National Lead Co.

National Labor Relations Board - Board Decisions

Apr 10, 1946

67 N.L.R.B. 177 (N.L.R.B. 1946)

In the Matter of NATIONAI. LEAD COMPANY and CH ARLES BRUNC1i-
HURST, AN INDIVIDUAL
Case No. 20-C-1301.-Decided April 10, 19,16
DECISION
AND
ORDER
On October 17, 1945, the Trial Examiner issued his Intermediate
Report in the above-entitled proceeding, finding that the respondent
had engaged in and was engaging in certain unfair labor practices,
and recommending that it cease and desist therefrom and take certain
affirmative action, as set forth in the copy of the Intermediate Report
attached hereto. Thereafter, the respondent filed exceptions to the
Intermediate Report, and a supporting brief. No party requested
oral argument before the Board at Washington, D. C., and none was
held.
The Board has reviewed the rulings of the Trial Examiner at the
hearing, and finds that no prejudicial error was committed. The rul-
ings are hereby affirmed. The Board has considered the Interme-
diate Report, the exceptions and brief, and the entire record, and
hereby adopts the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the
Trial Examiner, except insofar as they are inconsistent with our
findings and Order hereinafter set forth.
1. We concur in the Trial Examiner's conclusion that the respond-
ent violated Section 8 (1) of the Act, by prohibiting Charles Brunck-
hurst from collecting dues and engaging in other union activities on
company property during his non-working time, where it was not
shown that such restriction was necessary to safeguard production or
to maintain discipline.,
2. We do not agree with the Trial Examiner's conclusion that the
respondent discharged Brftnckhurst because of his union activity, in
violation of Section 8 (3) of the Act. In our opinion, the facts set
forth in the Intermediate Report and the record as a whole show that
' See, e. g, Matter of Illinois Tool Works, 61 N L. R. B 1129, enf 'd 153 P. ( 2d) 811
4:C C A 7)
67 N. L. R B., No 27
692148-46-col (i7 13 177
178 DECISIONS OF NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD
the respondent discharged Brunckhurst because it reasonably believed
that Brunckhurst had unjustly accused his immediate supervisor of
illegally attempting to injure him.2 We shall accordingly dismiss
the complaint as to him.
ORDER
Upon the entire record in the case, and pursuant to Section 10 (c)
of the National Labor Relations Act, the National Labor Relations
Board hereby orders that the respondent, National Leacl Company,
Oakland, California, and its officers, agents, successors, and assigns,
shall :
1. Cease and desist from prohibiting its employees from collecting
union dues or engaging in other union activity on the respondent's
premises during their non-working time.
2. Take the following affirmative action, which the Board finds will
effectuate the policies of the Act:
(a) Post in the respondent's plant at Oakland, California, copies
of the notice attached hereto, marked "Appendix A." Copies of said
notice, to be furnished by the Regional Director for the Twentieth
Region, shall, after being duly signed by the respondent' s representa-
tives, be posted by them immediately upon receipt thereof and main-
tained by them for sixty (60) consecutive days thereafter, in con-
spicuous places, including all places where notices to employees are
customarily posted. Reasonable steps shall be taken by the respondent
to insure that said notices are not altered, defaced, or covered by any
other material;
(b) Notify the Regional Director for the Twentieth Region in
writing, within ten (10) days from the date of this Order, what steps
the respondent has taken to comply herewith.
AND IT IS FURTHER HEREBY ORDERED that the complaint be, and it
hereby is, dismissed insofar as it alleges that the respondent discrimi-
natorily discharged Charles Brunckliurst.
CHAIRMAN HERZOG took no part in the consideration of the above
Decision and Order.
APPENDIX A
NOTICE TO ALL EMPLOYEES
Pursuant to a Decision and Order of the National Labor Relations
Board, and in order to effectuate the policies of the National Labor
Relations Act, we hereby notify our employees that :
2 We make no finding as to whether Brunckhurst actually accused his immediate super-
visor of attempting to injure him or as to whether such an attempt had been made to any-
one Our finding goes only to the respondent ' s belief that Brunckliurst made the accusa-
tion
NATIONAL LEAD COMPANY 179
We will not in any manner prohibit our employees from col-
lecting union dues or engaging in other union activity on company
property during their non-working time.
NATIONAL LEAD COMPANY,
Employer.
Dated---------------- By------------------ --------------
(Representative ) ( Title)
This notice must remain posted for 60 days from the date hereof,
and must not be altered, defaced, or covered by any other material.
INTERMEDIATE REPORT
Mr. Louts R. Mercado, for the Board.
Mr. J. Paul St. Sure, of Oakland, Calif., for the Respondent.
