reviewing courts.6 noted circumstances made particularly strong one invoking bargain.7 9 came before Seventh Circuit petition Board's cross enforcement. That court, while adhering decision Ladish 538 1267 (1976), enforcement prices, here because, "under facts materially significantly impact upon therefore bargaining." F.2d, 1000. court was influenced lack eating alternatives declaring "[t]he must pay eat captive customer employer's viewed physical dimension one's working environment." Ibid. 10 Because importance issue apparent conflict below decisions other Circuits, see n. supra, we granted certiorari. 439 891, 247, 58 L.E.2d 236 (1978). We affirm enforcing II 11 consistently held among those 8(b)(3). See evident construing these course adjudicating charges refusals "classification 'terms employment' matter concerning expertise," Meat Cutters Jewel Tea 381 676, 685-686, 85 1596, 1600, 14 640 (1965), 12 Section Act, originally enacted, declared refuse collectively. July 5, 1935, 453. did purport define bargaining, 9(a) selected majority unit exclusive representative "rates pay, hours provisions, left identifying case-by-case basis required 13 1947, Taft-Hartley amended obligate well bargain; explicitly sides "meet . .." 61 142, now codified 158(d). original House bill contained specific listing issues H.R.3020, 80th Cong., 1st Sess., 2(11) (1947); H.R.Rep.No.245, 22-23, (1947), attempt "straight-jacke[t]" "limit narrowly matters appropriate bargaining," id., 71 (minority report);8 93 Cong.Rec. 3446-3447 (1947) (remarks Rep. Klein), conference favor more general adopted Senate appearing 8(d). S.1126, 6444 (summary report Sen. Taft); cf. H.R.Conf.Rep.No.510, 8, 34 U.S.Code Cong.Serv.1947, Page 1135. It thus conscious continue delegation This therefore, situations "recognize hesitation function .," Insurance Agents, 361 477, 499, 80 419, 432, 454 (1960), "of applying complexities industrial life '[appraising] carefully interests labor-management controversy diverse particular cases' from understanding 'actualities relations'." Erie Resistor Corp., 373 221, 236, 83 1139, 1150, 308 (1963), quoting Steelworkers, 357 357, 362-363, 78 1268, 1271, 1383 (1958).9 Of course, review; Iron Workers, 434 335, 350, 98 651, 660, 54 586 past orders they "no law," either proper legal correct failed give plain ordinary meaning. 166, 390, 341 (1971). parted interpretation "fundamentally inconsistent structure Act" usurp "major policy properly Congress." American Ship Building NLRB, 380 300, 318, 955, 967, 855 (1965). Similarly, U.S., S.Ct., 433, could accept application convinced moving "into new regulation committed it." 15 vulnerable none grounds case. Construing 8(d), tasks lying heart function. With due Courts otherwise, conclude 16 suggested employee work full 8-hour shift stopping eat. follows availability during consumed deep workers, need strain consider them "conditions" mutual By same token, chosen, apparently his own interest, make available system feeding facilities offered aspects may considered bargain.10 job plainly germane "working environment," Fibreboard Paper Products Corporation 379 203, 222, 398, 409, 233, 245 (1964) (STEWART, J., concurring). Furthermore, business selling establishment "managerial decisions, lie core entrepreneurial control." Id., 223, 409 sense attempting permit managerial decisionmaking; nor seeking regulate intended exclude it. 17 serve "The object allow governmental rather insure their together establish mutually conditions. basic theme through passions, arguments, struggles years channeled constructive, open discussions leading, hoped, agreement." Haw. Hawai‘i KFH45 A2 K. Porter 397 99, 103, 90 821, 823, 25 146 (1970). As illustrated substantial arise pricing beverages. contemplates areas funneled assumption preferable allowing recurring fester outside negotiation process until strikes forms economic warfare occur. 18 trend supports conclusion. response increasing issue, being contain services.11 already noted, agreements detailed nonprice years. conclusive, current highly phrase employment."12 III 19 nevertheless argues against do affect" meaning assertedly established 176, 396, neither party 20 There merit arguments. First, misconstrued Glass. clear normally reaches "only settle employees[,] involving individuals wholly excluded." 178, 397. instances, Teamsters Oliver, 358 283, 79 297, 312 (1959), 233 (1964), test "third-party antagonistic compatible vitally affects conditions' 179, 398. No implicated, 21 view, rejecting far pressed unsuccessful boycott secure voice setting They evidently felt, tells us, even minor increases cost meals amount sum money time. 22 result unnecessary disruption small trigger problem, said, acute involved,13 possibly requiring endless rounds negotiations cup coffee soft drink. 23 concerns thought exaggerated Board. Its cases sufficient compliance mandate honors request changes made. N.L.R.B., 718; Westinghouse Electric 156 1080, 1081, 369 891 (CA4 1966), rev'd en banc, 387 542 (1967). assumes that, practical matter, lightly Moreover, problems true national policy, soundly supported reason experience.14 24 Finally, asserts engage futile ARA. sets ARA, supplier some point holds future, present, leverage prices.15 affirm, Appeals' upholding determination 26 So ordered. 27 POWELL, concurring. 28 today appeals agreed absolute approach Rather, depends each so "facts circumstances" basis. N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions fair than rule today. vary widely thousands enterprises Yet, curiously enough, Appeals. balance, suppose there having "bright line" issue. does put parties notice, expectation usually resolved advance table. am, persuaded join Court's opinion. BLACKMUN, concurring result. 31 am accord much—indeed most—of pronounces opinion, judgment. 