Legal Document

420 U.S. 251 95 Supreme Court Reporter 959 43 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 171 NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD, Petitioner,v.J. WEINGARTEN, INC. Number 73—1363. Argued Nov. 18, 1974. Decided Feb. 19, 1975. Syllabus During the course of an investigatory interview at which employee respondent was being interrogated by a representative about reported thefts respondent's store, asked for but denied presence her union representative. The thereupon filed unfair labor practice charge with National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). In accordance its construction in Mobil Oil Corp., 196 N.L.R.B. 1052, enforcement denied, 7 Cir., 482 Federal Reporter, 2nd 842, and Quality Mfg. Co., 195 197, 4 481 1018. rev'd, 276, 972, 189, NLRB held that employer had committed issued cease-and-desist order, which, however, Appeals subsequently refused to enforce, concluding has no 'need' assistance interview. Held: violated § 8(a)(1) Act because it interfered with, restrained, coerced individual right employee, protected 7, 'to engage . concerted activities mutual aid or protection .,' when employee's request reasonably believed would result disciplinary action. Pp. 256-268. (a) NLRB's holding is permissible 'concerted protection' agency charged Congress Act. 260-264. (b) 'special function applying general provisions complexities industrial life,' versus Erie Resistor 373 221, 236, 83 1139, 1149, 10 308, special competence this field justification deference accorded determination. 264-267. 485 1135, reversed remanded. Patrick Haw. Hawai‘i KFH45 A2 Hardin, Washington, D.C., petitioner. Neil Martin, Houston, Tex., respondent. Mr. Justice BRENNAN delivered opinion Court. 1 case employer's denial be present might action constituted violation Act,1 as amended, 61 Statutes-at-Large 140, Act, ..'2 202 446 (1973). Fifth Circuit impermissible enforce Board's order directed cease desist from requiring any take part without representation if requests fears 1135 (1973).3 We granted certiorari set oral argument 73—765, Garment Workers 416 969, 94 1990, 40 557 (1974). reverse. 2 * Respondent operates chain some 100 retail stores lunch counters some, so-called lobby food operations others, dispensing out eat on rpemises. Respondent's sales personnel are represented collective-bargaining purposes Retail Clerks Union, Local 455. Leura Collins, one personnel, worked counter Store 1961 1970 she transferred operation 98. maintains companywide security department staffed 'Loss Prevention Specialists' who work undercover all guard against loss shoplifting dishonesty. June 1972, 'Specialist' Hardy, knowledge store manager, spent two days observing 98 investigating report Collins taking money cash register. When Hardy's surveillance turned up evidence support report, Hardy disclosed his manager he could find nothing wrong. then told him fellow just purchased box chicken sold $2.98, placed only $1 summoned Specialist questioned her. found several times during questioning call shop steward other interview, were denied. admitted chicken, loaf bread, cake said paid donated church dinner. She expalined four pieces price $1, small-size boxes such purchases usually packaged put into larger normally used packaging quantities. left check Collins' explanation Collins. This confirmed run small also did not know how many box. returned checked out, sorry inconvenienced her, matter closed. 3 burst tears blurted thing ever gotton paying free lunch. revelation surprised because, although lunches been provided there, company policy provide operating departments. consequence, closely violations again called request. Based answers questions, prepared written statement included computation owed approximately $160 lunches. sign statement. well most, all, employees 98, including department, took it, apparently contrary made known them. Indeed, headquarters advised telephone itself uncertain whether providing departments effect terminated interrogation discuss anyone considered private between company, concern others. details fully representatives, proceeding resulted.4 II creates statutory refuse submit may discipline announced decision January 28, 189. opinions decided May 12, three months later, shaped contours limits right. 