Legal Document

457 U.S. 702 102 Supreme Court Reporter 2672 73 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 327 JACKSONVILLE BULK TERMINALS, INC. et al., Petitioners,v.INTERNATIONAL LONGSHOREMEN'S ASSOCIATION al. Number 80-1045. Argued Jan. 18, 1982. Decided June 24, Syllabus After President Carter announced certain trade restrictions with the Soviet Union because of its intervention in Afghanistan, respondent International Longshoremen's Association that members would not handle any cargo bound to, or coming from, Union. When an affiliated local union refused to load goods (not included Presidential embargo) for Union, petitioners (hereafter collectively referred as Employer) brought suit Federal District against respondents, international union, officers and agents, Union), pursuant § 301(a) Labor Management Relations Act. The Employer alleged Union's work stoppage violated terms a collective-bargaining agreement which contained no-strike clause provision requiring arbitration disputes. As requested by Employer, court ordered arbitrate question whether agreement, granted preliminary injunction pending arbitration. reasoned political motivation behind rendered inapplicable 4 Norris-LaGuardia Act, prohibits injunctions strikes "in case involving growing out labor dispute." Appeals affirmed Court's order insofar it required arbitration, but disagreed conclusion Act was applicable. Held : 1. applies this case, involves "labor dispute" even though politically motivated. Pp. 709-720. (a) plain language Act—prohibiting "any" dispute defining include "any controversy concerning conditions employment"—does except disputes having their genesis protests. Here, sought injunctive relief over bargaining event triggered stoppage. term must be narrowly construed, critical element determining being whether, here, "the employer-employee relationship [is] matrix controversy." Columbia River Packers Assn. versus Hinton, 315 143, 147, 62 520, 522, 86 L.Ed. 750. existence noneconomic motives does make inapplicable. 710-715. (b) legislative history both 1947 amendments National indicates intended apply motivated stoppages. 715-719 (c) Act's broad prohibitions will constricted, defined situations where accommodation specific congressional policy is necessary. 719-720. 2. Nor may here enjoined, under rationale Boys Markets, Incorporated Retail Clerks, 398 235, 90 1583, 26 199, Buffalo Forge company Steelworkers, 428 397, 96 3141, 49 1022, on asserted ground underlying arbitrable agreement. While Markets recognized exception anti-injunction provisions when employer enforce union's contractual obligation grievances rather than strike them, makes clear issue unless arbitrable. Here dispute, viewed expression "moral outrage" at military sympathy people plainly Thus enjoined arbitrator's ruling legality 720-723 5th Cir., 626 Reporter, 2nd 455, affirmed. Thomas Pacific KF135 P2 Gies, Washington, D. C., petitioners. Ernest Mathews, Jr., New York City, respondents. Justice MARSHALL delivered opinion Court. 1 In we consider power federal enjoin action (LMRA), 61 Statutes-at-Large 156, 29 Code KF62 185(a), obligations We first address 47 70, 101 seq., Finding these applicable, then 199 (1970), 1022 (1976), decision violates 2 * On January 4, 1980, that, due restricted. Superphosphoric acid (SPA), used agricultural fertilizer, embargo.1 9, (ILA) carried Russian ships.2 accordance resolution, ILA affiliate, SPA aboard three ships arrived shipping terminal operated petitioner Jacksonville Bulk Terminals, (JBT), Port Jacksonville, Fla., during month 1980. 3 response stoppage, JBT, Hooker Chemical Corp., Occidental Petroleum (collectively Employer)3 LMRA, respondents ILA, agents Union). between JBT. compel temporary restraining damages. contains resolution all through grievance procedure, ending arbitration.4 provides: 5 "During Agreement, . agrees there shall kind degree whatsoever, cause whatsoever; such causes including limited unfair practices violation Agreement. right employees cross bona fide picket line Employer. ." 6 Middle Florida process procedure. also Employer's request reasoning 7 Fifth Circuit extent Orleans Steamship General Longshore Workers, 455 (1980).5 However, are Relying Forge, further held entitled certiorari, 450 1029, 1737, 68 223 (1981), agree issue. II 8 Section provides part: 9 "No have jurisdiction permanent prohibit person persons participating interested from doing, singly concert, following acts: 10 "(a) Ceasing refusing perform remain relation employment." 104. 11 Congress adopted prohibition remedy tendency courts construing Clayton exemption Sherman conspiracies restrain trade, see 52. See, e.g., H.R.Rep.No.669, 72d Cong., 1st Sess., 7-8, 10-11 (1932). This has consistently given interpretation, recognizing exceptions only necessary accommodate legislation paramount policy. U.S., 249-253, S.Ct., 1591-1593; Railroad Trainmen Chicago & Indiana R. Co., 353 30, 39-42, 77 635, 639-641, 622 (1957). 