Mr. John A. Kopke, of Oakland, Calif., for the Union.
Mr. Charles Brunckhurst, of Oakland, Calif , Pro Se.
STATEMENT OF THE CASE
Upon a charge duly filed by Charles Brunckhurst, the National Labor Relations
Board, bet vin called the Board, by the Regional Diiectoi of the 'l'wenti'th Region
(San Francisco, California), issued its complaint dated July 31, 1945, against
National Lead Company, herein called the respondent, alleging that the respondent
had engaged in and was engaging in unfair labor practices within the meaning of
Section 8 (1) and (3) and Section 2 (6) and (7) of the National Labor Relations
Act, 49 Stat. 449, herein called the Act. Copies of the complaint, together with
notice of hearing thereon, were duly served upon the respondent and Charles
Brunckhurst.
With respect to the unfair labor practices, the complaint alleges in substance
that the respondent, from on or about September 1. 1942, adopted a plan and
entered upon a course of action with the purpose and effect of interfering with,
restraining, and coercing Charles Brunckhurst from performing the duties and
functions of shop steward for Paint Makers' Union, Local No. 1101, Brotherhood
of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers of America, AFL, herein called the
Union. The complaint also alleges that on January 23, 1945, the respondent
discharged Charles Brunckhurst and thereafter failed and refused to reemploy
him, because of his membership in and activities on behalf of the Union. Re-
spondent filed its answer dated August 21, 1945, in which it admitted certain
jurisdictional allegations, but denied the commission of any unfair labor practices.
Pursuant to notice, a hearing was held on August 21 and 22, 1945, before the
undersigned Sidney L. Feiler, the Trial Examiner duly designated by the Chief
Trial Examiner. The Board and the respondent were represented by counsel,
the Union by a representative, and Charles Brunckhurst appeared in person.
Full opportunity to be heard, to examine and cross -examine witnesses, and to
introduce evidence bearing on the issues was afforded all parties At the com-
pletion of the taking of evidence, oral argument was presented by the parties.
Briefs were filed by the Board and the respondent.
Upon the entire record in the case, and from his observation of the witnesses,
the undersigned makes the following :
180 DECISIONS OF NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD
FINDINGS OF FACT
1. THE BUSINESS OF THE RESPONDENT
Respondent is a New Jersey corporation, having its principal Pacific Coast
office and place of business at San Francisco, California. Among other plants,
respondent operates a plant at Oakland, California, herein called the plant,
where it is engaged in the manufacture, sale, and distribution of paints and re-
lated products. During the year 1944, the respondent, in the course and conduct
of its business, used raw materials, machinery, and supplies at its plant valued at
approximately $750,000, of which approximately 50 percent was shipped to the
plant from points outside the State of California. During the same period, the
respondent produced manufactured products valued at approximately $1,500,000,
of which approximately 50 percent was shipped from the plant to points outside
the State of California.
For the purpose of this proceeding, the respondent admits it is engaged in
interstate commerce within the meaning of the Act.
H. THE ORGANIZATION INVOLVED
Paint Makers' Union, Local No. 1101, Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators
and Paperhangers of America, affiliated with the American Federation of Labor,
is a labor organization admitting to membership employees of the respondent.
III. THE UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICES
A Interference, restraint, and coercion
1. Introduction
The Union has had contractual relations with respondent since 1937. From
1937 to April 1940, these took the form of verbal "understandings." Since April
1940, there have been written agreements.
An examination of the existing agreement reveals that it was entered into
by the Union and United Employers, Inc., a collective bargaining representative
of paint manufacturers, including the respondent, operating plants in Alameda
County, California. The agreement sets forth a procedure for the adjustment
of controversies. It provides for an Adjustment Board of six members, three
from labor, three from management. This Board acts as an appeals body to
which may be brought grievances involving individual companies. At all times
here relevant, the labor members of the Adjustment Board were John A. Kopke,
business representative of the Union, Brunckhurst, and Kenneth M. Phelps.
Kopke has acted as secretary of the Board since its inception in March 1943. The
employer representatives included C. H. Sondhaus' and J. Hunter Clark. Clark
always has been chairman.
2. The activities of Plant Superintendent Sanders
Brunckhurst testified that he was appointed shop steward at the plant in
September 1942. He further testified that Sanders at various times took action
' The following supervisory officials employed by respondent are concerned in this case :
L A. Thompson-General Production Manager, West Coast Division.
C. H. Sondbaus-Comptroller.
K J Sanders-Plant Superintendent.
W. A. Anderson-Assistant Plant Superintendent.
Sanders, Anderson and Brunckhurst were employed at the plant. Thompson and Sondhaus
did not have offices at the plant, but Sondhaus was actively concerned in labor relations
problems there from January 1943.
