Legal Document

412 U.S. 67 93 Supreme Court Reporter 1952 36 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 752 NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD, Petitioner,v.The BOEING COMPANY et al. Number 71—1607. Argued March 26, 1973. Decided May 21, Syllabus The adjudication by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) under § 8(b)(1) (A) of Act an unfair labor practice allegedly committed a union does not include authority to determine whether amount disciplinary fine levied against member is reasonable, issue being one internal affairs over which NLRB exercises no jurisdiction. Pp. 71—78. 148 U.S.App.D.C. 119, 459 Federal Reporter, 2nd 1143, reversed. Norton Judge Come, Washington, D.C., for N.L.R.B. Samuel Lang, New Orleans, La., Boeing company Mr. Justice REHNQUIST delivered opinion Court. 1 question presented in this case required 8(b)(1)(A) Act1 inquire into reasonableness imposed upon when its admitted that section otherwise constitutes practice. held validity fines depend on their reasonable amount. Booster Lodge 405, 185 380, 383 n. 16, 75 L.R.R.M. 1004, 1007 16 (1970). On petition judicial review determination, Appeals unreasonably large coercive and restraining within meaning 8(b)(1)(A), remanded with directions consider 'questions relating Union.' International Association Machinists versus NLRB, 137, 1161 (1972). We granted certiorari, 409 1074, 675, 34 662 (1972), now reverse judgment below. 2 From 1963, through September 15, 1965, & Aerospace Workers, AFL—CIO (the Union), Company), were parties collective-bargaining agreement. Upon expiration agreement Union called lawful economic strike at Company's Michoud plant Orleans other locations. As October 2, signed new strikers thereafter returned work. Both agreements contained maintenance-of-membership clauses members retain membership during contract term. employees notify Company 40 days accepting employment if they elected join Union. 3 During 18-day some 143 out 1,900 production maintenance bargaining unit crossed picket lines All these time began, although them tendered resignations either before after crossing lines.2 In late or early November 1965 notified charges had been preferred violating Union's constitution. constitution provides penalties 'improper conduct member,' term includes '(a)ccepting . establishment where exists.' accordance appropriate procedures, including notice opportunity hearing, all strikebreakers found guilty, fined $450, barred from holding office period five years.3 While reduced partial payments received Union, paid full $450.4 After warning pay face consequences, filed suits state court nine individual collect fines. None has finally adjudicated. 4 February 1966 charge alleging attempted enforcement violated Act. allegations basically twofold: first, fining who resigned we companion case, Intern. 84, 1961, 764; and, second, as validly fined, unreasonable Thereafter Board's General Counsel issued complaint was heard Trial Examiner. With respect second issue, Examiner determined impermissibly excessive, but refused adopt his conclusion. It relied decided same day, Machinists, Local 504 (Arrow Development Co.), 365, 1008 (1970), reversed sub nom. O'Reilly 472 426 (C.A.9 1972), it Congress did intend give regulate size establish standards fine's reasonableness. 5 Section provides, pertinent part, shall be organization 'to restrain coerce exercise rights guaranteed 7 title.'5 Among right refrain any concerted activities described section.6 have previously intended power affairs, imposition fines, consequent enforcement, violate unions' constitutions bylaws. Allis-Chalmers Mfg. Co., 388 175, 87 2001, 18 1123 (1967); Scofield 394 423, 89 1154, 22 385 (1969). ranging $20 $100 'restrain coerce' And imposing $50 rule ceilings. 6 deciding cases, several times referred 'reasonable' particular, concluded 'that valid constitute restraint coercion proscribed 8(b)(1)(A).' U.S., 436, (emphasis added). contends, illogically, Court's use adjective suggest would This interpretation, however, permissible may only dicta, since both assumed. 192—193, S.Ct., 2013, 30; 430, 1158.7 Being squarely recede implications dicta earlier cases. 