5 First, inheres 7's guarantee act concert protection. Oil, stated: 6 'An upon based Section guarantees 'mutual protection.' reasonable tendency interfere restrain, coerce Thus, serious activity seeking denies compels appear unassisted job jeopardy. Such dilution collectively protect interests is, our view, unwarranted interference insist protection, rather than self-protection, possible adverse action.' Ibid. Second, arises situations where representation. words, forgo guaranteed and, prefers, participate unaccompanied 8 Third, condition participation limited believes investigation will action.5 Thus stated Quality: 9 'We apply rule run-of-themill shop-floor conversation as, example, giving instructions training needed corrections techniques. cases there cannot basis fear impact thus we see seek representative.' N.L.R.B., 199. Fourth, exercise legitimate prerogatives. obligation justify refusal allow representation, despite refusal, carry inquiry interviewing leave choice having representative, forgoing benefits derived one. As Oil: 11 'The may, wishes, advise proceed unless willing enter refrain participating thereby protecting same time relinquishing benefit information obtained sources.' 1052. explained 12 'This seems us consistent It permits reject collective investigative interviews required protects chosen agents. Participation voluntary, ground adversely affect continued employment, even working conditions, choose forego afforded safeguard representative's presence. He whatever come And, event, would, course, additional facts have gleaned through interview.' 198—199. 13 Fifth, duty bargain permitted attend Mobil, 'we Union particular rights respect predisciplinary discussions otherwise able secure negotiations.' 1052 n. 3. adhered decisions distinguishing interviews, imposing mandatory affirmative meet Texaco, Inc., Houston Producing Division, 168 361 (1967); Chevron 574 Jacobe-Pearson Ford, 172 594 (1968). assist attempt clarify suggest employer, interested, time, hearing own account under investigation.' Brief Petitioner, 22. III 14 should sustained. 15 confrontation clearly falls within literal wording '(e)mployees shall purpose Corporation NLRB, 847 (CA7 1973). true though alone immediate stake outcome; seeks 'aid perceived threat employment security. whose safeguarding interest, entire bargaining unit exercising vigilance make certain does initiate continue punishment unjustly.6 assurance they, too, can obtain like Concerted therefore here Peter Cailler Kohler Swiss Chocolates 130 503, 505—506 (CA2 1942), cited approval Contractors Assn. 386 664, 668—689, 87 1278, 1280—1281, 18 389 (1967): 16 "When workmen common cause workman over separate grievance, go strike support, they activity' protection,' aggrieved them outcome. rest their each assures himself, turn comes, whom helping; solidarity so established aid' most sense, nobody doubts." 17 plainly effectuates fundamental 1, 29 Code KF62 151, declares goal national 'the workers full freedom association, self-organization, designation representatives choosing, To end designed eliminate 'inequality power employers.' Requiring lone imposition perpetuates inequality eliminate, bars recourse safeguards redress imbalance economic management.' American Ship Building 380 300, 316, 85 955, 966, 855 (1965). Viewed light, recognition risk protective ambit section "read light mischief corrected attained." Hearst Publications, 322 111, 124, 64 851, 857, 88 L.Ed. 1170 (1944). gives useful both employer.7 A single confronted conduct deserves too fearful inarticulate relate accurately incident investigated, ignorant raise extenuating factors. knowledgeable eliciting favorable facts, save production getting bottom occasioning Certainly need transform adversary contest. suggests nonetheless stage unnecessary culpability after impose become final. defer until filing formal grievance challenging determination guilt discharged disciplined.8 At point, becomes increasingly difficult vindicate value correspondingly diminished. more concerned justifying actions re-examining IV 19 rejected foreclosed court's years earlier Division 408 142 (5 Cir. 1969), 'a long line decisions, indicates—either directly indirectly—that present' F.2d, 1137. 20 distinguishes Texaco presenting question 8(a)(5) precluded refusing deal union. determine distinguishable. Insofar violate requires alone, today reversing Appeals' judgment supersedes holding. 21 precedents, asserts 'may read reaching conclusion,' treated impairing validity construction, '(t)hese do reflect analysis issue.' Petitioner 25.9 circumstance, significant developments life warranted reappraisal question,10 argues '(t)he nature problem, revealed unfolding variant situations, inevitably involves evolutionary process rational response, quick, definitive formula comprehensive answer. And so, surprising less felt way modified reformed standards accumulating experience.' Electrical 366 667, 674, 81 1285, 1290, 592 (1961). 22 agree precedents impair construction. That wise exceeds reach scope created section. use administrative evolutional approach particularly fitting. hold froze development important aspect law misconceive decisionmaking. "Cumulative experience' begets understanding insight judgments validated qualified invalidated. constant trial error, wider fuller scale litigation permits, differentiates perhaps anything else judicial process.' Seven-Up 344 344, 349, 73 287, 290, 97 377 (1953). 