NATIONAL LEAD COMPANY 181
to restrict his activities as steward, that in March 1943, Sanders told him
that he could not collect any more dues or carry on any union activities on com-
pany property. This restriction applied to his activities during his free time,
and, Brunckhurst declared, it was applied solely to him.
Brunckhurst further testified that after a protest at a grievance meeting the
restriction was removed, but that it was reapplied from time to time. This
practice was protested to the Adjustment Board on two occasions. Brunckhurst
further testified that the Union was upheld on those occasions and respondent
was directed not to interfere with the steward's activities on his own free time.
Nevertheless, he declared, Sanders continued to apply the restrictions at various
intervals and they were in effect from September 5, 1944, until the date of his
discharge.
Former employee William J. Adams. who succeeded Brunckhurst as steward,
testified that Sanders placed similar restrictions on his activities.
Respondent introduced no witnesses to refute the testimony of Brunckhurst
and Adams on this point The undersigned credits their testimony and concludes
and finds that Sanders engaged in a course of conduct designed to hinder the
union activities of shop stewards on their free time, and that by such activities
the respondent has interfered with, restrained, and coerced its employees in the
exercise of the rights guaranteed in Section 7 of the Act .2
B. The discriminatory discharge
1. Brunckliurst's employment record
Brunckhurst began working for respondent in 1934 and remained in its em-
ploy until his discharge on January 23. 1945. His first work was as a laborer
at a salary of 50 cents per hour Thereafter, he received changes in assign-
ments and wage increases and, at the time of his discharge, was working as a
furnace operator at a salary varying from $106 to $1.17 per hour. He further
testified that his work had never been criticised and that new men had been as-
signed to him for training until that practice was discontinued in 1942. Re-
spondent did not challenge Brunekhurst's testimony as to the quality of his
work. Assistant Plant Superintendent Anderson, his immediate supervisor, testi-
fied that he was a competent and efficient worker.
2. The alleged attempts to poison Brunckhurst
The production work performed at the plant necessarily entailed the danger
of lead poisoning. Several employees, including Brunelthurst, had been poisoned.
The workmen wore respirators to combat this danger.
Brunckhurst testified that in the period 1939 to 1942 attempts were made to
tamper with his safety equipment, that on various occasions he found the filters
in his respirator removed or holes punched through them, that litharge, a ma-
terial produced at the plant, had been put on his cigar, that his lunch had been
tampered with and that acid had been put on his respirator. Brunckhurst be-
lieved, he testified, that someone was trying to cause him injury.
This matter was finally taken up at a grievance meeting held on March 11,
1943 Kopke, Bruuckhurst, Thompson, Sanders, and Sondhaus were present.
Brunckhurst related in detail the incidents that had occurred. There is a dispute
among the witnesses as to whether Brunckhurst then voiced any suspicions as
to the identity of the person responsible for the acts against his safety. Brunck-
2 Peyton Packing Company, Inc., 49 N. L R B 828, enf'd 142 F. (2d) 1009 (C. C. A. 5),
cert. den 323 U. S 730, Republic Aviation Corporation v. N. L. R B.; N. L. R. B. v. Le
Tourneau Company of Georgia, 324 U. S. 793
182 DECISIONS OF NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD
burst, corroborated by Kopke, denied that he had done so. He also denied that
he thought Anderson was involved or voiced any such thoughts.
After the meeting, Kopke sent a letter, dated March 12, 1943, to Brunckhurst,
then acting as shop steward. In this letter, Kopke summarized for the members
of the Union the results of grievance negotiations with respondent. As to this
matter, the letter contains the following statement :
26. There was considerable discussion on "apparent" malicious tampering
with workers' equipment both wearing and working materials. If the
reported petty "sabotage" is ever discovered to be the work of any individual
or individuals, both the company and the union agree to immediate discharge
and court procedure is recommended, O. K.
A copy of this letter was sent to Sondhaus.
Sondhaus testified that at that meeting Brunckhurst eventually named
Anderson as the guilty person. Thereupon, Sondhaus continued, he demanded
proof and that when none was forthcoming he refused to take action. Sondhaus
also testified that he kept notes of the discussion at the meeting and prepared
minutes from them the day after the meeting and that copies of these minutes
were given to all of respondent's officials present at the meeting. In regard to
the tampering grievance, the minutes as quoted by Sondhaus in part, are as
follows :
It at length became apparent Mr. Brunckhurst thought that Mr. Anderson
was responsible for these overt acts. When Mr. Brunckhurst had finally
finished his statements under Point 2, the Employer Representatives stated
that unless Mr. Brunckhurst could substantiate his charges with indis-
putable evidence, the management could take no action. He was asked
to submit such proofs if he could obtain them.
