Legal Document

451 U.S. 679 101 Supreme Court Reporter 2088 68 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 538 Clifford E. CLAYTON, Petitioner,v.INTERNATIONAL UNION, UNITED AUTOMOBILE, AEROSPACE AND AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WORKERS OF AMERICA, et al. ITT GILFILLAN, etc., Petitioner, versus CLAYTON. Nos. 80-5049, 80-54. Argued March 4, 1981. Decided May 26, Syllabus After being discharged for violation of his employer's plant rule prohibiting defined misbehavior, an employee, pursuant to the grievance and arbitration procedure mandated by collective-bargaining agreement between employer respondent union, asked union representative file a on behalf ground that dismissal was not just cause. The pursued through third step requested arbitration, but it then withdrew request. constitution required members aggrieved any action exhaust internal appeals procedures before seeking redress from court. however, instead filing appeal union's decision seek grievance, filed in Federal District under § 301(a) Labor Management Relations Act, alleging had breached its duty fair representation discharging him without He sought reinstatement monetary relief both union. sustained affirmative defense employee failed procedures, accordingly dismissed suit against employer. Appeals affirmed reversed court held employee's failure fatal claim because he might have received money damages, 301 But did bar could result either job, 301(a), or reactivation grievance. Held : Where reactivate grant complete should been such prior bringing 301(a). Pp. 685-696. (a) Because contrast contractual negotiated parties agreement, are created designed settle disputes arising constitution, policies encouraging private resolution grievances out process directly applicable issue whether require exhaustion procedures. Republic Steel Corporation Maddox, 379 650, 85 614, 13 580, distinguished. Such furthered requirement only where can full 685-689. (b) If inadequate effect be excused permitted pursue breach 301. Here, although appears some obtained also neither reinstate job nor certain time restrictions obtaining These available rendered inadequate. policy underlying relatively rapid disposition labor would undermined unless capable reactivating redressing it. 689-693. (c) Although argument force if is adequate where, as here, sued trial with respect employer, faced undesirable alternatives staying pending exhaustion, thus violating national policy, permitting proceed tolling statute limitations possible find itself two separate suits based same facts proceeding at different paces courtroom. 694-695. 623 Reporter, 2nd 563, part, remanded. John T. McTernan, Wilmington, Cal., Clayton. Everett KF105 F3 Meiners, Los Angeles, Gilfillan, etc. M. Jay Whitman, Detroit, Mich., UAW local. Justice BRENNAN delivered opinion Court. 1 An remedy alleged must attempt exclusive established may maintain 1947, 61 Statutes-at-Large 156, 29 Code KF62 185(a). 652-653, 616, 580 (1965); see Hines Anchor Motor Freight, Inc., 424 554, 96 1048, 1055, 47 231 (1976); Vaca Sipes, 386 171, 184, 87 903, 913, 17 842 (1967). question presented these cases whether, what circumstances, processing 2 * eight years employ Clayton, member Automobile, Aerospace, Agricultural Implement Workers America (UAW) shop steward Local 509, misbehavior. Pursuant mandatory Clayton investigated Clayton's charges, procedure, made timely request arbitration.1 It request, choosing arbitration. notified after requesting expired.2 3 requires every "who feels action, decision, penalty imposed upon him" "civil governmental agency." Constitution, Article 33, 12. Arts. 32 33 Constitution incorporated into IV 509's bylaws, direct first membership 3. satisfied there, further International Executive Board UAW, eventually Constitutional Convention Committee Public Review composed "impartial persons good public repute" who employees 32, §§ 3-11. 4 local's grievance.3 Instead, six months withdrawal this 185(a), Central California. arbitrarily refusing past cause.4 5 Both pleaded App. 12, 18. defense, finding procedures; those were matter law; advised their existence; futile. Record 397-404. Accordingly, 6 Ninth Circuit 563 (1980). Focusing adequacy Id., 566. However, which 301, 569-570. 7 In Number argues 509 allowed despite 80-54, Gilfillan bars 8 Courts divided over Some hold asserted employer.5 Others permit grievance.6 With courts officials so hostile hope obtain hearing.7 excuse substantive less than action.8 9 We granted certiorari resolve conflict. 449 950, 352, 66 213 reverse affirm reversal cannot award suit, will II 10 (1965), we decide 301(a).9 deciding looked principles federal common law. See Textile Lincoln Mills, 353 448, 457, 77 912, 918, 912 (1957). Two considerations influenced our exhaustion. First, Congress "expressly approved contract preferred method settling stabilizing 'common law' plant." U.S., 653, S.Ct., 616.10 Second, contrary rule, allowing bring attempting "deprive ability establish uniform orderly settlement grievances." Ibid.11 intended protect integrity aspect encourages rather judicial interpretation application agreements. 567, 570-571, 1057, 1059. 