Rowland Trucking Co.

National Labor Relations Board - Board Decisions

Apr 30, 1984

270 N.L.R.B. 247 (N.L.R.B. 1984)

ROWLAND TRUCKING CO.
Rowland Trucking Company, a Division of Unichem
International and Kenneth L. McLaughlin. Case
28-CA-6948
30 April 1984
DECISION AND ORDER
BY MEMBERS ZIMMERMAN, HUNTER, AND
DENNIS
On 28 March 1983 Administrative Law Judge
Russell L. Stevens issued the attached decision.
The Respondent filed exceptions and a supporting
brief, and the General Counsel filed cross-excep-
tions.
The National Labor Relations Board has delegat-
ed its authority in this proceeding to a three-
member panel.
The Board has considered the decision and the
record in light of the exceptions and briefs' and
has decided to affirm the judge's rulings, findings, 2
and conclusions and to adopt the recommended
Order as modified.
ORDER
The National Labor Relations Board adopts the
recommended Order of the administrative law
judge as modified below and orders that the Re-
spondent, Rowland Trucking Company, a Division
of Unichem International, Carlsbad, New Mexico,
its officers, agents, successors, and assigns, shall
take the action set forth in the Order as modified.
1. Substitute the following for paragraph 2(b).
' The General Counsel has moved to strike and disregard portions of
the Respondent's submissions and to censure counsel for the Respondent
on the basis that the Respondent's submissions contain a vicious and inap-
propriate attack on the General Counsel's witnesses and a scurrilous
attack on the professional honesty and integrity of the General Counsel.
After carefully reviewing the record we have come to the conclusion
that counsel for the Respondent's attacks are completely unsubstantiated.
While we will not strike the Respondent's exceptions, we note that this is
not the first time that attorney Leonard L. Pickering has engaged in such
unprofessional, inappropriate, and completely unwarranted tactics. In
Frank Paxton Lumber Ca, 235 NLRB 582, 586-597 (1978), the Board
adopted the judge's decision directing a note of condemnation to Picker-
ing "for his resort to intemperate, inflammatory, scandalous and wholly
unfounded personal attack upon the professional integrity of counsel for
the General Counsel," citing Disciplinary Rule 7-L02(AXI) of the Code
of Professional Responsibility of the American Bar Association. We
renew our condemnation of Pickering's conduct with the hope that we
shall not be required to institute disciplinary proceedings against him in
his subsequent appearances before the Board.
I The Respondent has excepted to some of the judge's credibility find-
ings. The Board's established policy is not to overrule an administrative
law judge's credibility resolution unless the clear preponderance of all
the relevant evidence convinces us that they are incorrect. Standard Dry
Wal Products, 91 NLRB 544 (1950), enfd. 188 P.2d 362 (3d Cir. 1951).
We have carefully examined the record and find no basis for reversing
the findings. We also find totally without merit the Respondent's allega-
tion of bias and prejudice on the part of the judge.
We clarify the judge's statements in part III,A,I of his decision, con-
cerning the New Mexico Employment Security Department hearing at
which McLaughlin testified, by noting that McLaughlin appeared at that
hearing as a witness on behalf of Bill Lawrence.
270 NLRB No. 44
"(b) Remove from its files any reference to the
discharge of Kenneth McLaughlin on May 22,
1982, and notify him in writing that this has been
done and that evidence of this unlawful discharge
will not be used as a basis for future personnel ac-
tions against him."
2. Substitute the attached notice for that of the
administrative law judge.
APPENDIX
NOTICE To EMPLOYEES
POSTED BY ORDER OF THE
NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD
An Agency of the United States Government
The National Labor Relations Board has found
that we violated the National Labor Relations Act
and has ordered us to post and abide by this notice.
WE WILL NOT violate Section 8(aXl) of the Act
by threatening and interrogating our employees
concerning their union activities; creating the im-
pression among our employees that their union ac-
tivity was under surveillance; advising an employee
that he was the first to be discharged for union ac-
tivity, but would not be the last; telling an employ-
ee that other employees would be discharged for
engaging in union activity; informing employees
that their union activity was under surveillance by
us; and telling employees that we would not allow
their union activity, and would seek a reason to
discharge an employee because of his union activi-
ty.