The minutes do not contain the exact language used by Brunckhurst from which
Sondhaus came to the conclusion stated therein.
The undersigned credits the testimony of Brunckhurst and Kopke as corrobo-
rated by the written evidence and finds that Brunckhurst did not actually name
Anderson as the guilty person. However, the undersigned finds that Sondhaus,
as a result of the discussion, came to the conclusion that Brunckhurst implied
that Anderson was the person responsible for the tampering.
Anderson was never given a copy of respondent's minutes of the meeting nor
was he informed of the discussion, As to this, Soudhaus testified :
It was a serious charge, unproven, which would inevitably have created
trouble, in my opinion. We were striving for harmonious relations with
our employees. We were considering all of the grievances which had been
presented to us, and we were trying to follow a conciliatory course which
would result in settling grievances to the Union's satisfaction and restore
harmony.
If we had injected this poisoning charge into the situation it would have
made it impossible to achieve the objective that we were trying to reach.
Therefore we said nothing about it. I said nothing about it to Mr. Anderson.
Sondhaus also testified that no investigation was made of the charges. When he
was asked why, lie testified :
In my opinion, because the charges seemed to be to me not worth serious
consideration and it was a subject which, if you said very much about you
would do more damage than good.
NATIONAL LEAD COMPANY 183
In any event, there was no further formal consideration of Brunckhurst's
complaint. The matter lapsed, and was not revived until January, 1945.
3. Brunckhurst's union activities
Brunckhurst was appointed shop steward for the plant on September 1, 1942.
He held this post until his discharge. The evidence clearly indicates that he
immediately embarked upon a vigorous campaign to redress asserted grievances.
Brunckhurst testified that (luring the period of his stewardship he presented
approximately 100 grievances to management and, in addition, 15 matters were
presented to the Adjustment Board. His testimony is credited.
Whether Brunckhurst's activity was primarily due to an accumulation of
grievances at the time he took office and respondent's unwillingness to take
action on complaints, as Brunckhurst testified, or whether Brunckhurst went
out of his way to stir up trouble, as respondent implied, is immaterial to the
issues. It is clear that respondent became increasingly concerned with Brunck-
hurst's activities. Brunckhurst testified that in April, 1943, Sondhaus asked him
to forget a lot of issues, that he and Thompson did not want to keep coming to
the plant because of them. He also testified that in that same month, Sondhaus
told him that anything or anyone causing trouble could always be eliminated.
This testimony is credited.
Matters came to a climax at a meeting of the Adjustment Board held on
January 11, 1945. Brunckhurst testified that he presented a grievance at that
time. Sondhaus answered him as to the merits of the grievance and also com-
plained of all the "trouble" at the plant. Brunckhurst, continuing his testi-
mony, stated that in reply he reviewed all the grievances that had arisen and
endeavored to show that management was continually breaking promises. When
he had finished his extended remarks Sondhaus said, according to Brunckhurst,
"What do you want us to do . . get rid of the bosses or get rid of the shop
stewards I want to give you some advice Charlie. Why don't you look around
arid get a job with better environment where you would be happy?"
J Hunter Clark, chairman of the Board and an employee representative, cor-
roborated Brunckhurst on this point His version was as follows:
Mr. Sondhaus, yes-stated, as a part of his remarks, something to this
effect : that something would have to be done ; that the employees in the
plant were being kept in a state of turmoil, and that it would be necessary
to rectify it, even to the point of asking Mr. Brunckhurst to find em-
ployment at other places . . he asked Mr Brunckhurst . . . if he was so
dissatisfied with company policy and the company's way of treating its
employees, why didn't he, in this time of opportunity of employment, seek
employment some place else under more congenial circumstances and
surroundings.
Sondhaus did not deny making the statements attributed to him by Clark and
Brunckhurst. Their testimony is credited.
Two other points concerning the January 11th meeting are in dispute ; whether
Brunckhurst discussed the tampering with his equipment and, if he did, whether
he mentioned Anderson in connection with it. Sondhaus testified that Brunck-
hurst mentioned the subject in his long review of past grievances and stated
that he thought Anderson was the guilty person. The record does not contain
any testimony that Sondhaus ever mentioned this alleged accusation to Anderson
Clark testified that according to his recollection Brunckhurst did mention the
tampering incidents. He also testified-that Anderson's name was mentioned
under the following circumstances :
184 DECISIONS OF NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD
After Mr. Brunckhurst had recited some of his difficulties, I asked him
if he had any idea as to the reasons for the difficulties which he was hav-
ing, and which the other Union people reported they were having and the
answer was "Yes, it was Mr. Anderson, the foreman."
