Legal Document

415 U.S. 36 94 Supreme Court Reporter 1011 39 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 147 Harrell ALEXANDER, Sr., Petitioner,v.GARDNER-DENVER COMPANY. Number 72—5847. Argued Nov. 5, 1973. Decided Feb. 19, 1974. Syllabus Following discharge by his employer, respondent company, petitioner, a black, filed grievance under the collective-bargaining agreement between and petitioner's union, which contained broad arbitration clause, petitioner ultimately claiming that resulted from racial discrimination. Upon rejection company of claims, an hearing was held, prior to with Colorado Civil Rights Commission discrimination complaint referred Equal Employment Opportunity (EEOC). The arbitrator ruled for cause. EEOC's subsequent determination there not reasonable ground believe violation Title VII Act 1964 had occurred, brought this action in District Court, alleging racially discriminatory employment practice Act. granted respondent's motion summary judgment, holding bound arbitral decision no right sue VII. Appeals affirmed. Held: An employee's statutory trial de novo is foreclosed submission claim final nondiscrimination clause agreement. Pp. 44—60. (a) designed supplement, rather than supplant, existing laws institutions relating discrimination, as may be inferred legislative history VII, manifests congressional intent allow individual pursue rights other applicable state federal statutes. 47—49. (b) doctrine election remedies inapplicable present context, involves distinctly separate contractual rights, regardless fact both have same factual occurrence. 49—51. (c) By merely resorting forum did waive cause VII; conferred thereby cannot prospectively waived form part process. 51—52. (d) arbitrator's authority confined resolution questions whether they resemble or duplicate rights. 52—54. (e) In instituting action, employee seeking review thus getting (as put it) 'two strings bow when employer has only one,' but asserting independent process statute gives employees, possible victims practices. Pacific KF135 P2 54. (f) Permitting resort judicial after procedures been followed does undermine employer's incentive arbitrate, most employers will regard benefits no-strike pledge outweighing any costs resulting giving employees antidiscrimination remedy addition their remedy. 54—55. (g) A policy deferral courts decisions opposed adoption preclusion rule) would comport objective should exercise responsibility enforcement lead to: emphasis on law shop land; factfinding less complete those forum; perhaps bypassing favor litigation. 55—59. (h) considering claim, court admit evidence accord it such weight appropriate facts circumstances each case. 59—60. 10 Cir., 466 Federal Reporter, 2nd 1209, reversed. Paul Judge Spiegelman, Washington, D.C., petitioner. Robert G. Good, Denver, Colo., respondent. Lawrence Wallace, U.S., amicus curiae, special leave Court. Mr. Justice POWELL delivered opinion 1 This case concerns proper relationship grievance-arbitration machinery agreements individual's equal opportunities 1964, 78 Statutes-at-Large 253, 42 Code KF62 § 2000e et seq. Specifically, we must decide what circumstances, if any, collective-bargining 2 * May 1966, Alexander, hired Gardner-Denver (the company) perform maintenance work at company's plant Colorado. June 1968, awarded trainee position drill operator. He remained job until September 29, 1969. informed he being discharged producing too many defective unusable parts scrapped. 3 On October 1, 1969, force Local 3029 Steelworkers America union). stated: 'I feel & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions unjustly ask reinstated full seniority pay.' No explicit made. 4 Under Article agreement, retained 'the hire, suspend (employees) cause.'1 2, provided, however, 'there shall against account race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry,'2 23, 6(a), stated '(n)o discharged, suspended given written warning notice except just cause.' also covering 'differences aris(ing) Company Union meaning application provisions Agreement' 'any trouble plant.'3 Disputes were submitted multistep procedure, first four steps involved negotiations union. If dispute unresolved, remitted compulsory arbitration. union select pay arbitrator, 'final binding upon Company, Union, involved.' further provided '(t)he amend, take away, add to, change Agreement, based solely interpretation Agreement.' parties agreed 'shall suspension work' over disputes covered clause. 