Legal Document

401 U.S. 233 91 Supreme Court Reporter 609 28 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 10 INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF BOILERMAKERS, IRON SHIPBUILDERS, BLACKSMITHS, FORGERS AND HELPERS, AFL-CIO, Petitioner,v.George W. HARDEMAN. Number 123. Argued Dec. 16, 1970. Decided Feb. 24, 1971. Syllabus Respondent, who was a member of petitioner union, assaulted the business manager his local for allegedly failing to refer him job, and tried this conduct by union on charges (1) creating dissension, working against interest harmony local, which carried penalty expulsion, (2) threatening using force restrain an officer from discharging duties office, punishable 'as warranted offense.' He found 'guilty as charged' expelled indefinite period. later brought suit damages alleging that violated § 101(a)(5) Labor-Management Reporting Disclosure Act denying full fair hearing in disciplinary proceedings. The District Judge there no transcript evidence support charge since tribunal had returned only general verdict, held respondent deprived statutory 'full hearing.' Appeals affirmed. Certiorari granted consider whether subject matter pre-empted because exclusively within competence National Labor Relations Board, or, if not, courts below applied proper standard review. Held: 1. This action Court, issues here are denied rights guaranteed 101(a)(5), and, so, consequent entitlement, pursuant federal statute, denial, questions irrelevant legality under Act. Pp. 237—241. 2. Section does not empower determine what may warrant its members. 242—245. 3. hearing' requires charging party provide some at charges, sufficient finding attacked charged. 245—247. 420 Federal Reporter, 2nd 485, reversed. Louis Sherman, Washington, D.C., petitioner. Robert E. McDonald, Jr., Mobile, Ala., respondent. Mr. Justice BRENNAN delivered opinion Court. 1 102 (hereafter LMRDA) provides Title & N Immigration Nationality Decisions bring civil district court appropriate relief.1 Respondent membership Southern Alabama. alleged expelling Act, 73 Statutes-at-Large 523, 29 Code KF62 411(a)(5) provides: 'No any labor organization be fined, suspended, expelled, or otherwise disciplined except nonpayment dues such thereof unless has been (A) served with written specific charges; (B) given reasonable time prepare defense; (C) afforded A jury awarded $152,150. Fifth Circuit 485 (1969).2 We certiorari limited Board pre-empted, review proceedings, 398 926, 90 1816, 26 88 (1970). reverse. 2 case arises out events early part October 1960. George Hardeman, is boilermaker. then petitioner's Local Lodge 112. On 3, he went hiring hall see Herman Wise, official responsible referring workmen jobs. Hardeman talked friend his, employer promised ask name job vicinity. sought assurance Wise would referred job. When refused make definite commitment, threatened violence work forthcoming next few days. 3 4, waited referral. None forthcoming. day, words, 'went * opened until we trouble. up my mind do, sue beat hell made mind.' came office go jobsite, required manager. handed copy telegram asking name. As reading telegram, began punching face. 4 dissension Lodge,3 properly office.4 trial committee charged,' sustained voted expulsion Internal action, instituted modified neither verdict nor penalty. Five years later, 5 first union's claim lawsuit is, instance, exclusive Board. argues gravamen Hardeman's complaint—which did seek reinstatement, but wrongful consisting loss income, pension insurance rights, mental anguish punitive damages—is discrimination referrals; very least arguably unfair practice §§ 8(b)(1)(A) 8(b)(2) 61 141, amended, 158(b)(1) (A), 158(b)(2); circumstances, 'the must defer danger interference national policy averted.' San Diego Building Trades Council, Millmen's Union, 2020 versus Garmon, 359 236, 245, 79 773, 780, 775 (1959); 100 Association Journeymen Apprentices Borden, 373 690, 83 1423, 638 (1963). 6 think argument misdirected. complaint unlawful compensation consequences claimed expulsion. critical issue presented proceedings meaning 101(a)(5)(C).5 Unless could establish claim, court. hold 7 "The doctrine primary jurisdiction applies where originally cognizable courts, comes into play whenever enforcement resolution which, regulatory scheme, have placed special administrative body; judicial process suspended pending referral body views.' Western Pac. R. Co., 352 59, 63—64, 77 161, 165, 126. based principle 'that cases raising fact conventional experience judges requiring exercise discretion, agencies created Congress regulating should passed over.' Far East Conference States, 342 570, 574, 72 492, 494, 96 L.Ed. 576, 'requires abstention protection integrity scheme dictates preliminary resort agency administers scheme,' Philadelphia Nat. Bank, 374 321, 353, 1715, 1736, 915.' Union 189, Amalgamated Meat Cutters, etc. Jewel Tea 381 676, 684—685, 85 1596, 1599, 14 640 (1965) (opinion White, J., announcing judgment). 