Clark later clarified his testimony and stated this interchange had taken place
after Sondhaus had spoken and before Brunckhurst had made his lengthy
review of past grievances. Clark also testified that this avenue of inquiry was
not pursued further.
The undersigned credits the testimony of Clark and finds that Brunckhurst
did mention the tampering with his equipment It is clear, however, that
Brunckhurst did not make any specific accusation against Anderson in respect
thereto, but mentioned him as the person whose activities were giving rise to
grievances. Sondhaus certainly had not mentioned the poisoning charge and
Brunckhurst's remark came at the conclusion of Sondhaus' statements It is
also significant that Sondhaus never mentioned this incident to Anderson when
he discussed the poisoning charge with Anderson shortly thereafter.
4. Events between January 12 and January 22, 1945'
On the morning of January 12, employee Briggs told Anderson that Brunck-
hurst had declared to a group of employees that Anderson was the person who,
had tampered with his respirator.' Anderson thereafter spoke to three other
employees who were supposed to have heard that remark. One of them, Herman,
corroborated Briggs. He spoke to the other two employees, Schleicher and
Henderson, the next day. Schleicher partially corroborated Briggs. Henderson
did not. Anderson spoke to Sanders on the 12th and related the information he
had received. Sanders replied, "This isn't the first time I have heard all of this,"
and showed Anderson his copy of the minutes of the meeting of March 11, 1943,
heretofore mentioned, which minutes contained the statement that Brunckhurst
had accused Anderson of tampering with his equipment. Anderson then de-
manded a meeting with top officials to ascertain why he had not been previously
notified of the accusation.
Anderson met with Sondhaus, Thompson, and Sanders during the following
week.' He demanded an explanation for the failure to notify him of the alleged
accusation of Brunckhurst which purportedly had been made in 1943. Sondhaus
replied that he thought the charges were preposterous and that he did not think
it necessary to notify Anderson of them. Thereupon Anderson demanded that
something be done, that he (Anderson) wanted the charges proved or disproved.
It was agreed that a meeting would be held at which Brunckhurst would be
present. Later in the week Sanders suggested that Anderson make a formal
request for the meeting.
Anderson prepared a formal request for a meeting and submitted it to Sanders
on January 20 together with a statement signed by Briggs.' Anderson was unable
to obtain written statements from other employees and so informed Sanders.
8 The findings in this section are basesd primarily on the testimony of Anderson, which Is
credited
' Brunckhurst denied that he had accused Anderson of poisoning him or tampering with
his equipment He admitted that in a talk with employees on January 11 he had men-
tioned the tampering with his equipment. He further testified that he had told the em-
plocees that a notebook was missing from his locker and that Anderson was one of the
persons having a key to it Briggs was not available. There is no other direct testimony
as to what was said on that occasion.
a Sondhaus fixed the date as January 15.
Sondhaus testified that the statement was supplied at his request.
NATIONAL LEAD COMPANY 185
Anderson also prepared a retraction, which he wanted Brunckhurst to sign.
He did not ask for Brunckhurst's discharge and never requested it. He first
learned of the intention to discharge Brunekhurst when it was actually made.
Sondhaus testified that the Briggs statement was received by him on January
22. He further testified that at that time, prior to any further meeting, Thompson
decided that Brunckhurst should be discharged.'
5. The meeting on January 23
On January 23, Kopke and Brunckburst were summoned to a meeting. They
had not been given any advance information as to the subjects to be discussed.
Sanders, Anderson, Thompson, and Sondhaus were also present. A stenographer
was present and a transcript was, prepared. All parties agreed that this tran-
script, which was introduced into evidence, accurately records what was said
at the meeting.
Sondhaus opened the meeting by stating that the subject of the meeting
was the purported charges made by Brunekhurst against Anderson. He referred
to his minutes of the meeting of March 11, 1943, and the conclusion therein
that Brunckhurst had accused Anderson of tampering with his equipment.
He then stated that on January 12, 1945, Brunckhurst had accused Anderson
of attempting to poison him. He also read Anderson's letter demanding a meet-
ing so that he could deny that charge, which letter concluded :
In consideration of the seriousness of the accusation against me and
because of the unfavorable effect that the accusation has had upon my
peace of mind in my contacts and relations with my fellow employees
while allowing the accusation to go unchallenged, I cannot be satisfied with
anything less than an apology from Brunckhurst and a statement signed
by him acknowledging that his accusation of me is false.
The minutes of the meeting then continue as follows :
That puts it right up to us. That is our reason for calling this meeting.