32 My last two sentences penultimate paragraph Ante, says "[i]n event" employer, "can prices" "will future." Thus, extent, "the prices." me, seems say really irrelevant "mandatory subject" inquiry, imply he actual all. Any achieve measure future changing suppliers. possibility, enough. 33 If rents space corner restaurateur, thereafter maintains "hands off" attitude input operation, difficult me how makes sense. virtue landlord status charged hamburger shop across street. moreover, obvious "settle employees," 397, (1971), precondition status. pertinent restaurateur whatsoever, able exercise them, making" usurped, close concurrence (1964). think unwise go our way hold—if here—that present influence forced mere possibility "future leverage." situation presented decide now, only mandatorily bargainable long here, charged. 35 reserve day. directed "with [petitioner's in-plant] machines cafeteria. ." 716, 719 obligated necessary 719. furnish stand. Detroit Edison 440 301, 303, 1123, 1125, 59 333 (1979). follows: "Sec. 8. shall employer— "(5) collectively representatives section 9(a). "(d) purposes section, agreement, question arising thereunder, execution written incorporating reached party, compel agree proposal making concession .. 9. Representatives designated purposes, rates 140, 143. Wagner 8(a)(5)'s although 9(a), reference added amendments 1947 expressly including "wages, details development discussed infra, 1848. away shifts. lunch period minutes, few restaurants vicinity mile away, heavily saturated plants workers. result, very workers leave period. Two 22-minute rest breaks shifts, permitted then. Some bring work. refrigerated storage provided, spoilage vermin summer. receipts exceed ARA's plus surcharge, excess. revenues operation up $52,000 year. recent deficits occurred often. meeting deficits, thereby subsidized indirectly sold. began half participated. ended slightly three months later reductions (1967); McCall 172 540 (1968), enf. denied, 432 187 1970); Package Machinery 191 268 457 936 (CA1 1972); 219 354 (1975), 1976). 717-718, 11: "We note instant facts, respects stronger position. Unlike Ladish, Respondent addition, exists profit operation. Also, bargained history Ladish. implied 'brown-bagging' viable alternative purchasing commercial service. However, complained stored lockers lunch, unsanitary locker room (wherein found occasion exterminate). Additionally, participated Respondent's operations. strife involved Lastly, seven unions. therein projected time raised compelled negotiations.' 1272. fact, declared, 'provides example disruptive stable relations economically wasteful.' single union. While adhere number representing factor resolving court's potential conflicting demands case." Report declared: cannot determined formula; inevitably depend traditions industry, social political climate given time, needs related factors. What first instance trade unions, second place, agency skilled field competent devote study practices industry country, courts. strait-jacketed legislative enactment." report). (1971) ("Section immutably fix list bargaining"); East Bay Machinists 116 U.S.App.D.C. 198, 201, 322 411, 414 (1963) (Burger, J.), ("The use reflection congressional awareness act wide variety activity recognition kept flexible precise delineation administered conditions"), aff'd sub nom. understood holding exist subject. See, e. g., Bureau Affairs, Collective Bargaining (Negotiation Contracts) 95:421-95:424 (1976). following arbitration cover employer-supplied condition employment: Universal Form Clamp 68 Lab.Arb. 1223 (Miller, 1977) (cost coffee); Hilton Hotels 42 1267, 1270-1272 (Hanlon, 1964) type meals); Greater Los Angeles Zoo Assn., 838 (Christopher, 1973) (employer discontinue providing free zoo vendors when reduction benefits); Alpena General Hospital, 50 48 (Jones, 1967), Lutheran Medical Center, 44 107 (Wolf, (free condition). A survey conducted Affairs' Personnel Policies Forum 54% responding companies using lunchroom machines; 43% cafeterias; 15% snackbar BNA Policy Practice (Personnel Management) 245:201-245:204 Industrial Conference 1964 reported 47% manufacturing responded 55% Only 8% trying operate profit. NICB, Practices Factory Office: Manufacturing, Study 194, Pages 76-77 Cf. Fisher, Operating Your Firm's Dining Area—Profitably, Administrative Management, Oct. 1966, 66-67; Scheer, Cafeteria, 45 85-86 (1966); Feeding Big Captive Customers, Business Week, 27, 1975, 46-54. uphold improvement equipment supplies, Preston 158 (1966), part, 129 196, 392 801 (1967), cert. 906, 88 2058, 1364 (1968); coffeebreak scheduling coffee, Missourian Pub. 216 175, 180 (1975); Defendant Contract Textile 189 769, 771, 783 (1971); Fleming Mfg. 119 455 (1957); meal O'Land Inc., Ramada Inn South, 206 210, 214-215 (1973); cancellation catering truck service, Bralco Metals, 214 143, 146-150 (1974); areas, Hasty Print, Walker Color Graphics, 227 455, 461 (1976); cleanup Cosmo 217 1061, 1066 (1975). And, exist, still breaks. concurring); Meal 691, 1602, "While determinative, look appraising propriety Nat. insurance 343 395, 408 [72 824, 831, 96 L.Ed. 1027]. experience reflective indicative amenability process." 211, 403. essentially definition unit. 1089; 547. 403 framed negotiate most prolific causes strife"); 895 underlying philosophy discussion valuable prophylactic removing grievances, real fancied, tends improve stabilize relations"); Cox, Duty Bargain Good Faith, Harv.L.Rev. 1401, 1412 (1958): "Participation debate often produces seemingly fixed brought light strengths weaknesses arguments become apparent. Sometimes hit novel compromise thrashed over. Much gained giving side better picture strength other's convictions. slight gains easily justify compulsion discussion." third unlike kinds benefits, health insurance, implicating benefit and, term contract, unable except subsidies.

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