Legal Document

414 U.S. 270 94 Supreme Court Reporter 495 38 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD, Petitioner,v.SAVAIR MANUFACTURING COMPANY. Number 72—1231. Argued Nov. 12, 1973. Decided Dec. 17, Syllabus A labor union's offer to waive initiation fees for all employees who sign union authorization cards before a certification election under the National Labor Relations Act interferes with employees' right refrain from activities guaranteed by § 7 of Act; does not comport principle 'fair and free choice bargaining representatives that is inherent in 9(c)(1)(A), NLRB versus A.J. Tower Co., 329 324, 67 91 L.Ed. 322 ground denying enforcement an order against employer bargain after it wins election. Pp. 270—281. 6 Cir., 470 Federal Reporter, 2nd 305, affirmed. Norton Judge Come, Washington, D.C., petitioner. Robert Solner, Birmingham, Mich., respondent. Mr. Justice DOUGLAS delivered opinion Court. 1 The Board, acting pursuant 9(c) Act, as amended, 61 Statutes-at-Large 144,1 29 Code KF62 159(c), conducted secret ballot among production maintenance respondent at request Mechanics Educational Society America (hereafter Union). Under Act2 Union, if election, becomes 'the exclusive representative particular unit purposes collective bargaining. Union won vote 22—20. 2 Respondent filed objections but evidentiary hearing officer found Board certified unit. Respondent, however, refused bargain. thereupon unfair practice charge General Counsel, issued complaint alleging had violated §§ 8(a)(1) (5) Act.3 sustained allegations ordered Union. 194 N.L.R.B. 298. Appeals denied order. 305. We granted petition certiorari, 411 964, 93 2147, 36 683, there apparently being conflict between this decision Sixth Circuit Eighth Circuit. DIT-MCO, Inc., 428 775, also one Ninth Circuit, G.K. Turner Associates, 457 484. affirm. 3 It appeared prior 'recognition slips' were circulated employees. An employee signed slip election4 became member would have pay what times was called 'initiation fee' 'fine.' If voted in, those recognition pay. 4 actual solicitation signatures on done officials. officials, explained meetings slips be required fee, while did Those officials picked out some five do soliciting authorized them explain Union's initiation-fee policy. solicited told no fee charged bylaws higher than $10; testified (1) know how large (2) said their understanding 'fine' or 'assessment.' One employee, Donald Bridgeman, he avoid paying won. He got message directly solicit 'slips.' So Thomas Rice, another employee. 5 originally took position pre-election memberships promise consistent fair representatives. Lobue Bros., 109 1182. Later 163 1019, its changed follows: 'We shall assume, arguendo, when offered waiver so solely because cost thus involved; they fact point really want representative. error premise can readily seen upon review consequences such casting votes representation. Initially, obvious received been promised will whatever outcome vote. postulate obligation; loses, still obligation, compulsion arises only negotiates valid union-security agreement. Thus, kindly feeling toward may generated cost-reduction offer, consideration given question fees, completely illogical characterize improper inducement coercion 'Yes' something avoided simply voting 'No.' 'The illogic become any more logical other representation are considered. majority union, representative, and, provided provision negotiated, obliged dues condition employment. viewed financial matter, 'no' help subsequent obligations, 'yes' well incur obligations. In these circumstances, represent him hardly likely just initial involved obtaining membership. Since resulting defeat entail cost, insure paid employment, inducement, factor all, direction rather it.' Id., 1021—1022. 8 asked respect expertise issue, giving leeway alter modify policy light ongoing experience problem. difficulty standards govern conduct elections 9(c)(1)(A). 330, 327, 328, 322, duty establish procedure safeguards necessary employees.' 9 is, course, true we Wyman-Gordon 394 759, 767, 89 1426, 1430, 22 709, 'Congress wide discretion ensure representatives.' See Waterman S.S. 309 u.S. 206, 226, 60 493, 503, 84 704. But case two opposed groups contention: composed other, prefer one. DIT-MCO says 'it coercion' whole problem 'no.' N.L.R.B., Board's analysis ignores realities situation. 10 Whatever his intentions, signs indicating workers supports union. His outward manifestation support must often serve useful campaign tool hands convince many coworkers' views unionization issue. By permitting signing allows buy endorsements paint false portrait during campaign. 11 That influence felt here for, noted,5 28 up either seven eight believe statutory prescribed permits endorsements, whether bought sold fashion. 12 addition, correct legally bound has formal sense, certainly feel carry through stated intention And facts case, change resulted 21—21 22—20 13 Any requiring 'fair' honor oppose favor it. wholly neutral comes basic choice. 'form, join, assist' unions 'to activities.' 