Now, we want to know, Mr. Brunckhurst, did you or did you not make
the alleged statement on Friday, January 12, which you were reported
to have made to Mr. Anderson?
[Brunckhurst] You mean to say, did I make the statement Mr. Anderson
was trying to poison me? I will deny that.
[Sondhaus] We have a signed statement by an employee who overheard
you make the statement. (Sondhaus reads statement)
"To Whom it May Concern. On Friday morning, January 12, 1945, shortly
before eight o'clock Charles Brunckhurst, in the presence of land in the
hearing of myself and several of my fellow employeees of the National
Lead Company, and in the plant welfare building made a statement or
statements to the effect that Walter L. Anderson had attempted to poison
him. (Signed) Floyd Briggs."
We think the situation has grown intolerable and that it has to be
corrected.
[Sanders] Under the circumstances, I have to state this. I think we
have been fairly long suffering in the way this matter has developed. It
is our error for thinking this accusation was so preposterous that it could
7In December 1944, according to the credited testimony of Brunckhurst and Kopke, a
question arose over the right of Briggs and another employee, Bancroft, to a particular
assignment. Brunekhurst had supported Bancroft in negotiations with respondent and
Sondhaus knew this.
186 DECISIONS OF NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD
just be dropped. But the situation is such now that we realize it is
hampering plant operations and that we can only have efficient and satis-
factory plant operations where peace and harmony exist ; and we certainly
can't have peace and harmony where accusations are passed back and
forth, as this accusation has been-and it is an unfounded accusation. Under
the circumstances, I don't see that I have any other choice, as Superintendent
of the Plant here, but to ask for your resignation and dismiss you from the
service.
[Sondhaus] I think the Company's management will have to sustain Mr.
Sanders. However, that does not give Mr. Anderson satisfaction. He has
a statement here that he wants you to sign. (Sondaus reads statement) :
'To all concerned: I, Charles Brunckhurst, herewith acknowledge that a
statement or statements made by me on Friday, January 12, 1945, in the
presence of and in the hearing of a group of fellow employees in the welfare
building of the National Lead Company, 4701 San Leandro St., Oakland,
California, to the effect that Walter L Anderson had attempted to poison
me is untrue."
Brunckhurst refused to sign the statement Kopke then stated that he had
no recollection of Brunckhurst making any charge against Anderson Sondhaus
declared that his recollection was to the contrary. Kopke suggested that further
investigation be made. but this suggestion was not accepted.'
Concluding findings
There is little dispute concerning key facts. Brunckhurst had a ten-year record
as a satisfactory employee. However, his activities as a union steward had
brought him into frequent clashes with management. These clashes reached the
point where Sondhaus intimated that either the plant managers or Brunckhurst
would have to be replaced.
At the same time, Anderson was informed by an employee that Brunckhurst
had told a group of employees that Anderson had tampered with his equipment
and thus had attempted to poison him. It is clear, and the undersigned finds,
that Anderson believed that report. He immediately demanded that action be
taken to clear his name. He demanded that a meeting be held where he could
confront Brunckhurst and deny the accusation. Anderson was asked to put his
request in writing and secure written evidence that Brunckhurst had made the
accusation. Anderson did so.
When those papers were received, Sondhaus testified, respondent decided to
discharge $runckhurst. It made no effort to investigate to determine what was
said or the surrounding circumstances From its experience in 1943, respondent
may have determined that Brunckhurst may have made the remarks attributed
to him, but that certainly did not constitute a determination based on full knowl-
edge of the facts. Respondent never knew what Brunckhurst had said at the
meeting held on January 11 or 12 Briggs' statement did not purport to quote
Brunckhurst. It merely alleged that Brunckhurst had made statements "to the
effect" that Anderson had tried to poison him. No effort was made to ascertain
from Briggs or the other employees who had been present, especially those who
refused to sign statements, exactly what had been said.
The central issue in this case is respondent's motive in making the discharge.
Sondhaus testified, "We believed he did make the statements and we thought,
8 Subsequently. Anderson requested the District Attorney to take action. After a hear-
ing, at which Briggs testified, the District Attorney refused to proceed Respondent, while
aware of this development, took no further action
NATIONAL LEAD COMPANY 187
under the circumstances, it was impossible to keep him on at the plant because
of his relation with Anderson. who had to supervise him." This determination
was made without any discussion with Anderson concerning its necessity. Ander-
son had never asked for Brunckhurst's discharge and admittedly never knew it
was contemplated.