5 processed through above machinery. pre-arbitration step, raised, apparently time, rejected all proceeded Prior hearing, charge Commission, November 6 At 20, testified result because 'could rely union.' introduced letter 'knowledgeable others scrapped amount sometimes excess, logical reasoning . target preferential treatment.' representative usual transfer unsatisfactory operators back former positions. 7 December 30, 'discharged made reference failed produce transferring discharging who accumulated excessive scrap, suggested confer arrangement feasible 8 July 25, 1970, determined seq., occurred. later notified institute civil within 30 days. Petitioner then Colorado, 703(a)(1) Act, 2000e—2(a)(1). 9 judgment dismissed action. 346 F.Supp. 1012 (1971). found resolved adversely petitioner.4 It held having voluntarily elected precluded suing Tenth Circuit affirmed per curiam basis Court's opinion. 1209 (1972). We certiorari. 410 925, 93 1398, 35 586 (1973). reverse. II 11 Congress enacted assure equality eliminating practices devices discriminate origin. McDonnell Douglas Corporation versus Green, 411 792, 800, 1817, 1823, 668 (1973); Griggs Duke Power Co., 401 424, 429—430, 91 849, 852—853, 28 158 Cooperation voluntary compliance selected preferred means achieving goal. To end, created established procedure whereby local opportunity agencies, well settle conference, conciliation, persuasion before aggrieved party permitted file lawsuit. 1972, Pub. L. 92—261, 86 103, amended provide investigate charges promote requirements actions unions named charge. 12 Even its form, direct powers enforcement. adjudicate claims impose administrative sanctions. Rather, vested courts. authorizes issue injunctive relief order affirmative effects unlawful §§ 2000e—5(f) (1970 ed., Supp. II). Courts retain these remedial despite finding violated. supra, 798—799, S.Ct., 1822—1823. Taken together, make plain assigned plenary secure 13 reposing ultimate courts, gave private individuals significant role Individual grievants usually initiate Commission's investigatory conciliatory procedures. And although 1972 amendment empowers bring own actions, remains essential obtaining 2000e—5(f)(1) cases, litigant redresses injury vindicates important Hutchings Industries, Inc., 428 303, 310 (CA5 1970); Bowe Colgate-Palmolive 416 711, 715 (CA7 1969); Jenkins Gas Corp., 400 28, 33 1968). See Newman Piggie Park Enterprises, 390 400, 402, 88 964, 966, 19 1263 (1968). 14 Pursuant scheme, initiated consideration VII.5 Both evidently thought dictated notions waiver favoring labor disputes, enunciated Textile Workers Lincoln Mills, 353 448, 77 912, 923, 972 (1957), trilogy6 Boys Markets, Incorporated Retail Clerks' 398 235, 90 1583, 26 199 (1970); Gateway Coal Mine America, 414 368, 629, 38 583 (1974). disagree. III 15 speak expressly agreements. does, vest enforce requirements; specifies precision jurisdictional prerequisites satisfy entitled case, met (1) timely (2) received acted sue. 2000e—5(b), (e), (f). 798, 1822. There suggestion scheme either forecloses divests jurisdiction. 16 addition, enactments area long evinced general parallel overlapping discrimination.7 2000a indicated considered 'highest priority.' 966. Consistent view, provides employment-discrimination several forums. 2000e—5(b) II) (EEOC); 2000e—5(c) (state agencies); (federal courts). And, general, one preclude another.8 Moreover, independently statutes.9 clear inference supplement sum, VII's purpose strongly suggest forfeit pursues 17 reaching opposite conclusion, relied remedies.10 That doctrine, refers situations where are legally factually inconsistent,11 context. submitting arbitration, seeks vindicate contrast, filing lawsuit asserts accorded Congress. nature vitiated violated certainly inconsistency results permitting enforced respectively somewhat analogous National Labor Relations amended,12 disputed transactions implicate Where underlying particular abridged recognized Board unfair petition clarification union's representation certificate Carey Westinghouse Electric 375 261, 84 401, 320 (1964).13 Cf. Smith Evening News Assn., 371 195, 83 267, 246 (1962). There, here, forums complementary since policies each. Thus, rationale behind election-of-remedies support below.14 18 unable accept proposition begin, think can prospective true, course, certain related collective activity, strike. Mastro Plastics NLRB, 350 270, 76 349, 100 L.Ed. 309 (1956); Clerk's (1970). These collectively foster processes bargaining properly exercised relinquished agent obtain economic members. hand, stands plainly different ground; majoritarian processes, opportunities. strictures absolute represent command free Of necessity, defeat paramount susceptible waiver. Wilko Swan, 427, 74 182, 98 168 (1953). actual alter situation. Although presumably settlement,15 mere constitutes Since prospectively, concessions already bargain struck employer. settled additional concession exacted price enforcing I. Case 321 332, 338—339, 64 576, 580 581, 762 (1944). 