Legal Document

393 U.S. 129 89 Supreme Court Reporter 323 21 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 289 BROTHERHOOD OF LOCOMOTIVE FIREMEN & ENGINEMEN et al., Appellants,v.CHICAGO, ROCK ISLAND PACIFIC RAILROAD CO. al. Robert N. HARDIN, Prosecuting Atty., 7th Circ., Ark., Appellants, versus CHICAGO, Nos. 16, 18. Argued Oct. 22, 1968. Decided Nov. 18, Rehearings Denied Jan. 13, 1969. See 1045, 610. James E. Youngdahl and Leslie Evitts, Little Rock, for appellants. V. Light, Martin M. Lucente, Chicago, Ill., appellees. Mr. Justice BLACK delivered the opinion of Court. 1 These cases raise question whether Arkansas 'full-crew' laws, specifying a minimum number employees who must serve as part train crew under certain circumstances, violate Commerce Clause or Fourteenth Amendment. The constitutionality these laws has been specifically upheld against challenges same constitutional rpovisions in three decisions this Court, 1911, 1916, again 1931.1 In present cases, however, District found that result economic technical developments since our last decision on subject, statutes were no longer justified safety measures, ground which they had formerly sustained, struck them down contrary to Constitution Due Process 274 F.Supp. 294 (D.C.W.D.Ark.1967). We noted probable jurisdiction, 390 941, 88 1035, 19 1128 (1968). disagree with Court's holding railroads have shown change circumstances sufficient justify departure from previous decisions. therefore reaffirm those reverse judgment 2 first two challenged here was enacted 1907, law makes it an offense railroad operating line more than 50 miles haul freight consisting 25 cars, unless not 'less engineer, fireman, conductor (3) brakemen * *.'2 second statute, 1913, any 100 engage switching operations cities designated populations, one (1) foreman helpers *.'3 statutes, previously upheld, are precisely down. 3 This latest attack commenced by group interstate asked declare unconstitutional enjoin prosecuting attorneys, appellants here, enforcing them. brotherhoods, also allowed intervene order defend validity state statutes. their complaint appellees charged both operate 'arbitrary, capricious, discriminatory unreasonable' manner violation Equal Protection Clauses Amendment; (2) unduly interfere with, burden, needlessly increase cost transportation Clause, Article I, § 8, cl. 3, Constitution, National Transportation Policy expressed Interstate Act; discriminate commerce favor local intrastate commerce; (4) invade field federal legislation pre-empted Federal Government primarily through Public Law 88—108, passed Congress 19634 avert nationwide strike. 4 its granted railroads' motion summary judgment, full-crew 108, 239 (D.C.W.D.Ark.1965), but we reversed pre-emption question, sub nom. Brotherhood Locomotive Engineers R.I. P.R. Co., 382 423, 86 594, 15 501 (1966). held entitled alternative theory because effect mileage exemption Acts is free all State's requirements while ensuring coverage most railroads, 'constitute commerce.' Id., at 437—438, S.Ct., 601. On remand evidentiary hearing and, after compiling voluminous record, 'no substantial operations,' placed 'substantial financial burdens' upon carriers, caused 'some delays' interference continuity operations. basis findings impermissible burdens ruled 'unreasonable oppressive' violated court did reach further argument Clauses. Appellants challenge accuracy holdings relevance adjudication issues presented. They ask us hold do impermissibly burden otherwise provision Constitution. I. 5 size subject dispute between half century. Much controversy course fought out collective bargaining unions.5 many attempts made settle legislation. before 1907 along other designed safety, such headlight standards, regulations concerning obstruction crossings, so on.6 Many parts detailed codes regulating safety.7 codes, provisions particular, continual re-evaluation throughout country. New York, example, Service Commission 1960 recommended total repeal legislation, 1966 York repealed, legislature explicitly rejected proposal third law, requires fireman engineer be duty engine cab, addition brakeman serves cab hauls.8 similarly close scrutiny. Additional added time time,9 some considered date repealed.10 With respect specifically, ballot popular referendum 1958 decisively defeated voters. too concerned problem rules governing 1963 statute referring unions arbitration, prior decision, aware intend override U.S., 429—437, 597—601. 