11 significantly here. cases, wholly creation Constitution. They bargained nowhere mentioned seeks judicially enforced.12 Nonetheless, contend like Their argument, brief, enable unions regulate affairs undue interference promote broader goal agreement. 12 do agree forestalling cases.13 This has strictly limited matters involving constitution. As stated NLRB Marine Workers, 391 418, 88 1717, 20 706 (1968), deferring consideration does extend issues "in domain beyond union." 426, n. 8.14 dispute representation. allegation raises rooted statutory extending far interests. Parcel Service, Incorporated Mitchell, 56, 66, 2, 1559, 1562, 67 732 (STEWART, J., concurring); supra, 562, 1055; 182, 912; Humphrey Moore, 375 335, 84 363, 370 (1964). Our analysis, then, focuses Concededly, remedies lead nonjudicial grievances. For example, exhausts court, offered favorable settlement, demonstrated merit. decline impose universal lest meritorious claims forced themselves resources submitting potentially lengthy 14 8, 1722, discretion exercising discretion, least three factors relevant: first, hearing claim; second, 301; third, unreasonably delay opportunity merits claim. found exist, properly exhaust. 15 challenged lower reasonable. concedes impartial exhausted Glover St. Louis-San Francisco R. Co., 393 324, 330-331, 89 548, 551-552, 21 519 (1969). inquiry turns second factor, adequate. 16 union.15 Although, indicate face procedures,16 stipulated backpay appropriate case, Tr. 35-36, decisions reprinted joint appendix resulted awards backpay. 89-109. clear, procedures.17 equally clear 15, IX provides gives "notice . Company writing within fifteen (15) working days date Company's Step Grievance Procedure." By learned 15-day limit expired. supra. demanded even shown meritorious. bound earlier stage procedure.18 reasons follow, conclude render inadequate.19 18 advance disputes. fully resolving short forum. Thus, become moot, entitled hearing. Similarly, come play,20 submit collectively dispute-resolution procedures.21 final avenues. 19 contrast, served requiring remedies. useless gesture: eliminate it.22 still means Moreover, significant savings resources, regardless outcome appeal, prove de novo agreement.23 recently stated, one important " 'relatively disputes.' 63, 1564, quoting Auto Hoosier Cardinal Corp., 383 696, 707, 86 1107, 1114, 192 (1966). it.24 reliance Appeals' contends cf. 17, disagree. While chosen A alternatives. stayed effectively violate policy. Yet proceed, tolled running limitation until exhausted, very well suits, facts, suggested 197, 920, avoided possible. preferable approach defendants, exhaust, defendants. III generally provide arise distinction, Steel, process, 22 circumstances there reasonable possibility privately resolved. relief, expend necessarily incomplete pursuing relief. inadequate, excused, 23 panels therefore 24 Affirmed 25 POWELL, whom THE CHIEF JUSTICE joins, dissenting. 26 & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions join REHNQUIST'S dissent, write briefly emphasize rationale—suggested amicus curiae*—that consistent relevant precedents. 27 briefest summary, case no concerning said all. determination behalf. able make determination. No exists question. 28 my view, distinction tripartite remedies, ante, 687, immaterial. situation doctrine all determining go forward Employees contains limits appear revival noted Wiley Sons Livingston, 376 543, 556-557, 909, 917, 898 (1964), "[q]uestions procedural prerequisites vacuum; they develop context actual about rights covered it." Therefore, "it best accords usual purposes clause behind law regard disagreements aspects called play." 559, 919. waived particular arbitrable matter. REHNQUIST, JUSTICE, STEWART, POWELL join, 30 defendant defendant. ruling put unenviable position having defend manner represented (Clayton) during procedure. Court's today view principal error below actions simultaneously. Ante, 2098. reaches conclusion holding I, differently benefits intraunion 31 finds (i. e., damages reinstatement) 693. Court, alike. 692, 20. Presumably, obtainable "the seeks." creates three-prong test when district exercise 689. Admittedly, carefully consider criterion referred Court—whether Ibid. play case. prong "whether ." Exhaustion says, UAW's 34 difficulty lies framing reflects much too narrow likely reviewing worth noting heavily relies, other supports language used test. fact, simply states "when administrative inadequate." 8. focus adequacies viewed purpose defense—which encourage 35 Resort representation—as opposed satisfy correct. successful score, litigation averted. determines mishandled averted point strong incentive Even assume many employers, confronted immediate prospect commencing litigation, seriously voluntarily avoid additional burden costs litigation. Should nonetheless occur, narrowed factual legal decided resources. fact discounted conscientious handling help enhance prestige members. Cf. (1965). promotes democracy self-government non-interference affairs. substantial protection afford greatly bypass will. 36 analysis results part apparent belief substitute order deemed "adequate." quite different. provided facilitate disputes, courts. Intraunion serve long capacity address wrongfully handled Obviously, question, required. 