23 responsibility adapt changing patterns entrusted Board. impermissibly encroached determining 'While basic arise 1138. province Board, courts, exists practices cumulative experience dealing labormanagement relations. For 1150, 308 (1963); Republic Aviation 324 793, 798, 65 982, 985, 89 1372 (1945); Phelps Dodge 313 177, 196—197, 845, 853—854, 1271 (1941), U.S., S.Ct., 966. Reviewing courts stand aside rubber stamp' determinations language tenor Brown, 278, 291, 980, 988, 839 But here, while least insofar application meaning engages 'difficult delicate responsibility' reconciling conflicting management, balance struck 'subject review.' Truck Drivers, 353 87, 96, 77 643, 648, 676 (1957). See Babcock & Wilcox 351 105, 76 679, 975 (1956); supra; supra. sum, reached fair reasoned competence, newly arrived exceed section, adequately explicated interpretation. 24 harmony actual practice. Many agreements accord interviews.11 Even explicitly agreement 'well-established current arbitral authority' sustains him. Chemical 60 Lab.Arb. 1066, 1071 (1973).12 25 remanded direction enforcing order. 26 ordered. 27 Judgment 28 Chief BURGER, dissenting. Today states that, positing new employees, 'Board interpretation.' 251, 267, 959, 968, 171. N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions change position, since today's represent major departure spanning almost 30 ought justified opinion. brief spectacular evolution right, once recognized, illustrates problem. 198 (1972), distinguished prior ground, inter alia, 'none those presented situation disciplined requesting, insisting on, Yet, soon afterwards extended discharge resulted. (1972); Judge Weingarten tortured history inconsistency efforts area why adopted. However, much demands explain integrity '(w)hen exercises discretion given Congress, must 'disclose order' 'give clear indication exercised empowered it.' 854, 1271.' Metropolitan insurance 438, 443, 1061, 1064, 951 Here, very good reasons adopting rule, some. 259, 965; 261, 171; 265, 967 10, these cases. supra, 444, 1064; "courts accept appellate counsel's post hoc rationalizations action." lip service "to stamp" determinations. 266, 31 remand directions enlighten marked burden arrive inference surmise. 32 POWELL, STEWART joins, 33 157, 'engage construes include another employee1 my intendment An flexible exchange process. 34 majority acknowledges recently discovered interviews. fact, late 1964—after 7—the flatly claim entitled 'discharge conversation' later already fire adopted Trial Examiner's analysis: 35 'I fail perceive obliges permit agent every compelled admonish unrelated activity. undoubtedly maintain day-to-day plant premises me exceptional circumstances warrant right.' Dobbs Houses, 145 1565, 1571 (1964).2 36 convoluted Houses hardly heart resulted logical 'evolutional approach.' Ante, 265. initially retreated deciding applied 'investigatory' (1967), (CA5 1969). sufficiently affects 'term employment' implicate consult direct issue 8(a)(5).3 years, distinction 'investigative' 'disciplinary' dismissing claims absence employee.4 37 first greater content 7. relying 'significant ante, stating simply none worker fired asserted, disposed union's imposed, dealt meetings lead 198. abandoned 842 There followed Mfg., excluded back now finds embark discipline. 38 Congress' enacting federal legislation create framework management establish obligations govern relationship. theory opportunity negotiation accredited likely promote peace bring adjustments compel.' Jones Laughlin Steel 301 45, 57 615, 628, 893 (1937). structure parties' respective strengths; leaves definition precise relationship Porter 397 99, 108, 90 821, 826, 146 (1970); Insurance 343 395, 402, 72 824, 828, 96 1027 (1952). 39 noted Emporium Capwell Western Addition Community Organization, employees' self-or-ganization, 'collective one's (which) sake instrument minimizing strife 'by encouraging procedure bargaining." 50, 62, 977, 984, (1975). essential self-organization weapons exact concessions demand voice defining terms relationship.5 define itself. recognized uniformly elemental prerogatives management. Absent specific limitations imposed statute6 bargaining,7 remains will. Steelworkers Warrior Gulf 363 574, 583, 80 1347, 1353, 1409 (1960). consider undertake wide variety unpredictable situations. appropriate response vary significantly, depending severity conduct. Likewise, amount appropriateness sanction complexity instances, require response. 