6 spite background frequent recent legislative problem, national levels, now determine judicial matter make significant contribution seriously should stand Clause. essence position requirement additional crewmen amounts nothing featherbedding. claim firemen once needed tend furnaces steam locomotives necessary diesel engines generally use. Although recognize performs valuable lookout function passenger trains, where he only assert hauling yard available provide adequate assist correcting mechanical problems performing miscellaneous duties. thus maintain firemen, required crewmen, perform useful safety. At time, contend, substantially operation, hampering ability improve service compete modes transportation, requiring trains passing slow stop border pick up let off extra crewmen. 7 State take different view functions performed work serving lookout, signals, relieving emergencies, inspecting helping adjustments repairs moving—is still cannot without burdening interfering proper performance tasks. argue although technological improvements tended eliminate hazards lighten crew, developments, increased speed heavier automobile traffic over competitive pressures faster exactly opposite effect. 8 analyzed conflicting contentions evidence adduced support concluded operations.' said even if add increment think negligible worth cost.' As factors justifying conclusion created commerce, emphasized 'the compliance, proportion benefit, any, derived, involved taking discharging men near *.' 9 plain striking basis, indulged wholly beyond limited authority review need certainly considerable extent inconclusive. gave direct testimony incidents which, presence helped serious accident. statistical evidence, itself noted: 'The reductions force authorized basic award awards special adjustment boards (under arbitration) entirely satisfactory either way Indeed, below recognized, statistics showed accidents actually during period 1964—1966, when crews being reduced.11 10 It would hardly possible summarize record relevant indicated, unnecessary so. A brief Arbitration Board Number 282, panel set pursuant suffice show clearly determination. quoting report, course, indicate accepted specific conclusions necessarily persuasive sources information about problem. single reports heavily relied themselves. stated very finding: 11 '1. contains charge, frequently irresponsibly made, presently employed road country paid work.' 12 then went deal various claimed necessary. great majority cases' held, insure relief becomes incapacitated train, equipped fully operative deadman control, indicates percentage operated device. thought could eliminated emphasized: 13 '(W)e satisfied assignments require continued employment prevent excessive hazard lives property, avoid imposing undue remaining members, assure safe public.' 14 Finally, significant, stressed subjective nature reference safety: 'Safety is, essentially relative concept; standards achieved, how much governed accompanying circumstances. Railroading unfortunately, hazardous occupation, viewed simply terms preventing accidents.' 16 summary, taken favorable position, leaves little room doubt case public policy, policy can, system, fixed people acting elected representatives. responsibility making 'findings fact' does authorize resolve conflicts legislature's reject convincing it, viewpoint constitutes what 'pure speculation.' 17 Of matters delay borders apparently changed appreciably days earliest decisions, statement insignificance Southern Pacific company Arizona, 325 761, 782, 65 1515, 1526, L.Ed. 1915 (1945), equally valid today: 18 'While full undoubtedly interest, obstruct impede it. effects outside picking setting boundaries; wasted use facilities impairment efficiency Nor open place value dollars cents, see value, calculated court, exceeded railroads.12 Bibb Navajo Freight Lines, 359 520, 79 962, 1003 (1959), Illinois trucks contour mudguards, equipment advantages costly install maintain: 20 'Cost into consideration might issue commerce. But assumed