Court Opinion

ID: 9462028
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-04 22:30:07.847854+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:37:22.048052
License: Public Domain

GEE, Circuit Judge
(specially concurring):
I think we have correctly upheld the Board’s finding that the disputed remarks here were “in the nature of asides” that had virtually no inflammatory effect on the black employees. 516 F.2d at 442, 443. Hence I join in denying rehearing. I have joined in the majority’s reasoning, however, in the belief that it is consonant with my understanding of Sewell1 and the dictates of § 9(c). A party whose agent makes a racially-oriented statement during a union election' campaign should have the burden of proving it “temperate in tone,” “truthful and germane.”2 Failing this, he must show that the statement had no significant effect on racial passions and the election result. If he cannot, the election should be set aside and a new one ordered. I stress effect rather than intent because a spontaneous utterance can arouse racial feeling while calculated efforts may fail. Only the successful propagandist need concern us; here the Board has found we do not deal with one.

. Sewell Mfg. Co.; 138 NLRB 66, 50 LRRM 1532 (1962).

. Id. at 1535.