'unreasonable' more than are greater lesser degree. underlying basis holdings noncoercive language Act, instead those provisions apply affecting employer-employee relationship prohibited reason turn, enacting unions extent order base levying such 8 examination legislative history provision led conclusion that: 9 'What materials there dealing contain single word referring application prohibitions traditional discipline general, particular. contrary number assurances sponsors meant unions.' 185—186, 2009 added).8 10 distinguish between external rules, therefore pass rules individual's status status. 428—430, 1157—1158. 11 Inquiry multiplicity factors correctly thought bearing necessarily lead substantial involvement strictly affairs. line always clear matters external, examine questions union's motivation delving manner intend.9 Given rationale Scofield, nothing say about nature, whatever size, correct. Issues unreasonableness must law contracts, voluntary asociations, principles applied forum competent adjudicate issue. Under our holding, courts will wholly free issues suit fined. 12 Our also supported longstanding administrative construction effect. At least 1954, consistent position 'not empowered impose so long penalty impair member's employee.' 283, UAW, 145 1097, 1104 (1964). See Minneapolis Star Tribune 109 727, 1431 (1954). analogous situations contemporaneous statute agency charged entitled great deference courts. Griggs Duke Power 401 424, 433—434, 91 849, 854—855, 28 158 (1971); Udall Tallman, 380 1, 85 792, 801, 13 616 (1965).10 suggested policy reasons why should leave determinations entirely Their basic are, uniformity determination what result suggests expertise brought bear rather solely Even concede relevance determining congressional intent, persuaded better fine. 14 noted Allis-Chalmers, recent innovation known 1867. 182 9, 2007. Summers, Law Discipline: What Courts Do Fact, 70 Yale L.J. 175 (1960). generally viewed contractual Gonzales, 356 617, 618, 78 923, 924, 1018 (1958); 3, 1156; Granite State Joint Board, Textile Workers America, 1029, AFL—CIO, 213, 217, 385, 387, 422 local contracts associations usually governs relationship. supra, 192 193 32, 2012, 2013; 1156. 15 alluded unusually harsh stated 'state courts, reviewing discipline, find ways down 'discipline (which) involves severe hardship." 2013 quoting Legal Limitations Discipline, 64 Harv.L.Rev. 1049, 1078 (1951). assumed view statement, reference merely adverting usual standard enforce union-imposed reads therefore, encouraging standard, directive Board.11 cases decisions reveals applying quite willing amount.12 Indeed, well evident assess varying factual contexts specialized agency. assessing example, often able draw experience areas apart relations.13 17 Nor clear, contended Appeals, setting area even desirable goal. Since jurisdiction context event, independent might yield conflict two forums For foregoing reasons, conclude warranted interfere employee-employer Act,14 authorize evaluate fairness meted protect legitimate interest.'15 is, 19 Reversed. 20 Chief BURGER, dissenting. 21 odd, least, urging us limitations authority, telling proper resolve regarding workers violation rules. years, unrelenting opposition 'intervention' industrial disputes activities. told countless 'expertise' based overview intimate familiarity problems, essential area. A must, course, powers disintegrate. However, can easily turn means enforcing oppressive device retribution, weapon which, used extremes, deprive working man very sustenance. Whether particular situation weighing delicate balance relations employers, employees, involved. Such knowledge consistently ascribed unions. deals daily basis. devise employ national govern conduct; consistency To isolate sensitive subject thrust entire federal statutes opens door wide disparity different States. 23 DOUGLAS, whom BURGER BLACKMUN concur, 24 N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions dissent 'reasonableness' placed dissident members. 25 effective 1963 1965. struck Boeing, causing work stoppage lasted days. collective reached resumed. 26 strike, reported 1963—1965 period. Some worked resign Union; 119 resign—61 work; 58 course line. submitted never warned occasions, measures could taken 27 reached, laid tried 'improper' conduct, permitting measures, 'reprimand, fine, suspension and/or expulsion membership, combination.' Those appeared trial appear guilty $450 each years. 35 apologized took loyalty oath 50% earnings strike; prohibition 29 sent written saying unpaid attorney collection restored paid. Suits plus attorneys' fees interest; unresolved. 