The undersigned was impressed by the fact that respondent brushed aside any
claim to consideration that Brunckhurst might have had because of his years of
satisfactory service It made no effort to get to the bottom of the charge against
him and determine what, if anything, was said. There was no hearing on Jan-
uary 23. Brunckhurst, after denying the charges, was discharged. He then was
asked to sign a retraction of statements he had denied making This procedure
was followed even though Kopke expressed his uncertainty as to the facts and
earnestly urged further investigation.
Upon a reasonable appraisal of human conduct, the undersigned concludes that,
absent Brunckhurst's union activities, he would have at least been given the
opportunity to state what had actually occurred and, upon the basis of facts, not
surmises, the respondent would have been able to decide whether any accusation
had been made against Anderson Then, the respondent, if it found Brunckhurst
guilty, would have offered him the probable alternative of making an apology or
suffering discharge On the basis of the outcome, it could then have reasonably
determined whether Anderson and Brunckhurst could work together. Instead,
respondent by its conduct closed all avenues for Brunckhurst to remain in its
employ, even if he had not in fact made any charges against Anderson and without
finding out whether Anderson did want his discharge
The undersigned concludes and finds that respondent took advantage of
Anderson's complaint to rid itself of Brunckhurst, and that his discharge was
due to his union activities. It made no effort to have a frank discussion to
bring out the facts and to bring about a reconciliation between the men. In-
stead, it adopted a course of action which resulted in Brunckhurst's discharge
and in Anderson not obtaining the relief he sought in clearing his name. The
only result that was obtained at the January 23rd meeting was that the respond-
Ent by such action had rid itself of a satisfactory employee, whose activities as a
shop steward had made him objectionable to management.
IV. THE EFFECT OF THE UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICES UPON COMMERCE
The activities of the respondent set forth in Section III, above, occurring in
connection with the operations of the respondent described in Section I, above,
have a close, intimate, and substantial relation to trade, traffic, and commerce
among the several States and tend to lead to labor disputes burdening and ob-
structing commerce and the free flow of commerce.
V. THE REMEDY
Since it has been found that the respondent has engaged in certain unfair
labor practices affecting commerce, the undersigned will recommend that it
cease and desist therefrom and take certain affirmative action to effectuate the
policies of the Act.
It has been found that the respondent has discriminated in regard to the
hire and tenure of employment of Charles Brunckhurst. It will therefore be
recommended that the respondent offer him immediate and full reinstatement
to his former or substantially equivalent position without prejudice to his
seniority and other rights and privileges. It will be further recommended that
the respondent make him whole for any loss of pay that he may have suf-
188 DECISIONS OF NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD
fered by reason of the respondent's discrimination against him by payment to
him of a sum of money equal to the amount that he would have earned as wages
from the date of the discrimination against him to the date of the respondent's
offer of reinstatement, less his net earnings during said period.9
Upon the basis of the foregoing findings of fact, and upon the entire record in
the case, the undersigned makes the following:
CONCLUSIONS OF LAw
1. Paint Makers' Union, Local No. 1101, Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators
and Paperhangers of America, affiliated with the American Federation of Labor,
is a labor organization within the meaning of Section 2 (5) of the Act.
2. By interfering with, restraining, and coercing its employees in the exercise
of the rights guaranteed in Section 7 of the Act, the respondent has engaged
in and is engaging in unfair labor practices within the meaning of Section 8 (1)
of the Act.
3. By discriminating in regard to the hire and tenure of employment of Charles
Brunckhurst, thereby discouraging membership in Paint Makers' Union, Local
No. 1101, Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators eared Paperhangers of America,
AFL, respondent has engaged in and is engaging in unfair labor practices within
the meaning of Section 8 (3) of the Act.
4. The aforesaid unfair labor practices are unfair labor practices affecting
commerce within the meaning of Section 2 (6) and (7) of the Act.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Upon the basis of the above findings of fact and conclusions of law the under-
signed recommends that National Lead Company, Oakland, California, its offi-
cers, agents, successors, and assigns shall :
1. Cease and desist from :
(a) Discouraging membership in Paint Makers' Union, Local No. 1101,
Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers of America, AFL, or
any other labor organization of its employees by laying off, discharging, or re-
fusing to reinstate any of its employees and from refusing to employ any mem-
ber of that union or in any other manner discriminating in regard to their
hire and tenure of employment or any other term or condition of employment;
(b) In any other manner interfering with, restraining, or coercing its em-
ployees in the exercise of the right to self-organization, to form labor organiza-
tions, to join or assist Paint Makers' Union, Local No. 1101, Brotherhood of
Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers of America, AFL, or any other labor
organization, to bargain collectively through representatives of their own choos-
ing and to engage in concerted activities for the purposes of collective bargain,
ing, or other mutual aid or protection as guaranteed in Section 7 of the Act.