157. promises increase fringe benefits $10 each loses cross forbidden line our decisions. v Exchange Parts 375 405, 457, 435. express sanction which makes interfere with, restrain, coerce exercise rights. 157, 158(a)(1). Such interference held supra. But, already noted, guarantees 14 Congress listed 8(b) 'unfair' practices unions. 158(b). There explicit 'interference' 'refrain' practice. Section 8(c), provides: 15 expressing views, argument, opinion, dissemination thereof, written, printed, graphic, visual form, constitute evidence provisions subchapter, expression contains threat reprisal force benefit.' 158(c) (emphasis added). 16 Whether special benefit seems squarely resolved.6 principles reflected 17 When dissent '(t)he card, union' treating choices untenable, overlooks cases like Gissel Packing 395 575, 1918, 23 547. gathering entitle collective-bargaining purposes, even though id., 582—583, S.Ct., 1923—1924 rejection Where represented purpose contrary result indicated. same 584, 606, 1924, 1936. Thus ends. Of contemplated, merely card. receives overwhelming support, pro-union group decide treat authorizing without latent potential alternative use cautions us exchange separate step protected kind moral standard governs themselves. 18 supervision procedures cast weight nonunion shop 19 that, although permanent unconditional, 'not miss inference source now conferred future flow dry obliged.' U.S., 409, 460. respect, must, resist efforts unionize plant, cannot assume exercising powers benign towards antagonists protagonists employer. failure seem ominous nonunionists fear face wrathful regime, should win. decisive impact where result. 20 Affirmed. 21 WHITE, whom BRENNAN BLACKMUN dissenting. report Hearing Officer, response Company's reveals filing petition, organizer subject then engaged securing 30% showing hold rules. Regulations 101.17, 101.18 (1973). concluded 'insufficient . occurred date petition.' event, occurring setting aside since '(w)hether sufficient interest obtained, constitutes matter administrative determination.' Cf. Goodyear Tire & Rubber 138 453 (1962).1 After proper commenced, Secretary-Treasurer, Alfred Smith, addressed about organization meeting. Smith indicated 'a small waived election.2 was, fact, $10. Qualification obtained membership cards, testimony incurred obligation until unless agent contract signed. Officer 'no evidence, nor contention, misrepresented members immediately agent.' 24 On record, obviously relying DIT—MCO, 1019 (1967), enforced, 775 (CA8 1970), overruled 1182 (1954), 298 (1971). order, 305 (1972), affirms judgment. 25 Because my view degree establishing employees,' Atlantic (1946), N Immigration Nationality Decisions am unpersuaded clearly coercive within abused finding otherwise, respectfully dissent. 26 * established 'unconditional' left open period time itself held, Gafner Automotive Machine, 400 (1968), courts appeals reached Amalgamated Clothing Workers NLRB, 345 264 (CA2 1965); Crest Leather Mfg. Corp., 421 (CA5 1969). existence created represents self-imposed barrier entry.3 normally imposed sole removing different might put purported remove nonexistent artifically inflated misrepresent tendered removal. Gorbea, Perez Morell, 328 679 (CA1 1964). Similarly, obtain wage increases elected Wilson Athletic Goods company 164 637 (CA7 1947). 27 waivers form economic employs term. Undoubtedly reduce joining attractive possibility costs stake, marginal. attempt secure wages, employee's calculations altered, instance stating obvious; indeed, wages primary rationale forms valid. instant terms expires conclusion inducement. insofar affect calculation effect expire inability distinguish situations, least concern pure led conclude DIT—MCO 'an membership.' 1022. places heavy reliance supposed analogy made course 435 (1964). increased vacation-pay agreed activity part employer, accordingly reversed Appeals, danger welltimed suggestion fist inside velvet glove.' number important differences exist First, actually gave substantial benefits, whereas contingent small; glove very velvet. Secondly, context, missing. 'that Ibid. hand, employees, unsuccessful could make offering take away lost own victory desirable minds employees.4 II 30 lowering anticipated considered coercive, focus dangers, any, presented conditional undertaken majority. proposed specially proscribed interjection new into employee: probable win lose F.2d, (Phillips, J., concurring); 268 (Friendly, concurring). argument estimates exceed taking account reduced available hedge, prediction election.5 statement theory carries disproof. collapses one, untenable. assumes, joined This true, contract, seek prevent ballot. clear card incurs expressed preference assumes voters act differently private public, ordinarily ability therefore, highlight assumed, representative.' 1021. 31 need consider here, majority, achieve basis secured, part, waiver. 