proportions here. If adjusting operation new prescribed burdened sustain Sproles (Sproles Binford, 286 374, 52 581 76 1167 (1932)), Barnwell (Barnwell Bros. South Carolina Highway Dept., 303 177, 58 510, 82 734 (1938)), Maurer (Maurer Hamilton, 309 598, 60 726, 84 969 (1940)) cases. obtain discussed presented case.' 526, 966.13 difficult best say losses balanced loss limbs workers using highways. showing. II. 22 next contention exemption, contention, like claims, earlier dealing exemptions Acts, Act, eight 1913 Act. say, difference treatment based differing track rational classification not, 'on us,' discrimination 437, 23 Despite extensive exhibits altering permissible. men, all, regardless happens own less system track. establishes legitimate reasons exemption. least short-line roads, maximum running main 35 per hour, moving lines limits 75 hour. apparent slower short provides Legislature conclude encountered line-haul serious, accordingly regulation pressing, lines. Similarly connection operations, there usefulness depends length switched, another factor that—like speed—tends vary according railroad's trackage. smaller able bear though companies. 24 criteria precise test situations larger desirable, inadequacies thier own, far vague statutory classification. And event courts may attain scientific perfection determining type. case, 524, 965: 'These measures carry strong presumption court. ways solving sit suited achieve objective. legislature, absent entry field.' 26 Mileage classifications repeatedly involving similar problems. See, e.g., N.H. H.R. People 165 628, 418, 41 853 (1897). Nothing suggests treated differently. III. 27 There remains reason industry singling 'motor buses, taxicabs, airplanes, barges, cargo trucks, segment industry.' written, requiring, brakemen,' scarcely extended means taxicabs airplanes. attempting industry, investigate competing industries enact meet distinct 28 'unduly impose costs regulated exceed benefits regulation. agreed impact today due process. Insofar arguments seek independent invalidating apart think, deference consideration. Ferguson Skrupa, 372 83 1028, 93 (1963); Williamson Lee Optical 348 483, 461, 99 563 (1955); Olsen Nebraska, 313 236, 61 862, 85 1305 (1941); West Coast Hotel Parrish, 300 379, 57 578, 81 703 (1937); Nebbia 291 502, 54 505, 940 (1934). IV. 29 Under depart Undoubtedly heated disputes will continue contribute interests, contributions manpower. worked legislatures forms management unions. times, unquestionably power regulate shall used man absence congressional action, invoke invalidate representatives price society pay promote industry. reversed, remanded instructions dismiss complaint. 30 ordered. 31 Reversed instructions. 32 FORTAS took 33 DOUGLAS, dissenting. 34 N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions agree judged police power, sustained. indicated my dissent 438, 601, 501, enacting 77 Statutes-at-Large 132, undertook displace delegating arbitration board determine, necessity freights crews. would, therefore, proceedings consistent 88—108 Arkansas, 219 453, 275, 55 290 (1911); St. L., I.M. S.R. 240 518, 36 443, 776 (1916); Missouri Pac. R. Norwood, 283 249, 51 458, 1010 (1931); 600, 227, 78 527 (1933). reaffirmed, dictum, (1945). Ark.Laws Act 116, Ark.Stat.Ann. §§ 73—720 73 722 (1957 Repl. Vol.). 67, 73—726 729 45 Code KF62 following 157. long troublesome history aspect briefly summarized 430—432, 597—598. 73—704 73—706; 73—718, 73—719 approach F.Supp., 299. Central Lefkowitz, N.Y.2d 1, N.Y.S.2d 519, 241 North Eastern Reporter, 2nd 730 E.g., 1951, 253, Stat.Ann. 740 Vol.); 1953, 130, 741 73—744 1965, 73—730 (Supp.1967). dealt fact stating trend observed years preceding effective concluding: 'Why accident rates increasing know certainty, pure speculation anything it.' meaningful estimate is. computed wages year allegedly figure, $7,600,000, represents compliance. admitted net lower elimination create expenses, compensatory allowance engineers assistance overtime pay, associated somewhat terminals en route. introduced approximate amount knowing whether, claim, expenses offset wage savings reduction sizes. Bibb, carefully mudguard flatly conflicted enforced State, straight mudguards.

Classification Label: 9