WE WILL NOT violate Section 8(a)(3) and (1) of
the Act by discharging Kenneth L. McLaughlin or
any other employees because of their union activi-
ty.
WE WILL NOT in any like or related manner
interfere with, restrain, or coerce you in the exer-
cise of the rights guaranteed you by Section 7 of
the Act.
WE WILL offer Kenneth L. McLaughlin immedi-
ate and full reinstatement to his former job or, if
that job no longer exists, to a substantially equiva-
lent position, without prejudice to his seniority or
any other rights or privileges previously enjoyed,
and WE WILL make him whole for any loss of earn-
ings and other benefits resulting from his discharge,
less any net interim earnings, plus interest.
WE WILL remove from our files any reference to
the discharge of Kenneth L. McLaughlin on 22
May 1982, and notify him in writing that this has
247
DECISIONS OF NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD
been done and that evidence of this unlawful dis-
charge will not be used against him in any way.
ROWLAND TRUCKING COMPANY, A
DIVISION OF UNICHEM INTERNATION-
AL
DECISION
STATEMENT OF THE CASE
RUSSELL L. STEVENS, Administrative Law Judge. This
case was tried in Carlsbad, New Mexico, on September
28, 29, and 30, 1982, and December 14, 15, and 16, 1982;
and was reopened I day on March 8, 1983' on motion of
counsel for Respondent.' The complaint, issued July 6, is
based on a charge filed June I by Kenneth L. McLaugh-
lin, an individual s The complaint alleges that Rowland
Trucking Company, a Division of Unichem International
(Respondent), violated Section 8(aXl) and (3) of the Na-
tional Labor Relations Act.
All parties were given full opportunity to participate,
to introduce relevant evidence, to examine and cross-ex-
amine witnesses, to argue orally, and to file briefs. Briefs,
which have been carefully considered, were filed on
behalf of the General Counsel and Respondent.
On the entire record, 4 and from my observation of the
witnesses and their demeanor, I make the following
FINDINGS OF FACT
1. JURISDICTION
Respondent is, and at all times material herein has
been, a corporation duly organized under the laws of the
State of New Mexico, with an office and place of busi-
ness in Carlsbad, New Mexico, where it is engaged as a
common carrier in interstate transportation of liquid
products. During the past 12 months, which period is
All dates hereinafter are within 1982 unless stated otherwise.
s Pursuant to a motion filed by counsel for Respondent, granted by
me, this matter was reopened on March 8, 1983, to take allegedly newly
discovered evidence in the form of testimony by Clarence McDonald.
The motion filed by Respondent's counsel was based on the allegation
that McLaughlin attempted to bribe McDonald into testifying favorably
for him at the trial herein; and further, on the allegation that counsel for
the General Counsel accompanied McLaughlin during a portion of the
time that McLaughlin spent with McDonald during the alleged bribe at-
tempt.
McDonald's testimony clearly established that McLaughlin did not at-
tempt to bribe, nor did he bribe, McDonald. McDonald's testimony is
given no weight in assessing McLaughlin's credibility. Further, on the
basis of McDonald's testimony, ii is apparent, and is found, that counsel
for the General Counsel was not a participant in any improper conversa-
tion between McLaughlin and McDonald.
The General Counsel filed a motion dated March 15 asking inter alia
that Respondent's motion to reopen be struck and that Respondent's
counsel be censured for unwarranted personal attack on counsel for the
General Counsel and his witnesses. Respondent's motion to reopen was
based on alleged credibility matters, and the substance of the motion is
disposed of supra. Official censure of Respondent's counsel is not within
my authority. It is noted that Respondent's counsel engaged in some in-
temperate description of, and references to, individuals as discussed by
counsel for the General Counsel, but that intemperate language did not
obscure the facts of the case as found herein.
s Individuals are referred to herein by their last names.
· Counsel for the General Counsel's motion to correct the transcript,
made in his brief, was not opposed and is granted.
representative of its annual operations, Respondent, in
the course and conduct of its interstate operations, re-
ceived gross revenue in excess of $50,000.
Respondent admits, and I find, that Respondent is, and
at all times material herein has been, an employer en-
gaged in commerce within the meaning of Section 2(2),
(6), and (7) of the Act.