30 Act.* except returning performed prior resignations. But dissenting, lacked do so. 31 action employee 'right from' assisting defined 7. upheld Id., 1123. nominal $1 circumstances $1,000 monstrous. justified where, here, behind sanction temporary 'reasonable,' yet enforceable, meaning, fees, costs, interest added. own he challenges loses, suffering unconscionable penalty. Moreover, believed present 'right' resign, though 422, contrary. seem swollen predilection exceed By possibly justified? McCulloch said, excess wages collected actual effect assessment over. If caused suspend without because 8(b)(1)(A). Yet, earned precisely Thus, my view, goes beyond bounds regulating 32 answer tested state-court suit. That envisages rich powerful suing employee. Employees, bottom totem pole, financial resources, unworldly comes litigation. likely contest. hand, readily available. files merit, Regional Director complaint. Thereafter, represents employee, bears cost prosecuting claim. 33 difficulty decision greater. judges, honest competent, labor-management relations. Bord evolve guidelines broad experience. said provided passing case-by-case treatment developing common concerning 'unfair' practices employers alike. occasions 'experience commonsense' facets Radio Television Broadcast Engineers 364 573, 582—583, 81 330, 335, 336, 302 adequate difficult responsibilities entrusted it, review. discretely related need reflecting principled motivations thing. reflects raw exercised hunger all-pervasive another problem. knows nuances problem tribunal, keeper conscience alone primary responsibility police unions, protection workers. cannot properly perform duties unless determines nature '(b) agents— '(1) 7: Provided, paragraph prescribe acquisition retention therein ..' 61 Statutes-at-Large 141, Code KF62 158(b)(1)(A). Of lines, made attempt reporting considered 764. misconduct hearing suspension, sets maximum dollar limitation income ranges $95 $145 40-hour workweek. Fines trial, actions, pledged Eighteen full. proviso states: 'That therein.' authorizes (1954); Wisconsin Motor Corp., 55 1085 (1964); 149 67, 57 1242 Court, (1967), intent first part section. parties' principal contentions scope interpretation necessary entirety provides: 'Employees self-organization, form, join, assit organizations, bargain collectively representatives choosing, engage purpose mutual aid protection, affected requiring condition authorized 8(a)(3).' 140, 157. interpreted giving infra, 74—75, specifically intended, adjective, mentioning contrary, overturn argued unaware 'essentially accepted dating 727 (1954) distinguished failure take picketing 428, 1157, Landrum-Griffin 'Congress expressly recognized 'fined, suspended, expelled, disciplined,' enacted procedural requirements observed. 73 523, 411(a)(5).' 194, 2014. Cf. Amalgamated St., Elec. Ry. Coach Emp. America Lockridge, 403 274, 296, 1909, 1922, 473 U.O.P. Norplex 445 155, (CA7 1971) ('The matter seek fines'). noteworthy fee excessive unreasonable, statutory follow making determination. See, e.g., 158(b)(5) (union initiation fees). following: 'Thus, findings seems directed make presented, fashion limit imposes hardship. considerations equitable character treats.' 368, 1008, 1010 Auto 283 50 Wis.2d 117, 183 North Western 103 (1971) ($100 deemed reasonable); Farnum Kurtz, 2035 (Los Angeles Mun.Ct.1968) ($592 $100); McCauley Federation Musicians, 2304 (Pa.Ct. Common Pleas 1950) ($300 Jersey Newspaper Guild 173 Rakos, 110 N.J.Super. 77, 264 Atlantic 453 (1970) ($750 $500, Walsh Communications 2336, 259 Md. 608, 271 ($500 248, Natzke, 237, 153 602 (1967) upheld); Jost 9408, Cal.App.3d Supp. 7, Cal.Rptr. 722 ($299 upheld, stating 'it settled country becomes debt enforceable large.' 12, Cal.Rptr., 725). 2041, municipal judge, reducing $592 $100, revealed kind type technical law: 'Based facts herein experiences (in thousands misdemeanor cases), assessed much too unreasonable. finds $100.00 serves ends justice keeping reasonable.' 429, 1157; Industrial Marine Shipbuilding 391 418, 88 1717, 706 (1968). 1011 proscribes certain unacceptable methods coercion, physical violence force participate strike. re Maritime 971, enforced, 686 (CA2 1949), cited 428 4, 1157. * assist Annotated KF65 U5

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