2 Take the following affirmative action which the undersigned finds will
effectuate the policies of the Act.
(a) Offer to Charles Brunckhurst immediate and full reinstatement to his
former or substantially equivalent position, without prejudice to his seniority
or other rights and privileges;
8 By "net earnings" is meant earnings less expenses , such as for transportation, room,
and board , incurred by an employee in connection with obtaining work and working else-
wheie than for the respondent, which would not have been incurred but for his unlawful
discharge and the consequent necessity of his seeking employment elsewhere . See Matter
of Crossett Lumber Company, 8 N. L. R B 440. Monies received for work performed upon
Federal, State, county, municipal, or other work-relief projects shall be considered as earn-
ings See Republic Steel Corporation v. N L it. B., 311 U. S. 7.
NATIONAL LEAD COMPANY 189
(b) Make whole Charles Brunckhurst for any loss of pay he may have suffered
by reason of the respondent's discrimination against him, by payment to him
of a sum of money equal to the amount which he normally would have earned
as wages from the date of discrimination to the date of respondent's offer of
reinstatement, less the net earnings during said period ; '°
(c) Post immediately at its plant at Oakland, Califoinia, copies of the notice
attached to the Intermediate Report herein maiked "Appendix A." Copies of
said notice, to be furnished by the Regional Director of the Twentieth Region,
shall, after being duly signed by the respondent's representative, be posted by
the respondent immediately upon receipt thereof, and maintained by it for sixty
(60) consecutive days thereafter, in conspicuous places, including all places where
notices to employees are customarily posted. Reasonable steps shall be taken by
the respondent to insure that said notices are not altered, defaced, or covered
by any other material ;
(d) Notify the Regional Director of the Second region in writing within ten
(10) days from the receipt of this Intermediate Report what steps the respondent
has taken to comply herewith
It is further recommended that unless the respondent notifies said Regional
Director in writing within ten (10) days from the receipt of this Intermediate
Report that it will comply with the foregoing recommendations, the National
Labor Relations Board issue an order requiring the respondent to take the
action aforesaid.
As provided in Section 33 of Article II of the Rules and Regulations of the
National Labor Relations Board, Series 3, as amended, effective July 12, 1944,
any party or counsel for the Board may within fifteen (15) days from the date
of the entry of the order transferring the case to the Board, pursuant to Section 32
of Article II of said Rules and Regulations, file with the Board, Rocliambeau
Building, Washington 25, D. C, an original and four copies of a statement in
writing setting forth such exceptions to the Intermediate Report or to any other
part of the record or proceeding (including rulings upon all motions or objections)
as he relies upon, together with the original and four copies of a brief in support
thereof. Immediately upon the filing of such a statement of exceptions and/or
brief, the party or counsel for the Board filing same shall serve a copy thereof
upon each of the other parties and shall file a copy with the Regional Director.
As further provided in said Section 33, should any party desire permission to
argue orally before the Board request therefor must be made in writing to the
Board within ten (10) days from the date of the order transferring the case to
the Board.
SIDNEY L. FEdLER,
Trial E, xatntner.
Dated October 17, 1945.
APPENDIX A
NOTICE TO ALL EMPLOYEES
Pursuant to the recommendations of a Trial Examiner of the National Labor
Relations Board, and in order to effectuate the policies of the National Labor
Relations Act, we hereby notify our employees that:
We will not in any manner interfere with, restrain, or coerce our employees
in the exercise of their right to self-organization, to form labor organizations,
to join or assist Paint Makers' Union, Local No. 1101, Brotherhood of
Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers of America, AFL, or any other labor
10 See footnote 9, supra.
190 DECISIONS OF NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD
organization, to bargain collectively through representatives of their own
choosing, and to engage in concerted activities for the purpose of collective
bargaining or other mutual aid or protection.
We will offer to the employees named below immediate and full reinstate-
ment to their former or substantially equivalent positions without prejudice
to any seniority or other rights and privileges previously enjoyed, and make
them whole for any loss of pay suffered as a result of the discrimination.
Charles Brunckhurst
All our employees are free to become or remain members of the above-named
union or any other labor organization. We will not discriminate in regard to
hire or tenure of employment or any term or condition of employment against
any employee because of membership in or activity on behalf of any such labor
organization.
NATIONAL LEAD COMPANY,
Ernpioper.
-----------------------Dated-------------------- By-------------------
(Representative ) (Title)
NoTE.-Any of the above-named employees presently serving in the armed
forces of the United States will be offered full reinstatement upon application in
accordance with the Selective Service Act after discharge from the armed forces.
This notice must remain posted for 60 days from the date hereof, and must
not be altered, defaced, or covered by any other material.