II. THE LABOR ORGANIZATION INVOLVED
Chauffeurs, Teamsters, and Helpers Local 492, affili-
ated with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters,
Chauffeurs, Warehousemen and Helpers of America (the
Union) is, and at all times material herein has been, a
labor organization within the meaning of Section 2(5) of
the Act.
III. THE ALLEGED UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICES
A. Backgrounds
Respondent has a fleet of approximately 16 tractors
and trailers which it uses to haul liquids, mostly brine
and fresh water, for customers primarily involved in
drilling operations. Many places where the trucks are
driven are in remote areas served by rough country
roads. Some of the trucks are quite large, and haul as
much as 86,000 pounds of liquid. Because of the nature
of Respondent's business and the roads where its trucks
are used, mechanical problems, including broken springs,
are common.
Respondent's business has an office, a yard, and a shop
where mechanical work is done on equipment. Drivers
have a separate room where they may congregate or
relax when not driving. The drivers' room is located in
an area separate from the office and the shop.
Respondent's drivers are paid by the hour, and when
not driving they stay in the drivers' room or elsewhere
on the premises, available for dispatch as needed. They
are paid the same amount each hour they are on duty,
whether or not they are driving. Horseplay among driv-
ers while they are unoccupied is common in the yard, in
the office and the drivers' room, and elsewhere on the
premises. On several occasions Respondent has warned
drivers not to engage in horseplay, but those warnings
largely have been ignored.
This case primarily involves Kenneth L. McLaughlin,
who was one of Respondent's truckdrivers from October
15, 1981, until he was fired May 22, 1982. McLaughlin
previously worked for a mining company as a truckdriv-
er, and has been a member of the Teamsters Union ap-
proximately 14 years. McLaughlin was active in attempt-
ing to organize Respondent's drivers, as more fully dis-
cussed below. McLaughlin contends that he was fired
because of that activity, and Respondent contends that
he was fired solely because he was responsible for break-
ing three springs on his truck within a period of 30 days,
in violation of a company rule that had been announced
to all Respondent's drivers. In addition to the alleged
8(a)(3) violation, Respondent is alleged to have violated
s This background summary is based on stipulations of counsel and on
testimony and evidence not in dispute.
248
ROWLAND TRUCKING CO.
Section 8(aXl) of the Act on several occasions, as dis-
cussed below.
B. McLaughlin's Discharge
1. McLaughlin's union activity
After his discharge McLaughlin filed a claim with the
New Mexico Employment Security Department, which
held a hearing at which McLaughlin testified. McLaugh-
lin stated, inter alia:
What information do you have to present?
A. Well, there was a little union business scare
about which I got terminated for, and I feel that
Mr. Lawrence was terminated on the same grounds.
And I didn't have anything to do with it, other than
making one phone call; but, anyway, it all got laid
on my doorstep and so, anyway, I feel that Mr.
Lawrence was fired for the same setup because we
run around together all the time.6
McLaughlin testified quite differently herein, as did some
other witnesses. McLaughlin testified at trial that he
talked on the telephone with a representative of the
Union in mid-April, at the request of several of Respond-
ent's drivers, and that the representative explained the
steps to be taken and sent to him blank authorization
cards to be filled in and signed by employees. 7
McLaughlin said he handed approximately 16 cards to
employees, some of which cards were signed and re-
turned to him, and some of which were mailed by em-
ployees to the Union.8 He said he talked with several
employees concerning the advantages of unionization. He
also stated that other drivers talked about the Union, and
handed out authorization cards. McLaughlin testified
that he was very secretive about his union activity since
he feared getting fired if that activity was known to Re-
' Lawrence is not involved in this controversy.
' Much trial time was devoted to McLaughlin's testimony that his
union affiliation was shown by a union button that he wore, and by a
union decal on his automobile. The button is a very small device, ap-
proximately the size of a dime, that he wears on his belt. and the decal
was not exhibited at trial. Based on my personal observation, and the tes-
timony of many witnesses, the belt ornament is not identifiable except
upon close examination. It cannot reasonably be inferred, or found, that
the button indicated union affiliation within Respondent's knowledge.
Scant evidence was adduced that any person ever saw, or was aware of,
the decal. This testimony is given no weight. It is found that Respondent
was not aware of McLaughlin's union affiliation through the button or
the decal, or the two of them.