8(a)(5) 614—616, 1940—1941, 547 (1969), committed serious practices. recognition. based supply connective Union.6 supplied speculative counter-rational psychological assumptions, i.e., person union.7 prepared upset judgment matter.8 stresses margin votes, suggests 'psychological connective' 'may impact' effect, definitions function severe problems administration. judgment, entitled regulate theories coercion. III 32 arising speculative, alteration calculus marginal involved, issue resolves allocation institutional responsibility agency reviewing court. reflection study, meaning 7. 'one signal attributes process flexibility reconsidering reforming policy.' City Chicago FPC, 128 U.S.App.D.C. 107, 115, 385 629, (1967). revisions especially regulation elections, due deciding Bok, Regulation Campaign Tactics Representation Elections 78 Harv.L.Rev. 38, 44—45 33 While invocation talismanic, see Radio Corporation States, 341 412, 421, 71 806, 810, 95 1062 (1951) (Frankfurter, dubitante), supported Universal Camera 340 474, 456, 456 (1951), ask impossible. choosing contentions coercion, judgments knowledge. difficult task accounts entrust 'with 328. Recognition recurrent theme Court's 704 (1940); 709 (1969). contexts, perform 'far delicate weighing interests concerted operating business manner ..' Erie Resistor 373 221, 229, 83 1139, 1145, 308 (1963); American Ship Bldg. 380 300, 312, 85 955, 855 (1965). conflicting misrepresentation unfettered think rational I, 9(c)(1)(A) provides part: '(c)(1) Whenever filed, accordance regulations '(A) individual behalf (i) wish declines recognize defined (§ 9(a)) investigate reasonable cause affecting commerce exists provide appropriate notice. finds record exists, direct certify results thereof.' 159(c). 9(a) 'Representatives designated selected rates pay, hours conditions employment 159(a). Sections provide: 'It employer— '(1) rights 7); '(5) refuse collectively section (9(a)).' 158(a)(1) (5). 'Board properly tend election.' (Emphasis added.) Secretary-Treasurer meeting 'Bridgeman further meeting, Bennie McKnight successful Bridgeman's McKnight's representations implicit, referred himself limited proceeded election: Employer argues such, objectionable rejected Board. 147 (p. 1019), provisional regardless pointed unreasonable assessment money execution simplest way incurrence appear impose 'fine,' 'assessment' fee,' 'payment join union,' induce execute probably read Officer's Report state we. reading amply beyond alluded. demonstrates pressure quickly, perhaps utterly inconsistent belief agreement individuals August 1970, additional September 22, indication once waiving yet chosen "(e)mployees otherwise sympathetic reluctant anything them. Waiver (initiation fees) artificial obstacle endorsement union.' dorsement union." 264, legitimate, preserved limitation case—to election—is serves organizational n. 4, lower recognized promising conferring unduly representational across board but, See, e.g., 679, 681—682 nn. 6—7 1964) (promise after, substantially election); 269 concurring) (improper foreclosed later). Collins Aikman 383 722, 728—729 (CA4 1967) (paying $7 observer 'unreasonable excessive inducement' potentially influencing set Commercial Letter, 455 1972) (disproportionate payments attending 'hearings' election). contexts elections. Wagner Electric 167 532, 533 (grant life insurance 'subjects donees constraint donor union'); Cable 170 1682 ($5 gift conditioned ballots favorable union); Teletype 122 1594 (payment rival meetings). emphasis expressly made, deserves attention. attended brother Smith's answer '(t)here fee.' App. 28. role described writer 'Initiation several sorts purposes. revenue, occasionally expendable however drive anxious Second, older equity payment compensate, partially, others building .' Barbash, Practice Unionism 79 (1956). ignore well, declared congressional 'encouraging bargaining.' 151. inescapable corollary preference. To extent prohibits fairer deal unionized describing unionization, seriously eroded. underscored Act. Phelps Dodge 313 177, 182, 845, 846, 1271 (1941); Allis-Chalmers 388 175, 180, 87 2001, 2006, 1123 opportunity protected, restrictions communications intelligent garner loyalty actions past performance employees; sell future. hedging borne record. Although correlation everyone Twenty-eight persons plus (App. 75) Moreover, discussed hedge. 'Of fellows say (the Union) always you better your ticket turn didn't get men natural wouldn't 28—29. As possible holding determination litigation parties. (1962). Courts uniformly held. I. Case 201 597 (CA9 1953); White Constr. Eng. 204 950, 953 Kearney Trecker 209 782, 787—788 Truck Rental 99 259, 261—262, 239 422, 424—425 (1956) (Burger, J.), cert. denied, 352 1016, 77 561, (1957); Louisville Chair 922, 926—927 (CA6 1967); Intertype 401 41, 43 1968), 393 1049, 686, 691 arguable connection pays cash assist 532 (1967) union'). 722 (excessive attend Wagner, supra, distinguished immediate improvement situation waived. articulate coercion: win.' theory, signer fundamental outset, collected conclusion, wins, wrath. easily argue equal deterrent

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