12 exception, refined relevant our today. re-examined Sinclair Refining Atkinson, 370 195, 82 1328, 440 (1962), precludes district enjoining breach binding called. 237-238, 1585. overruled subsequently enacted strong favoring essential recognize cases them. 1591-1593.6 13 Courts divided could had agreed arbitrate.7 resolved conflict pledge, precipitated strike, parties' agreement.8 14 argues removes definition Alternatively, fits within Forge. review arguments turn. III 15 At outset, determine "case meaning 13(c) broadly defines 73, 113(c).9 16 takes outside scope definition. argument, however, no basis statutory prior interpretations Furthermore, argument contradicted (NLRA). Atlantic 17 An representing pledge generally two controversies. First, "underlying dispute," condition triggers political, Second, second can always form federal-court jurisdiction, gives "[s]uits contracts organization." 185(a). 18 It beyond cavil dispute—whether either forbids permits refuse work—is "controversy 113(c). 301 resolve just controversy. complaint, did seek nor ask decide justified expressing disapproval actions. Instead, provide labor, believed contract arbitrator resolve, asked rule. 19 requires each dispute. merely involve Therefore, 4(a) deprive action, without regard nonlabor another entity.10 20 comports consistent interpretation Act.11 Our decisions construed itself extremely deliberately overrule judicial unduly restricted antitrust laws. For example, inMarine Cooks Stewards Panama S.S. 362 365, 369, 80 779, 783, 797 (1960), observed: 21 "Th[e] broad. intent upon taking business very circumstances left open background led take view been adverted number opinions give narrow intepretations restored many controversies courts" (emphasis added; footnote omitted). 22 Assn., 750 (1942). disputants, concerns relationship.12 Thus, 23 Nevertheless, exists taken own "economic self-interest." cites Musicians Carroll, 391 99, 88 1562, 460 (1968), supra, proposition. cases, addressed different parties were "labor" groups involved purpose actions exempt laws.13 These do hold motive inevitably protections extend organizations they cease act enter into illegal combinations restraint trade.14 group, interests employees' labor. 24 Even disputants stand employee, Negro Alliance Sanitary Grocery 303 552, 58 703, 1012 (1938), prohibited picketing civic aimed inducing store employ employees. group "persons 13, found immaterial picketers, who neither organizers employees, asserting economic commonly associated unions—e.g., employment narrower sense wages, hours, unionization, betterment working conditions. Id., 560, 706. Although lower group's "political" "social" goals improving position Negroes generally, desire improve employment, reasoned: "The concern 561, 707. B 25 engaging determines contrary behalf employers use powers unions other associations caused judiciary fall disrepute among large segments Nation's population. See S.Rep.No. 163, Sess. 8, 16-18 (1932); 75 Cong.Rec. 4915 (1932) (remarks Sen. Wagner). Apart procedural unfairness injunctions, one greatest evils them tort-law doctrines, often made lawfulness depend views social Cox, Current Problems Law Grievance Arbitration, 30 Rocky Mountain L.Rev. 247, 256 (1958). debating supporters repeatedly expressed exemption—interpretations permitted judge find based his her appraisal "legitimacy" objectives.15 4916 Wagner) (definition expanded override Duplex Printing Press Deering, 254 443, 41 172, 65 349 (1921) (holding unionizing plant objectives legitimate disputants)); Cong.Rec., 5487-5488 Rep. Celler) (bill forth allowing Bedford Cut Stone Cutters, 274 37, 71 916 (1927) workers nonunion dispute)). 4686 Hebert) (Committee minority should issued Duplex). H.R.Rep.No. 669, replete criticisms ability powerful judges "strike-breaking" agencies; virtue almost unbridled "equitable discretion," objectives, theory actions, although lawful if pursued single became unlawful "conspiracy" concerted activity. See,e.g., 4928-4938, 5466-5468, 5478-5481, 5487-5490. 27 attention passed Opponents criticized cover strikes. Representative Beck argued like those threatened Europe. 5471-5473 (discussing British protesting cancellation leases Communist Party members, Belgian supply aid Poland).16 response, Oliver 5480-5481. Finally, offered amendment called ulterior purposes, motives. defeated soundly. id., 5507. 28 Further support stoppages instituted reasons NLRA. That reveals rejected proposal repeal respect category strikes.17 House bill definitions various kinds H.R. 3020, 80th 2, Legislative History LMRA 158, 160 (1947) (Leg.Hist.); 245, 1, 18-19 (1947), Leg.Hist. 292, 309-310. Of relevance 2(13) "sympathy" "called conducted reason interference, (A) same employer, (B) disagreement some governmental policy." 