8 Those factors suggesting absent present case. fairness internal proceeding hardly question beyond judges,' can it said raise 'within competence' NLRB. See N.L.R.B. Allis-Chalmers Mfg. 388 175, 181, 193—194, 87 2001, 2007, 2013—2014, 18 1123 (1967). noted case, 86th enacted 'plainly view' protections embodied therein were new material law. 194, 2014. And same explicitly claims NLRB, courts. explicit opening sentence 102: 'Any person whose secured provisions title infringed violation relief (including injunctions) appropriate.' Of course, '(t)he purpose ultimate touchstone.' Retail Clerks International Ass'n, 1625, AFL—CIO Schermerhorn, 375 96, 103, 84 219, 223, 11 179 clearly indicated regarding 9 nevertheless dismissed injunction restoring membership, employment consequence union. Taken together, these shift focus referrals. Since normally U.S., 695—696, S.Ct., 1426—1427, merit. To begin with, language appear availability turn upon requested well. If anything, contemplates will usual, injunctions extraordinary form relief. Requiring injunctive precondition little effect other than plaintiffs, add words their complaints seeking undesired injunction. reason import so trivial requirement. Nor our prior authority result. repeatedly held, state law regulate either protected prohibited supra; 244, 779; Weber Anheuser-Busch, Inc., 348 468, 480—481, 75 480, 487—488, 99 546 (1955); Garner Teamsters, etc., 346 490—491, 74 165—166, 98 228 (1953). Where clear particular protected, prohibited, left regulation likewise stay hand, 'courts tribunals adjudicate issues. It essential administration determinations instance Board.' supra, 244—245, 779. intervene matters even apply normal mechanism actions For recognizing '(a) multiplicity diversity procedures quite apt produce incompatible conflicting adjudications different rules substantive law,' 166, confided NLRB power interpretation application Guss Utah 353 1, 598, 601 (1957). 12 however, implicates none principles discussed above. There attempt, lawsuit, authority. attempt application, circumstances enforce itself, without guidance said, LMRDA. them, entitled denial. provisions. applicable Congress, come through back door removed control. Accordingly, Court.6 II 13 Two charged Article XIII, Subordinate Constitution, forbids attempting create carries expulsion.7 also XII, By-Laws, threat use order prevent office; punished offense.'8 conviction both upheld judge instructed 'whether (respondent) rightfully wrongfully discharged pure me determine.' assumed, decide, contained adequate violating XII. all XIII. holding appears Circuit's decision Brotherhood Boilermakers Braswell, 193 (CA5 1968). reasoned 'penal constitutions strictly construed,'9 construed XIII directed 'threats effective carrying aims,' merely personal altercations. 199. one thought supported whatsoever, 101(a)(5).10 affirmed, simply citing Braswell. 1969). 15 find nothing legislative history 101(a) (5) justify substitution interpret regulations scope offenses warranting discipline life floor amendment S. 1555, Kennedy-Ervin Bill, Congress. proposed Senator McClellan, adopted Senate April 22, 1959, forbidden members 'except breach published rule (the union).' 105 Cong.Rec. 6476, 6492—6493. But long survive. days substitute offered Kuchel, explained further study McClellan raised 'some rather vexing questions.' Id., 6720. Kuchel substitute, following deleted requirement previously published, rule; transformed McClellan's amendment, relevant part, 101(a)(5). 6720, 6727. 1555 25. 6745. Identical House, 15884, 15891, statute finally enacted. 16 understood Kuchel's intended changes proposal. Kennedy specifically objected 17 'In bribed judge, prohibition bribery officers constitution take (an) guilty bribery. 'It seems trust run affairs better that.' 6491. 19 described providing usual constitutional basis' proceedings: 'constitutionally notice After Senate, Goldwater House Committee Education follows: 20 '(T)he bill require valid, activity proscribed having engaged activity.' Reform Legislation, Hearings before Joint Subcommittee Labor, Cong., 1st Sess., pt. Page 1595 (1959). 21 testimony effect. 5, Pages 2235—2236, 2251, 2285. 22 indicate authorize members.11 all, surely futile construe falls scope. 23 101(a)(5)(A) 'served charges.' These be, 'specific enough inform accused offense committed.'12 Where, here, reference provisions, obviously empowers examine those misled prejudiced presentation defense. gives scrutinize all. 24 suggest, cannot discern, possibility prejudice Although record, indicates confine itself mere statement citation violated: detailed facts relating fight formed basis action,13 more. III 25 remains guilt. LMRDA guarantees fair' hearing, parties lower agreement guarantee made.14 unsupported denial due process, Thompson City Louisville, 362 199, 206, 80 624, 629, 654 (1960); Schware Bar Examiners, 232, 246—247, 752, 760—761, 796 (1957); ex rel. Vajtauer Commissioner Immigration, 273 106, 47 302, 304, 71 560 (1927); Tisi Tod, 264 131, 133—134, 44 260, 261, 68 590 (1924); feel 101(a)(5)(C) fairly similar introduced provision, characterized 'usual lesser useless 101(a)(5)(A)'s written, charges. stricter standard, inconsistent apparent congressional intent allow unions govern own affairs, credibility witnesses best cold record.15 Applying adequately supported. warning, continuing time. testified fully corroborated witness altercation. Even although thereafter beaten, admitted struck blow. record evidence.' 