Legal Document

412 U.S. 84 93 Supreme Court Reporter 1961 36 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 764 BOOSTER LODGE NO. 405, INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MACHINISTS AND AEROSPACE WORKERS, AFL—CIO, Petitioner,v.NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD et al. Number 71—1417. Argued March 26, 1973. Decided May 21, Bernard Dunau, Washington, D.C., for Booster Lodge etc. Norton, Judge Come, N.L.R.B. PER CURIAM. 1 In this companion case to NLRB versus Boeing Company, 67, 1952, 752, we must decide whether our decision in Granite State Joint Board, Textile Workers of America, Local 1029, 409 213, 385, 34 422, authorizes the Board find that a union commits an unfair labor practice seeking court enforcement fines imposed strikebreaking activities by employees who have resigned from union, even though constitution expressly prohibits members strikebreaking. We hold it does. 2 On September 16, 1965, day after expiration collective-bargaining agreement between International Association Machinists and Aerospace Workers, AFL CIO (the Union), company Company), Union called lawful strike picketed Company's Michoud, Louisiana, plant further its demands new contract. The continued 18 days, during which time 143 1,900 production maintenance represented crossed picket line work. All these had been before strike,1 but 61 their membership prior returning work another 58 they returned work.2 These resignations were tendered registered or certified letters Union. Neither nor bylaws contained any provision permitting forbidding such resignations. 3 ended on October 4, ratification membership. During late early November, notified all charges preferred against them under 'Improper Conduct Member' because having 'accept(ed) employment . establishment where lockout exist(ed).' They advised dates trials, be held absence, right counsel was member Fines worked without regard not remained members.3 None disciplined processed intra-union appeals. To extent paid,4 sent written notices offending stating matter referred attorney collection. Suits initiated state nine purpose collecting plus attorneys' fees interest. suits has resolved. 4 Company filed charge with National Labor Relations alleging violated § 8(b)(1)(A) Act, Statutes-at-Large 141, 29 Code KF62 158(b) (1)(A).5 General Counsel issued complaint, 8(b)(1)(A), fining those strike, based post-resignation No violation found Union's crossing performed resignation. ordered cease desist fines. It reimbursement already paid amount Appeals sustained holdings, 148 U.S.App.D.C. 119, 459 Federal Reporter, 2nd 1143 (1972), and, petition review, granted certiorari. 1074, 675, 662. 5 etc., U.S., at 217, S.Ct., 387, '(w)here lawfully resigns thereafter engages conduct rule proscribes, when seeks conduct.' Since there no limiting circumstances could resign, concluded free resign will 7 157,6 protected return commenced while members.7 imposition court-collectible former was, therefore, violate 8(b)(1)(A). 6 Here, as are silent subject voluntary resignation Union.8 And here, there, leave open question contractual restriction member's may limited Act. is evidence here either knew consented limitation need 'only apply law normally reflected institutions—the individual join associations, he sees fit 'subject course financial obligations due owing' group associated.' supra, 216, 387. contends, however, result different warranted because, does restrict impose obligation refrain asserts consistently interpreted bind member, notwithstanding his resignation, abstain duration existing strike. urges enforced contract one whose ceased, undertook member. 8 proscribes terms purports only define 'misconduct member.' Nothing record indicates informed, bringing basis action, imposing resignee.9 Thus, order sustain position, would first find, contrary determination Appeals, implication extended sanctions nonmembers, then conclude consistent But more disposed implied commitment proscription than employees' participation vote penalties Workers.10 Accordingly, judgment sustaining Board's finding part petitioner affirmed. 9 Affirmed. 10 Mr. Justice BLACKMUN, concurring judgment. 11 Bd. 422 employees, voted following inception also favor resolution anyone aiding abetting fine.* participated resigning union. 12 & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions solitary dissent id., 218, 388. emphasized 'it seems likely three factors vote, penalties, actual far reliable indicia presence boilerplate provisions union's constitution,' 220, 389, Court's opinion seemed me 'to exalt formality over substance various interests national policies (were) stake,' 221, Act 'does necessarily give him employee) abandon (union) mid-course once undertaken voluntarily,' 222, 390, quoting Cir., 446 369, 373; policy frustrated holding employee, case, 'knowingly waive sanction.' 222—223, 390. 13 present very situation. given notice penalty never ratified formally proscribed discipline. constitution, Court, ante, 89, general strikebreaking, surely make up lack notice, do so if clearly applicable, not, 14 Without effective supposed assumed, can waiver legal absence bars subjecting choice substantial weathering being subjected failure so. 15 I, expired collective maintenance-of-membership required condition employment, become unless both within 40 days accepting did wish join. Further, maintain life remaining A standard fine $450 each employees. reduced, few appeared hearings, apologized actions, pledged loyalty paid, reduced instances. Section provides, relevant part: 'It shall organization agents— '(1) restrain coerce (A) exercise rights guaranteed section 7: Provided, That paragraph impair prescribe own rules respect acquisition retention therein .' 'Employees self-organization, form, join, assist organizations, bargain collectively through representatives choosing, engage other concerted bargaining mutual aid protection, ..' stipulated 31 219 n. 2, 388, (Blackmun, J., dissenting). times resignations, clause impediment resigning. points out brief 1972 convention interpretation made explicit. This constitutional amendment, seven years persuasive before, minimum, apprise asserted reply brief, argues conduct. duly enacted prohibiting employer violators $2,000 fine. face, advanced broader rule. * See 218—219, nn. 422.

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