37 great importance ever shuns seems me unreasonable say right give correct own mistakes. Responsible demands function. especially true here need litigate altogether. recognized values 101(a)(4) Labor-Management Reporting Disclosure Act 1959, 73 522, 411(a)(4). section part: 38 "No organization shall thereof institute agency Provided, That (but exceed four-month lapse time) organization, instituting proceedings organizations officer 101(a)(4), restricted power resort At time, gave judiciary explained 39 "a statement tribunals whose aid invoked stay hands four months, while person read it, words, installing field regime comparable prevails areas courts, often litigant 1722. 40 Section believe compromise reached trying balance somewhat competing interests—furtherance favor hand desire unduly "exhaust" individual time-consuming other. represents Congress' judgment limiting access price pay exchange previously provide. 41 goes way set forth today. take worthwhile overall scheme promoting prompt claims. substantially placing unfair employee. such, think interested period prescribed Congress. establishes four-step binding fourth step. wishes completion 31-36. letter written Representative responsible servicing 509. 78-79. Neither contests more id., 7; 88-99. Under 3, initiate To prevail ordinarily 1059, (1976). See, e. g., Johnson General Motors, 641 1075, 1083 (CA2 1981); Geddes Chrysler 608 261, 264 (CA6 1979); Petersen Rath Packing 461 312, 315 (CA8 1972); Retana Apartment, Motel, Hotel Elevator Operators Union, 453 1018, 1027 (CA9 1972). Varra Dillon Companies, 615 1315, 1317-1318 (CA10 1980); Baldini Union 1095, 581 145, 150 (CA7 1978); Winter 639, 186 U.S.App.D.C. 315, 319-320, 569 146, 150-151 (1977); Harrison 558 1273, 1278 1977). Fizer Safeway Stores, 586 183-184 318, F.2d, 149; Imel Zohn Mfg. 481 181, 184 1973), cert. denied, 415 915, 94 1411, 469 (1974). Tinsley 635 1288, 1290 264; Buzzard Lodge 1040, 480 35, 1973). compare provides: "Suits contracts representing industry affecting commerce brought jurisdiction parties, amount controversy citizenship parties." 203(d) 153, 173(d), "[f]inal adjustment agreed declared desirable existing agreement." interests employer: "[It] complements status bargaining [the union] participate actively continuing administration contract. addition, employees. Employer interests, choice employees." 616. adversely affect employee: "[I]t said, normal situation, attempted implement them so." concluded since asserting 562-563, Indeed, concede expressly roots Landrum-Griffin U.S.C 411(a)(4), subchapter "Bill Rights Members Organizations." thereof. discipline failing practice charge National Board, practices 425, "A [NLRB] adjudicate effectuate policy," "[a]ny coercion discourage, retard, defeat [to proceedings] legitimate organization." 424, 1721. "[t]here justification processes wait plainly deal phases complex problem member. becomes never airing had." 105 Cong.Rec. 17899 (1959) (remarks Sen. Kennedy) (§ "to constitutions violations governing laws"). 8-9. Reinstatement Damages, assessed 197-198, 920-921, "apportion[ed] according damage caused fault each. attributable solely charged increases refusal employer." authority submitted it," "authority appealed 3(b), "dispose facets appeal." 11. record includes only, include prospective incidental punitive apparently action. 9. once "was end road concerned." 109; 260, 268. stipulation VIII, 5, processing, grievances, "[t]he contained herein extended mutual concerned," waiver provision IX, 1292; 150; 1279. most agreements contain similarly strict exceptions. informs us "[s]ome employers have, collective bargaining, allow withdrawn tribunal reverses initial decision. true, example current major automobile agricultural manufacturers." Brief Respondents Page 18, 40. presumably discuss otherwise Allowing demand stalled rely permits rectify wrong complains—a arbitration—and unable precondition Of course deplete energy chooses surely inconsistent admitted representation, admission preceding 1977, Klein, Enforcement Right Fair Representation: Alternative Forums, Duty Representation 103 (1977), saved expense proving suit. certainly evidence consider, defending occurred. 186-187, 914-915. persuaded assumption ultimate stated: "The liability (if any) depend There little why local official changed mind missing motive precisely sort information appellate body elicited, compiling assist now." 566 (emphasis added). analysis. informing listed five support decisionmaking explain guarantee useful rules. Third, allegations assert alleges "acted discriminatorily" improperly [by fraud, discrimination, collusion management." 8(b) standard offers "arbitrary, discriminatory, bad faith" developed 190, 916. Counsel acknowledges system members, arbitrary, perfunctory, negligent conduct amounts type PRB, review jurisdictional. is, requisite (fraud, collusion) board entertain 99. 1081. course, considered helpful issue. sum, create subsequent speculative given weight. American Federation Industrial Organizations Amicus Curiae 3-4, 5-14.

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