27 Reversed. WHITE, concurring. accurately states holdings (1959), like cases. us 'implicates principles,' ante, 240, announced cases, validity sweep reaffirmed today's opinion. basis, join Court's 30 additional note. says, upheld. Expulsion count. Stromberg California, 283 359, 51 532, 1117 (1931), situation. Turner 396 398, 420, 642, 654, 610 (1970); Barenblatt 360 109, 115, 1081, 1087, 1115 Claassen 142 140, 146—147, 169, 170—171, 35 966 (1891); cited Street New York, 394 613 n. 2, 89 1354, 1376, 572 (1969) (White, dissenting). 31 DOUGLAS, dissenting. 32 Landrum-Griffin 412, right redress infringement Act1 413, reserves remedies they 'under State tribunal, bylaws' unions. Moreover, 411(a)(5),2 that, dues, hearing. 33 latter exclusive, bylaws 34 In men jobs hall, during discussion followed altercation hit Wise. assault fined criminal Thereupon filed violations provision bylaws3 constitution.4 At lodge attended determined charged.' That determination approved suspend 'indefinitely.' 36 appealed here. Acting international executive council appeal. 37 Thereafter sued consequential damages. $152,150 485. 38 grudge between respondent, fist occurred. coerce 'to office' rational union.5 jury. But, ruled, endeavored among members' 'interest harmony' constitution.6 39 agree sit agency. oversight much more procedural; subsection 'a conceivable procedural provided, 'fair' when stripped away reach pre-ordained 'fair must, submit, conclusion. 40 Membership key livelihood itself.7 Without cast outer darkness, far concerned. Just concluded bargaining agents invidious discriminations, Steele Louisville Nashville 323 192, 65 226, 173, unthinkable designing gave expel reasons chose. lend hand oppressive practices put imprimatur utter disregard ends. 41 arising incident, reasoning. 193, said: 42 act Braswell blow anger, However reprehensible constitute face threats aims. Braswell's threat.' 43 stated student area: '(H)ow results mocks evidence?'8 reviewing give de novo; merits dispute. check intemperate power; discharge duties, conclude sustain charge. view Second, Third, Circuits, Vars Boilermakers, 320 576; Kelsey 8, 419 491; adopt controlling legal principle. Violation automatic carry punishment offense,' assume, well how isolated 'create dissension' interests ways mystery. 45 Under provision—constitution bylaw—it indefinitely clear. Perhaps perhaps 46 posture category 1117, might valid invalid other; being one, impossible tell convicted. rendered ground send prison never tried. Cole Arkansas, 333 196, 201, 514, 517, 92 644. tradition jury:9 'Now, two sections sections. All about fight. 48 'I am telling you, law, proof, resulted legally stand therefore expelled.' (Emphasis added.) 49 infirmity, stand; justified assessing expulsion.10 appropriate. Any shall occurred, principal located.' affirmance Constitution provided: endeavors members; works Lodge; advocates encourages division funds, dissolution Lodge, separation Brotherhood; supports becomes dual subversive hostile Lodges, antagonistic purposes Brotherhood, Brotherhood.' By-Laws provided that: restrain, intimidate, intimidate office.' Violators XII 'be insufficiently specific, defense 195—197 Accord, Rekant Shochtay-Gasos 446, 271, 273—275 (CA3 1963); Parks Electrical Workers, 314 886, 922—923 (CA4 Addison Grand Machinists, 300 863 (CA9 1962); Machinists King, 335 340, 346—347 1964). supra. F.2d, 198, quoting Allen Alliance Theatrical, Stage Employees, 338 309, 316 reasoning endorsed 198. many further. Summers, Law Discipline: What Courts Do Fact, 70 Yale L.J. 175 (1960). preserved 103 LMRDA, aware broad original proposal 6481—6489 tr. 26—28, 76. 576 (CA2 Rosen Council York Painters, 198 F.Supp. (SDNY 1961), appeal dismissed, 326 400 1964); Lewis American Federation State, County Municipal 407 1185 1969); 1968); Burke 417 1063 1969), affirming 302 1345 (ND Cal.1967). believe universal practice. subchapter addition penalties set observed violates shall, after herein, offense. '(1) card unable boilermaker's trade lasting five Christensen, Discipline Law: Institutional Dilemmas Industrial Democracy, N.Y.U.L.Rev. 227, 251. affirmed summarily factual situation, him. 'struck more.' Hence used effort constitution. By summary presumably reached conclusion urged respondent's arose obtain employment, 775; 638; 207, Perko, 701, 1429, 646. 'arguably' Garmon prevents conflicts policy. conflict agencies; declared role.

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