2(13), 168 added). "unlawful activity," "it remove[d] immunities present laws confer engage them." 23, 314. particular, suits private activity, damages recovered. 23-24, 43-44, 314-315, 334-335. explaining provisions, Report stated "against national government, cannot change," unlawful, "[t]he heretofore protected industrial strife consequences lawlessness." 44, 315, 335. Conference Committee accepted Senate version, eliminated bill.18 Manager's statement accompanying explained recommendation go far bill, 8(b) jurisdictional secondary boycotts, Board, parties, petition 10(k) 10(l ) activities notwithstanding H.R.Conf.Rep.No.510, 36, 42-43, 57, 58-59 540, 546-547, 562-563, U.S.Code Cong.Serv.1947, Page 1135. short, declined adopt "political motivation" protest nature boycott 8(b), chose injunction. §§ 160(k), 160(l). Cf. Longshoremen Allied International, Inc., 456 212, 1656, 72 (1982). Contract common-sense term. Were ignore embroil scrutiny "legitimate objectives" prevent applicability embodied turn judge's perception activity.19 simply inconsistent need, "mileposts follow." 4935 Bratton). 31 essence, asks us disregard distort reach what believes "equitable" result. real objections conduct contract. frustration remedied characterizing fiat specifically n. 17, supra. past, constrict Norris-LaGuardia's deviate path IV 32 making disavows earlier purely asserts management-rights Solicitor General, amicus brief filed States, He contends addition work-conditions underlie least arguably arbitrable.20 33 disagree. compels invasion Afghanistan 34 attempts characterize withstand analysis. "underlying" trigger To contrary, clauses any, itself. Consideration intruded inform ultimate clause. Indeed, striking nonarbitrable fact remains, therefore 35 weaknesses analysis perhaps best demonstrated applying pure clearly If characterized alternatively choose embroiled sister management's assign direct work, whose unreasonable condition.21 None characterizations, alters fact, directly frustrate process. 36 really reflects fundamental belief case. apparently disagrees agreeing clauses, bargain restore status quo strike. enforcement promise before resorting 410-412, 3148-3149. frustrates encourages strife. But 412, 3149.22 reconsidering decision.23 justify distorting recognition result urged V 37 conclusion, employer's allegedly Under arbitrable, obtain Accordingly, 38 Affirmed. 39 O'CONNOR, concurring judgment. 40 Based previous interpreting it, correctly concludes Unless willing reached inescapable. N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions concur Chief BURGER, whom POWELL joins, dissenting. 42 grows ante, 709-710, 9. employment. ."1 bar issuing disputes, limiting disagree bars 43 objects Afghanistan. consequence, ships. commenced after position, superphosphoric onto objection employment; loaded non-Soviet ship destination No suggested actually concessions foreign country invaded neighboring desired express opposition invasion. leads grow seeking change 44 recognizes, test (1942); quoted 712-713. advance members. Brotherhood Coast Line 649, 654 (CA5 1966). illustrate 13(c)'s dispute—the protects organizational efforts 45 errs gravely finding flows demonstrate involved; indeed, members' since reduces amount available work.2 explicating lend notion 46 subjects control. courts, practical purposes indistinguishable case—and Association—properly concluded disputes.3 never held, holds resulting Since words statute plain, applicable precedent supports ought conclude coverage Act.4 conclusion. "common-sense" controlling provided, provided 13(c), explicit "Common sense" unambiguous statute. contended persuaded Hence 48 together recent (1982), illustrates inherent flaw holding (1976). ordinary grasp resulted Association's There refusal unload shipments 8(b)(4) 158(b)(4). liable shipments. Yet today 50 more perplexing entered unequivocal clause: whatsoever." (Emphasis Ante, party despite acts enjoined. 51 strange result, decides NorrisLaGuardia contradicts aggression, rule actual persuades me artificialBuffalo abolished. Rather continuing mechanical contradictory analyses character one, ILA. seemed tinkered 52 rational way reconcile International. come so. 53 POWELL, 54 scarcely emphatic: whatsoever " Such most significant One fairly assume gave considerable areas gain apparent guarantee disagreements 55 law—since (1976)—plain bind it. aberration. reconciled law encouraging peace severely undercuts (1970). word, overruled. 