20 submit displaced simply origins equally available employee. point becomes apparent system industrial self-government.16 As proctor bargain, task effectuate parties. His source interpret apply accordance 'industrial common shop' various needs desires invoke public conflict parties: 21 '(A)n agreement; sit dispense brand justice. course look guidance sources, yet award legitimate so draws essence When words manifest infidelity obligation, choice refuse award.' Enterprise Wheel Car 363 593, 597, 80 1358, 1361, 1424 (1960). 22 'solely view legislation,' 'exceeded scope submission,' enforced. Ibid. Thus resolve similar duplicative of, substantive secured IV 23 reasoned permit mean employee, award. words, could 'accept philosophy two one.' F.Supp., 1019. argument mistakes effect trilogy, limited both. But decision. bow' respect simple reason employees. victim Oubichon North American Rockwell 482 569, 573 (CA9 1973). 24 substantially arbitrate 'sound death knell clauses contracts.' Again, primary enter into reciprocal promise 248, 1591, express implied, quid pro quo undertaking arbitration.' unreasonable assume derived whatever according Indeed, severe consequences strike almost employees' perspective. relatively inexpensive expeditious resolving wide range including contains nondiscriination fair regular, settlement satisfactory therapeutic perceived need forum, saving expense aggravation associated For reasons, strong grievances, often eliminate misunderstandings might otherwise precipitate forum. V 25 Respondent contends even rule adopted, defer where: (i) arbitrator; (ii) prohibited charged suit (iii) fashion remedy.17 proposed rule, grant dismiss conditions met. rule's obvious consequence deprive attempt establish court. outset, subject objections rule. indicate intended inconsistent Furthermore, inevitably affects vindicated.' Bulk Carriers Arguelles, 351, 359—360, 409, 413—414, 27 456 (1971) (Harlan, J., concurring). Respondent's necessarily premised assumption commensurate impliedly issues. deem supposition unlikely. Arbitral procedures, while suited comparatively inappropriate conclusion rests whose legislation. conflicts follow sure, tension objectives mitigated facially still render inferior protection Among specialized competence arbitrators pertains primarily shop, land. Warrior Gulf Navigation 574, 581—583, 1347, 1352—1353, 1409 (1960).18 Parties choose trust knowledge concerning demands norms relations. constitutional issues construction proved especially necessary language frequently concepts. equivalent factufinding. record proceedings complete; rules do apply; trials, discovery, process, cross-examination, testimony oath, severely unavailable. Bernhardt Polygraphic 198, 203, 273, 276, 435—437, 186 188. recognized, '(a)rbitrators obligation give reasons 598, 1361. informality enables function efficient, inexpensive, resolution. characteristic, makes courts.19 29 evident allay concerns. Nor convinced solution lies applying more demanding standard, adopted Fifth Rios Reynolds Metals 467 54 (1972).20 points out, standard adequately insured effectuation tend procedurally complex, expensive, time-consuming require denovo determinations claims. uncertain minimal savings time justify risk vindication affect Fearing protect some elect bypass possibility reduced, litigation, less. 31 think, therefore, best accommodated fully undeR titlE consider novo. admitted deems appropriate.21 32 Reversed. provided: 'MANAGEMENT 'The recognizes manage Plant, determine products manufactured, methods manufacturing assembling, scheduling production, control raw materials, working forces, cause, relieve duty lack maintain efficiency exclusively Company. 'It understood terms 'MUTUAL RESPONSIBILITY 'Section 1. agree during term Agreement strike, slow-down interruption period lockout, 26, Term Agreement. 2. ancestry. states approves practiced applicant employment.' containing relevant part: 5. Should differences arise plant, work, earnest effort promptly. Grievances presented five (5) days date occurrence rise waived. taken up following manner; writing Step set forth herein: 'Step without assistant committeeman (at option), foreman grievance. answer day settled, reduced writing, signed committeeman, Superintendent, representative, Foreman's Superintendent receiving 3. manager Manufacturing Superintendent's Manager meet representatives presentation three (3) meeting. 