McLaughlin testified that, when he was hired by Wray Ouye, Re-
spondent's field supervisor (Ouye's supervisory status is not in dispute),
or possibly some time later, he told Ouye that he was, and had been ap-
proximately 14 years, a member of the Union, and showed Guye his
union card. Ouye denied this statement by McLaughlin. This testimony
by McLaughlin is given no credence.
Employee Thomas Alexander, who has been a driver for Respondent
more than I year, customarily in cool weather wears a jacket with a
Teamsters insignia on it, approximately 3 or 4 inches in diameter. Alexan-
der credibly testified that no supervisor of Respondent ever asked him
about the insignia, and he also stated that the jacket has been washed,
and that the insignia no longer is legible. This matter also has been con-
sidered. Parker testified that he had seen the decal on Alexander's jacket,
and that he had assumed when Alexander was hired that he had been a
union member on a previous job.
' In evidence as G.C. Exhs. 7(a)-(f) are six signed cards of employees,
properly identified at trial and dated May 14, 24, and 25.
spondent, and he further testified that he has been fired
from two prior jobs because of his union activity.
Parker testified that he often has heard rumors about
employees trying to organize, but that he knew nothing
about the union activities of McLaughlin or any other
employee until after McLaughlin was fired. Several wit-
nesses testified that they heard nothing about McLaugh-
lin's union activity before McLaughlin was fired. In this
connection, much trial time was devoted to the union
card of Frank Stone,9 which is dated May 18, 1982, is
addressed to the Union in Alburquerque, New Mexico, is
marked "not deliverable as addressed, unable to for-
ward," and is postmarked in Carlsbad, New Mexico,
May 19, 1982. Parker testified that he did not receive the
card, which was erroneously placed in Respondent's post
office box rather than being returned to Stone, until May
24 or 25, which was after McLaughlin was fired. Stone
testified that he filled in and signed a second card after
misdelivery of the first one, but that the second one was
signed after McLaughlin was fired. Several witnesses tes-
tified that they heard about Stone's card falling into Re-
spondent's hands, but that they heard about if after
McLaughlin was fired. John Priestley, one of Respond-
ent's drivers who later quit his job, testified that on May
20 he saw Guye showing a card to Mike Roberts, who is
Respondent's shop foreman,' 0 and that a little later he
asked Roberts if it was a union card, since he was fearful
it may be his own. Roberts replied that it was not Priest-
ley's union card. Roberts testified that the conversation
was on May 24, and not on May 20. Guye testified that
Respondent received Stone's card on May 24. Priestley's
testimony on this subject was self-contradictory, uncer-
tain, and unconvincing. His recall of the date of the con-
versation between Guye and Roberts was equivocal.
Guye testified that he knew nothing about McLaughlin's
union activity or about any employee having signed a
union authorization card as of the time McLaughlin was
discharged. Guye said he knew nothing about Stone's
union card until he picked up the mail, during Parker's
absence, on May 24, the first Monday after McLaugh-
lin's discharge. Guye testified that he had no interest in
the union activity of Respondent's employees, and that
he made no effort to learn who had signed union cards.
Parker testified that he did not see Stone's union card
until after McLaughlin was discharged. May Oden, a
window clerk for the U.S. Post Office in Carlsbad, credi-
bly testified that, theoretically, it would have been possi-
ble for Stone's card to have gone to Albuquerque and
back to the Carlsbad Post Office by May 22, but that, as
a practical matter, such was highly improbable. Her con-
clusion was that the card probably would not have been
placed in Respondent's post office box until Monday,
May 24. On careful review of all the testimony and evi-
dence, it is found that Stone's first signed union card was
not received by Respondent, or known about by it, until
May 24.
Although McLaughlin stated to the State Employment
Security Department that his only involvement in union
9 G.C. Exh. 2.
'0 Roberts' supervisory status is not in dispute.
249
DECISIONS OF NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD
activity was to make a single telephone call to a union
representative, he testified to rather extensive involve-
ment, and that testimony credibly was corroborated by
witnesses Priestley, Russ Corbett, and Russell Mee. Cor-
roboration is implied by the testimony of Parker, Guye,
and other witnesses relating to events after McLaughlin
was fired that show his union activity prior to being
fired.
