Legal Document

345 U.S. 117 73 Supreme Court Reporter 560 97 L.Ed. 864 NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARDv.GAMBLE ENTERPRISES, Incorporated Number 238. Argued Nov. 19, 1952. Decided March 9, 1953. Mr. Bernard Dunau, Washington, D.C., for petitioner. Frank C. Heath, Cleveland, Ohio, respondent. Justice BURTON delivered the opinion of Court. 1 This case is a companion to American Newspaper Publishers Association versus National Labor Relations Board, 100, 552. 2 The question here whether labor organization engages in an unfair practice, within meaning § 8(b)(6) Act, as amended by Management 1947,1 when it insists that management one interstate chain theaters shall employ local orchestra play connection with certain programs, although does not need or want orchestra. For reasons hereafter stated, we hold not. 3 While circumstances differ from those preceding case, interpretation there given controlling here. 4 generations professional musicians have faced shortage employment needed yield them livelihood. They been confronted competition military bands, traveling foreign on tour, amateur organizations and, more recently, technological developments reproduction and broadcasting. To help conserve sources employment, they developed protective societies. Since 1896, also organized maintained national scale Federation Musicians, affiliated Labor. By 1943, practically all instrumental performers conductors United States had joined Federation, establishing membership over 200,000, 10,000 Canada.2 5 uses its nationwide control talent individual members unions. It band contracts be subject rules, laws regulations. Article 18, 4, By-Laws provides: 'Traveling cannot, without consent Local, any presentation performances jurisdiction unless house employed.'3 6 From this background turn instant case. than 12 years Palace Theater Akron, has managed respondent, Gamble Enterprises, Inc., which Washington corporation principal office New York. Before decline vaudeville until about 1940, respondent employed nine union stage acts at theater. When occupied stage, played pit times, augmented performance band. 7 used showing motion pictures occasional appearances bands. Between 1940 1947, musicians, no longer regular basis, held periodic rehearsals theater were available required. appeared there, paid sum equal minimum wages similar engagement but music. 8 Taft-Hartley containing 8(b)(6), was passed, President's veto, June 23, took effect August 22. July November 12, seven bands presented stage. Local neither nor occasions. raised objections made demands 'stand-by' payments. However, October, 24 called union, opened negotiations latter's whenever performed overtures, 'intermissions' 'chasers' (the latter while patrons leaving theater). required acceptance proposal condition Respondent declined offer scheduled appear 20 canceled learning withheld consent. 9 May 8, 1949, new proposal. sought guaranty would some number occasions having relation appearances.4 proposals ground necessary desired. Accordingly, July, again appearance desired did appear. In December arrangement agreed upon locally later Respondent's York disapproved plan record before us discloses further agreement. 10 filed charges Board asserting engaging practice defined 8(b)(6). Regional Director issued complaint effect. After hearing trial examiner found engaged commerce recommended assert jurisdiction. 92 N.L.R.B., 1528, 1538, 1540. On merits, he concluded union's conduct 'was nothing less stand-by engagement,' convinced 'attempt cause' payment 'in nature exaction.' He, accordingly, dismissal complaint. N.L.R.B. pages 1549, 1550, 1551. unanimously With dissent, ordered complaint, so grounds differing urged examiner. 1528—1529. said: 11 'On contrary, shows seeking orchestra, * (union) insisted such permitted times conflict bands' renditions. Thus, herein justify finding that, during period embraced herein, pursuing old policy attempting cause charging party make payments services performed. 'In our opinion, Section intended reach cases where seeks actual members, even situations employer want, need, willing accept services. Whether desirable objective should matter congressional action, believe proscribed limited provisions 13 'Upon entire find guilty practices Act.' 1531, 1533—1534. 14 Appeals Sixth Circuit disturb Board's held, nevertheless, declared It, therefore, set aside order remanded cause. 196 Federal Reporter, 2nd Series 61. stated 552, granted certiorari. 344 814, 43. We denied intervene, 872, 165, but, parties, brief amicus curiae, supporting Board. 15 record, mere pay. recognized formerly, taken effect, received appearances. then, requested none. has, however, consistently negotiated suggested various ways could earn pay performing competent work terms, offered are Federation-controlled. Respondent, consistency, these offers right do. 16 treat good faith contemplating services, agree not, remained reject their merits light material circumstances. do determine dealing 'token' nominal appropriately treated substantial musicians. There reason think sham can substituted substance under other statute. Payments 'standing-by,' equivalent performed, receives bona fide relevant remains employer, through free fair negotiation, accepted what compensation done.5 17 judgment Appeals, reversed it. 18 Reversed remanded. 19 JACKSON, dissenting. economic advantages abuses result 'featherbedding' admittedly concern. But, & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions cannot escape conclusion facts bring statute makes 'unfair practice' agents 'to attempt deliver money thing value exaction, *' 61 Statutes-at-Large 140—142, 29 Code KF62 (Supp. V) 158(b) (6), Annotated KF65 U5 158(b)(6). Granting Congress failed practices, enactment interpreted practical beyond requiring change form exaction. 21 Accepting differences require contrary result. 22 both cases, complained obviously caused respective both, unwanted cost burdened industry contributed But resemblance ceases. Typographical Union adhering custom mutual established terms long since adjusted. specifically condemned device achieving same two may exemplify benefits detriments work, superfluous effort voluntary usage adjustment service conditions between employee printing 'exacted' first time entertainment field evade law. 23 That involved constitute 'exaction' seem hard deny, whatever thought printers' As says, Musicians 'nationwide talent.' No artist perform approval. business get exhibit 'service' tendered wanted useful. What speaks 'free accepted' actually only freedom go out attendant losses. If amount language lost integrity meaning. holds exertion employees, how useless unwanted, never said exaction 'for performed.' undoubtedly presents difficulties interpretation, am persuaded meaningless empty surely enact prohibition whose application restricted sufficient imagination invent 'work.' 25 compelling theatre work. forbidden, accomplish continuation incorporated into expedient devised perpetuate face condemnation. Such subterfuge condoned. 26 CLARK, whom CHIEF JUSTICE joins, 27 dissent basis dissenting perceive tenable distinction extent today's majority accord. True, employees 'work' keyboard Linotype, keys musical instrument. realistically viewed, enterprise bogus other; boondoggles 'does accept.' statute, moreover, distinguish modern make-work gimmicks featherbedding techniques encrusted industry's lore. accorded preferred position seasoned recognize prescriptive rights Custom tradition deprive employers statutory rights. Cf. Newport News Shipbuilding Co., 1939, 308 241, 250—251, 60 203, 208, 84 219; Tennessee Coal, Iron R. company Muscoda 1944, 321 590, 601—602, 64 698, 704—705, 88 949; Jewell Ridge Coal Corporation 6167, 1945, 325 161, 167, 65 1063, 1066, 89 1534. 'Sec. 8. '(b) agents— '(6) value, 158(b)(6), Countryman, Organized U. Chi.L.Rev. 57—85, 239—297. 3, appearing unit bill Local.' four plans. Each playing music operation theater: (1) intermissions chasers; (2) integral part ensemble; (3) booked respondent; (4) half total respondent's each year. addition legislative history cited following explanation Senator Ball emphasizes point proscribes done. member Senate Committee Public Welfare, who served conferee, floor immediately passage bill, 1947: 'There word (§ 8(b)(6)), President, 'featherbedding.' says force colloquy Florida (Mr. Pepper) Ohio Taft), abundantly clear apply rest periods, speed-ups safety provisions, anything nature; applied situations, instance Musicians' forces hire then another all.' (Emphasis supplied.) 93 Cong.Rec. 7529.

Classification Label: 6