4. 3, Personnel Manager, and/or representatives, International chairman committee answer. Within ten (10) 4, mentioned discussing meeting, Union. signify concurrence nonconcurrence affix signatures foregoing calendar Company's receipt referral impartial arbitrator. 'Should selection Senior Circuit. involved. expenses fee divided 6. '(g) reinstate compensation basic hourly rate earned rate, whichever higher, lost.' deposition acknowledging raised hearing. 1014. authorities existed chose Dewey 429 324, 332 (CA6 1970), 402 689, 2186, 267 Sixth appears retreated suggesting 'court agency processes' pursued simultaneously. Spann Kaywood Division, Joanna Western Mills 446 120, 122 1971). Fifth, Seventh, Ninth Circuits squarely 303 711 569 Mfg. 564, 1343, 1403 (1960); Texile provision 301 Management 1947, 61 156, 185. noted policy, embodied 203(d) LMRA, 154, 173(d), peace major factor 455, 917. advanced declaring denied 'unless said positive assurance covers asserted dispute.' 582—583, 1353. 'so far contract, business overruling him contract his.' 599, 1362. Republic Steel Maddox, 379 650, 85 614, (1965), acollective-bargaining exhausted Parts III, IV, opinion, hold dispositive See, e.g., 1981 (Civil 1866); 1983 1871). example, barred 'findings orders' agencies. Similarly, II); Senator Joseph Clark, sponsors bill, interpretive memorandum 'Nothing title anywhere else bill obligations NLRA Railway (T)itle deny individual, State violate deprived jurisdiction.' 110 Cong.Rec. 7207 (1964). Senate defeated exclusive 13650—13652 connection 1972. H.R. 9247, 92d Cong., 1st Sess. (1971); H.R.Rep.No.92—238 U.S.Code Cong. Admin.News, Sess., 2137, 2179, 2181 2182 report Committee responsible explained 'provisions regarding nor meant laws.' S.Rep.No.92—415, Page detailed discussion see Sape Hart. Reconsidered: 40 Geo.Wash.L.Rev. 824 F.2d, (1971), remedies. n. supra. Circuit, described resting instead equitable estoppel 'themes res judicata collateral estoppel.' Avco 451 743, 747 Whatever doctrinal label used, holdings same. rejecting doctrines context estoppel. generally 5A Atlantic Corbin, Contracts 1214—1227 (1971 ed.). Most suits 714—715; 314; Macklin Spector Freight Systems, 156 U.S.App.D.C. 69, 478 979, 990—991 Voutsis Carbide 452 889, 893 894 (CA2 1971), cert. denied, 406 918, 92 1768, 117 (1972); 746 1; 572 573. 136, 151 Carey: 'By allowing go measures deemed vital peace' entire dispute, encouraged. superior invoked time. Meanwhile therapy bear complicated troubled area.' 272, 409. disagreements Board's ruling would, precedence maintained required unjust enrichment recoveries. Where, prevailed there, recovery. cases prevailed, structured avoid windfall gains. supra; obtained obtainable hence suit. conditioned determining effectiveness waiver, outset consent knowing. event constitute Meltzer, Arbitration Overlapping Conflicting Remedies Discrimination, U.Chi.L.Rev. 32—35 Ruminations About Ideology, Law, Arbitration, 34 545 (1967). late Dean Shulman 'A conception basic. tribunal imposed obliged accept. charter administer justice community transcends self-government serves pleasure only, agreement.' Shulman, Reason, Contract, Law Relations, 68 Harv.L.Rev. 999, 1016 (1955). Brief 37. NLRB's deferring cases. Spielberg 112 N.L.R.B. 1080, 1082 Gould, Involving Racial 118 U.Pa.L.Rev. 40, 47—48 (1969); Platt, Relationship Ga.L.Rev. (1969). Significantly, substantial proportion lawyers. Note, NLRB Deference Yale L.J. 1191, 1194 suggest, possess high degree implementing disputes. concern manner extent presented. Vaca Sipes, 386 171, 87 903, 842 (1967); (1965). interests subordinated intersts unit. harmony interest always presumed, Steele Louisville N.R. 323 192, 65 226, 89 173 (1944); Tunstall Brotherhood Locomotive Firemen Enginemen, 210, 187 breach prove difficult establish. Humphrey Moore, 335, 342, 348—351, 363, 367, 371—373, 370 respect, noteworthy afford protections employers. 2000e—2(c). Rios, standard: 'First, deference unless coincides Second, way violative guaranteed inheres deferring, district satisfied identical decided power discrimination; dealt issues; (4) actually court;(5) proceeding regular procedural infirmities. burden proof establishing limitation distinguished claimant.' 58. problems posed Judicial Arbitrators' Cases, Stan.L.Rev. 421 adopt standards decision, court's discretion Relevant factors include existence conform fairness adequacy arbitrators. great weight. true fact, specifically addressed adequate record. ever mindful Congress, enacting availability

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