It is quite clear, and it is found, that McLaughlin was
one of the Union's principal advocates among Respond-
ent's drivers.
2. Respondent's knowledge of employees' union
activity
(a) Paragraph I l(a) of the complaint alleges that, on or
about May 20, Roberts created an impression among Re-
spondent's employees that their union activities were
under surveillance by Respondent.
Counsel for the General Counsel did not argue this al-
legation in his brief, except cursorily, nor did Respond-
ent. Apparently the allegation refers to the testimony of
Priestley, who testified that, when he asked Roberts if
the card Guye gave to Roberts was a union card, Rob-
erts asked, "Has somebody been passing out union cards
to sign?" Roberts testified that his version of the conver-
sation did not include such a question.
Discussion
As pointed out above, Priestley's testimony on this
subject was contradictory and unconvincing. It is inad-
equate on which to base a finding that Respondent vio-
lated the Act as alleged. It is apparent that the conversa-
tion was a very short one and that, regardless of its con-
tent, it was no more than a cryptic exchange of question
and response. It seems unlikely that Priestley was the
target of any remark that gave the impression of surveil-
lance of union activities. Roberts said he turned and
walked away when Priestley told him that Priestley
knew what Guye had given him was a union card. That
testimony by Roberts was believable and convincing, and
is credited.
No violation of the Act is found, relative to this alle-
gation. 11
(b) Paragraph Il(b) of the complaint alleges that, on
or about May 21, Guye threatened employees with dis-
charge because they joined or assisted the Union. Para-
graph 11(c) of the complaint alleges that, on or about
May 21, Guye created the impression among employees
that their union activities were under surveillance by Re-
spondent.
These allegations refer to the testimony of Corbett,
who is, and has been for approximately 18 months, one
of Respondent's drivers. Corbett testified that the day
before McLaughlin was fired Guye told him that he
knew who the ringleader of the union movement was,
" Respondent questioned nearly all of Respondent's drivers during
trial as to whether or not they had been threatened, interrogated, given
promises, or otherwise harassed concerning their union activities. The an-
swers nearly always were no, but that is irrelevant so far as the General
Counsel's specific allegations are concerned. Respondent's general char-
acter is not in issue.
and that he would be "kicking cans, or fired." Guye
denied Corbett's testimony.
Discussion
Corbett was a difficult witness in that he seemed con-
fused and inexact. However, his testimony as quoted
above seemed solid, and he remained firm on cross-exam-
ination, even though he was confused concerning some
peripheral matters. His core testimony was quite con-
vincing, and he is credited. His credibility was enhanced
by the fact that Parker, his boss, sat through his testimo-
ny.
These allegations of the complaint were proved.
(c) Paragraph Il(d) of the complaint alleges that, on
or about May 21, Guye threatened employees with plant
closure because of their union activities.
This allegation partially refers to Corbett's testimony.
Corbett initially testified in a confused manner, and
stated that plant closure as a possible result of union ac-
tivity was of concern to, and a common topic of conver-
sation among, all employees. He linked Guye with that
talk only by implication and assumption, and after being
led by counsel. Finally, Corbett testified:
So it could be that Guye, personally, did not say
to you, in front of you, anytime, anything to the
effect that the yard would be closed if the union got
in; is that correct?
A. Yes, sir.
Patently, Corbett's testimony does not support the alle-
gation and no violation is found.
However, although not alleged in the complaint, an
unlawful interrogation was exposed during Corbett's
cross-examination, and is found. Corbett credibly testi-
fied:
Q. And Guye said nothing more to you, on that
occasion, other than to make this one statement,
that he knew who the ring leader was and that he
would soon be kicking cans?
A. Well, they asked about if I had seen the union
cards being passed around.
JUDGE STEVENS: Now who is they, who asked
this?
THE WITNESS: Well, Gerry, Gerry asked me
about the union cards being passed around. 12
Q. (By Mr. Pickering) On that same occasion?
A. Yes, sir.
JUDGE STEVENS: Now what was it he asked you?
THE WITNESS: He asked me about-
JUDGE STEVENS: No, not about, just tell me the
words that he used, the best that you can recollect?
THE WITNESS: Okay. He said-he asked me if I
knew anything about the union cards being passed
around.