56 internal contradictions today's absence principle Forge's reasoning. now divide "other" method artificial unprincipled. hand, dispute—involving clause—to bring contradict insisting "really" aggression Boy's Market, 57 ways. So long adheres aberrant THE CHIEF JUSTICE join dissenting opinion. STEVENS, 59 Part JUSTICE's well my 415-424, 3151-3155, respectfully dissent. February 25, embargo extended along products. April 1981, Reagan lifted part remove sale grain Soviets. By telegrams dated 5, recommended resume handling longer effect, remains live stoppages, time. moot. 403, 3145, announcement: "In overwhelming demands rank file leadership immediate suspension cargoes ports Maine Texas Puerto Rico employed. light events affected relations U. S. "However, workers. "It vessels world. "People upset continue usual Russians insist bully boys. concurs." Brief Respondents JBT wholly owned subsidiary Oxy Hooker. Ownership corporations ultimately vested Occidental. manufactures manufacturing facility Florida. Pursuant bilateral shipped Jacksonville. "Matters promptly settled Local individual Joint Negotiating "A majority final Employers signing unable hours meeting discuss professional arbitrator. concedes consolidated upheld Eastern Louisiana enforcing F.2d, 469. subject procedures cited 404, 3146, negotiating employer. need policies denying evading arbitrate. 407-412, 3147-3149. "(c) 'labor dispute' includes association representation negotiating, fixing, maintaining, changing, arrange regardless proximate employee." course, recover violation, 185. 405, 3146. infra, 718-719, Board's authority 160(l ), reasonable believe practice). reliance Eastex, NLRB, 437 556, 98 2505, (1978), argue misplaced. activity NLRA, 157, "[t]here types speech so remotely connected protection [§ 7]." 570, 20, 2514, 20. 2(9) 152(9), virtually identical 113(c), another, Hutcheson, 312 219, 234, 463, 467, 85 780 (1941), similarity argument. prompts sections 7, 158(b), prohibited. objective 2(9). Moreover, means 8(a)(1) 158(a)(1), discharging disciplining hardly establishes existed Similarly, protested sanctions might proper, alter obvious matter A facts Regardless Soviet-bound cargo, focused particular assignments. apart question, Musicians, orchestra leaders acted independent contractors "club-date" engagements, involvement combination group," relied 'presence job wage competition interrelationship affecting contractors.' 106, 1567 (quoting Court). fish sellers buyers fish; buyers, be. 522. Bakery Drivers Wagshal, 333 437, 630, 92 792 (1948), similarly businessmen delivery times methods payment become representative, consent, method. 443-444, 633. economic-motive untenable unreasonably unsafe disputes." 468-469, 177, (1921). 54-55, 527-528, (1927). thrust "takes account whatever nation-wide prosecuted." 5472 Beck). relying history, rejection LMRA. 204-210, 1333-1336, (1962). 249, 1591, put rest. Rather, rely demonstrates unlike bill. want impair labor's gains NLRA 1935, instead wanted "specific injustice" "clear inequities" "precise carefully drawn legislation." 105, 407. Some listed practices, practices. 35, 40, 441, 446 (reciting proposed revisions 10(k), )). limit discretion consideration specified external exception. guidance dealing designed achieve labor-related goals. mixed-motivation arise. Steel Corporation Mine 519 1236 1975), miners picketed importing coal South Africa. applied, available, miners' [their employer] all, country's permitting importation African coal." 1247 (footnote political-motivation slave employed mine imported coal, apply. Minor variations endow with, divest of, injunction, create difficult line-drawing problems. direction force operation exclusively functions Management. Except rights, powers, Agreement retained Employer." "Where hardship claimed burdensome operations materially future, problem discussed involved. reached, refer and, Committee, procedure set Clause 15(B)." claim. alleging clause, "refusal follow supervisor's instructions line." 401, 3144. contractually 402-403, 3145. appeal, press truckdriving 8. encouraged incentive discharge discipline likely precipitate According began transformed issue, i.e., workers, Markets/Buffalo Complete Auto Transit, Reis, 614 1110, 1113-1114 (CA6 1980), aff'd grounds, 451 1836, 248 (1981). validity "transformation" 1839, 4. reconsider Steelworkers. decline invitation. 714-715. picketers better personal affect store, object persuade Negroes. explicitly states 710, Khedivial Line, E. Seafarers 278 49, 50-51 (CA2 1960) (politically blacklist Egyptian retaliate American dealt Israel triggering Norris-LaGuardia); West Gulf Maritime 413 F.Supp. 372 (S.D.Tex.1975), summarily aff'd, 531 574 1976) (union's refusal, dispute"). excerpts short evidence overcome 13(c). Bread Political Action FEC, 577, 581, 1235, 1238, 432 1947, amend "disagreement policy" 2(13)(B) (1947); 717. version quite properly collective affected. fear render unprotected. 1932, "performed 5507 716-717. swept adopted. Beck's nullity, 1930's able purpose." lead

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