41 necessarily creative adjustment. recognizes, standard topic bargaining.8 incorporate grant rights, arbitration begun recognize well. Rather interpretation affording meandering conclude among intended type personalized 8(a)(1), 158(a)(1); provides 157 title.' provides: 'Employees form, join, organizations, except extent affected membership organization authorized 158(a)(3) Accord: 1018 (CA4 1973), 189; recurring addition Electric 205 46 (1973); New York Telephone 203 180 Can 200 1116 82 1973); Lafayette Radio Electronics, 194 491 (1971); Illinois Bell 192 834 Aircraft 179 935 (1969), aff'd 440 1971); Los Angeles Terminal, 976 (1969); Wald 176 grounds, 426 1328 (CA6 1970); Dayton Typographic Service, 357 (1968); 1969); Motors Specialties, 149 1432 (1964); 1565 Ross Gear Tool 63 1012 (1945), 158 607 1947). generally Brodie, Representation Disciplinary Interview, B.C.Ind. Com.L. Comment, Presence Meetings, U.Chi.L.Rev. 329 charges alleged unilaterally when, day ordered discontinuance Because arbitrable agreement, pursuant deferral-to-arbitration Collyer Insulated Wire, 837 (1971), 'dismissed' allegation. No involving before us. "Reasonable ground' measured, objective standards, case.' Gissel Packing 395 575, 608, 1918, 1937, 547 'reject probe subjective motivations endless unreliable inquiry,' reaffirm view applicable context case. Reasonableness, standard, prescribed places relieved reponsibility discrimination 'if grounds believing' exist, §§ 8(a)(3)(A), (B), 158(a)(3)(A), (B); also, preliminary injunctive relief sought officer regional attorney referred believe' true, 10(l), 160(l). Congoleum Industries, 197 534 Cumberland Shoe 144 1268 (1963), enforced, 917 1965). key fact exception requirement give warning notice dishonesty.' Accordingly, satisfied, guilty dishonesty, further notice. believe clear. quantum proof considers sufficient unit. slow accretion custom control handling disputes. If, adopts considering foreman's unsubstantiated statements action, affected. allows interest 329, 338 See, e.g., Independent Lock 744, 746 (1958): '(Participation representative) issues existence question, policies stage, lack ability express themselves cases, who, livelihood stake, experienced kind counsel represent. foreman, seeing issue, implications clause clearly. faith discussion level solve problems, prevent needless hard feelings arising .. (It) advantageous parties intelligence capable bringing bear problem.' Caterpillar Tractor 44 647, 651 (1965): contemplates authority discourage grievances appears justified. Similarly, withhold affecting demonstrated outset unwarranted. regarded factor conducive avoidance medium presuasion conducted threshold impending grievance. entirely employ office limit involve differences substantial merit. Whether accomplished depend parties, amenable reason persuasion.' Commerce Clearing House Lab.L.Rep., Contracts, Arbitration 59,520, Pages 84,988—84,989. are: aff'd, (1964). 'There recent growth sophisticated techniques—such closed circuit television, agents, lie detectors—to monitor investigate place work. Warwick 95, 97—98 (1966); Bowman Transportation, 56 283, 286—292 FMC 335, 336—338 (1966). These techniques increase apprehension, often, specialists; confront supervisor familiar him, stranger trained concomitant rights. Cf. Boys Markets, Incorporated Clerks, 770, 398 235, 250 (90 1583, 1592, 199)' BNA Collective Bargaining Negotiations Contracts 21:22 (General Auto Workers, 76a); 27:6 (Goodyear Tire Rubber Article V(5)); 29:15—29:16 (United Steelworkers, 8B (8.4) 8.7)). Bethelem Agreement 1971, XI, 4(d), provided: 'Any Employee enclosed discussing accompanied Assistant Grievance Committeeman designated available shift.' Universal Products 832, (1973): '(A)n him.' Allied Paper 53 226 Thrifty Drug Stores 50 1253, 1262 Waste King 286 Dallas Morning News, 619, 623—624 Arcrods 784, 788—789 (1962); Valley Iron Works, 769, 771 (1960); Schlitz Brewing 57, (1959); Singer Mfg 570 (1957); Braniff Airways, 892 John Lucas 346—347 Contra, E. I. du Pont de Nemours 646, 652 Air Lines, 179, (1956). While speaks assumed 'in concert' Washington Aluminum 370 9, 1099, 298 (1962). admit 1012, 1033—1034 607, 611—614 case, committee member, pending issue. discharging discriminatory 8(a)(1). 1571. pursue conclusion. Its matters invoke seem absent qualification contained impasse initiating unilateral matters. radical restriction employees. Fibreboard 379 203, 217, 218, 223, 398, 406, 407, 409, 233 (1964) (Stewart, J., concurring). Jacobe-Person (1967). By contrast, prove stabilization relations generally. adopt sessions legitimately version facts. invitation, encompass person brings meeting. restricted privilege mute inactive representative; witness perhaps. forbids employers 'interfere coerce' Other statutes respects 706 Civil Rights 1964, 78 42 2000e—5; Age Discrimination Employment 1967, 602, 623. limiting subject bargaining. Crop. 221—223, 408—409, similar substituted negotiations leading establishment advanced existing governing suspension amended company-union accede ultimately prevailed, table voided statute. Chairman Miller suggested waive (1972). waivers permissible. Magnavox 415 322, 358

Classification Label: 6