(d) Paragraph Il(e) of the complaint alleges that, on
or about May 21, Guye warned employees that those
's "Gerry" refers to Guye.
250
ROWLAND TRUCKING CO.
employees who were prominently identified with the
Union's organizational campaign would be discharged.
This matter is not argued by counsel as an independent
violation of the Act, and no violation is found. The es-
sence of the allegation is found elsewhere herein, and an
appropriate remedy is recommended below.
(e) Paragraph 11(f) of the complaint alleges that, on
May 22, Guye advised an employee that he was the first
employee to be discharged for engaging in union activi-
ties, and that he would not be the last.
This allegation refers to the conversation McLaughlin
had with Guye when McLaughlin was fired. The dis-
charge is discussed in detail infra. McLaughlin testified
that he talked with Guye in the morning of May 22
when he was fired:
Yes, Mr. Parker was there, but he never spoke to
me. And another thing that I forgot to mention that
Mr Guye said, after he had finally said no, there's
no more discussion, this is it, he said, "Before you
do I would like for you to explain one thing to me."
And I said, "Well, if I can." He said, "How come it
is that you people come here and hire out for a spe-
cific wage and right off you think the Company
owes you more money?" I said, "Gerry, have I ever
come in this office and complained about anything
other than wanting more overtime?" He said, "No,
I can't say that you have." And I said, "Well, I
don't guess I know what you are talking about." He
said, "Yeah, I think you do, now you're the first to
be fired over this, but I guarantee that you're not
the last." He said, "There's a long list right behind
you."
Guye denied this statement by McLaughlin. Parker,
who was present during part of the conversation, also
denied McLaughlin's testimony on this issue.
Discussion
If the statement was made as alleged by McLaughlin,
it clearly would constitute a violation of the Act. Fur-
ther, it would be a violation whether it was made prior
to McLaughlin's discharge or immediately thereafter,
since McLaughlin's discharge was a violation of the Act,
as found infra, and McLaughlin continued to be an em-
ployee within the meaning of the Act. The only question
is one of credibility.
Neither McLaughlin nor Guye was a totally credible
witness. As discussed herein, both witnesses testified to
matters that are not credited. The record as a whole
clearly shows that Respondent was annoyed by the
union organizational attempt in which McLaughlin was a
leading figure, and it further shows that McLaughlin's
discharge partially was based on pretextual reasons.
McLaughlin was far from an ideal employee, as dis-
cussed later, but so were other employees who were re-
tained even after abuse of Respondent's trucks. Guye's
explanation of McLaughlin's discharge appeared strained
and unlikely.
It is found that McLaughlin's testimony on this issue is
accurate, and he is credited. Based on that credit, a vio-
lation of Section 8(a)(l) of the Act is found as alleged.
(f) Paragraphs 11(g) and (h) of the complaint allege
that, on May 22, Guye told an employee that other em-
ployees would be discharged for engaging in union ac-
tivities, and informed employees that their union activi-
ties were under surveillance by Respondent.
Apparently, although not so argued by counsel for
General Counsel, these two allegations cover the testi-
mony set forth in (e) preceding. Technically, the allega-
tions are included within the testimony quoted above,
and violations are found as alleged.
(g) Paragraph 11(i) of the complaint alleges that, on
May 22, Roberts threatened employees with plant clo-
sure if they selected the Union as their bargaining repre-
sentative.
McLaughlin testified that, shortly after Guye dis-
charged him, he talked with Roberts:
Yes, sir. As we was talking out to my truck,
Mike made the statement, he said, ". . . you guys
are crazy for trying to get a union started here." He
said "things are pretty slow" and said that every-
body knew it, that they would shut this place down
and move all these trucks back to Hobbs, before
they'd let a union get started.
Q. Did you say anything to him?
A. I said, "Well, it just depends on what the men
want, I guess, Mike."
Roberts denied this testimony by McLaughlin.
Discussion
Parker denied ever stating anything about closing the
plant, and Respondent introduced testimony to show
that, in fact, Respondent had no desire to, or intention
of, closing the plant. However, that denial by Parker and
the testimony to show that Respondent did not or would
not close the plant are irrelevant to this issue.
The only question is whether or not Roberts made the
statement attributed to him by McLaughlin. Based on
observation of the two witnesses, and assessment of their
testimony against the record, McLaughlin is credited and
a violation of the Act, as alleged, is found.
(h) The General Counsel called Dennis McDowell, a
mechanic and truckdriver for Respondent from May 18,
1981, until November 1982, to testify on rebuttal.
McDowell testified that, approximately I week before
McLaughlin was fired, Roberts talked with him, shop
mechanic John Richard Johnson, and shop employee
John Hutchinson. McDowell testified that Roberts stated
to the three employees that "if the Union come into
Rowland Trucking, that Mr. Brakey1 s would close the
doors and take it back to Hobbs [note: Hobbs, New
Mexico]." McDowell further testified that, 3 or 4 days
before McLaughlin was fired, he walked into the parts
room, where Roberts was talking with Johnson:
Well, when I walked in, Mike was telling Rich-
ard that they needed to go over Kenny's truck with
a fine-tooth comb to find anything that they could
tell Mr Parker that was broke on anything.
"3 Brakey is Respondent's vice president.
251
DECISIONS OF NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD
Excuse me just a minute. They did also state that
they had to report to Mr. Parker because that was
going to be reasons to get rid of Kenny.
Roberts and Johnson denied McDowell's testimony,
and Parker denied ever giving instructions to any em-
ployee to find an excuse for firing McLaughlin.
Discussion
These statements were alleged in the complaint as
having been made on June 9.
Whether or not Parker ever actually issued instruc-
tions for mechanics to find a reason to fire McLaughlin
is immaterial, so far as an 8(aXl) violation is concerned.
However, if in fact such instructions were issued, that
fact would be relevant so far as McLaughlin's discharge
is concerned.
Any (aXl) violations as a result of McDowell's testi-
mony would have to rest on credibility resolutions.
McDowell was a thoroughly impressive witness. He no
longer works for Respondent and, so far as the record
shows, has no reason to give false testimony. He was
calm, straightforward, and sincere. He answered ques-
tions easily and without hesitation, and his testimony was
not shaken by cross-examination or by other witnesses.
McDowell is credited, and it is found that Respondent
violated section 8(aXl) of the Act by threatening to close
its plant, and by asking fellow employees to find reasons
to fire McLaughlin, because of the latter's union activity.
(i) Paragraph 11(k) of the complaint alleges that, on
June 9, Parker threatened employees with plant closure
if they selected the Union as their bargaining representa-
tive.
Mee testified that, at an uncertain time a week or two
after McLaughlin was fired, he planned to quit his job
with Respondent and that he asked Parker for a recom-
mendation. 14 During the course of their conversation
Parker accused Mee of having a bad attitude. Mee testi-
fied:
I said that I was just not satisfied about the way
things had been handled around there, the way the
drivers had been treated, why we couldn't get our
trucks and stuff fixed, and the subject came up on
why Bill Lawrence was dismissed. And I told Mr.
Parker I could undersand why Bill was dismissed
over his attendance, because he did have poor at-
tendance at work. He was always coming in late.
I said, but I couldn't understand why Kenny had
been discharged for a spring, when other employ-
ees, there at the Company, had cost the Company
several more dollars, thousands more dollars than
Kenny had ever done up there with just a few
broken springs. There had been gentlemen rolling
the trucks up there and I said, "I believe he was
fired over his union activities." And Mr. Parker, at
that point, said, "Well, we can't have that kind of
" Mee quit his job with Respondent in July 1982. After reading his
affidavit to refresh his recollection, Mee said this conversation was on
June 22.
activities around here." And that's about the best
that I can remember about the conversation.
Mee further testified that, 3 or 4 days later, he and
Parker again talked about the Union and Parker stated
"they would close the doors at Rowland before they
would allow the Union to come in."
Parker denied Mee's testimony.
Mee is credited, and an 8(aXl) violation is found, as
alleged.
Mee also testified that, on June 22, after McLaughlin
was fired, Parker told him "they hired people, gave them
good jobs, paid them good salary and all they wanted to
do was to bring in the Union." However, Mee was
equivocal in attributing this statement to Parker, and no
finding is made on the basis of this testimony.
3. Respondent's animus
Based on the foregoing it is clear, and it is found, that
Respondent was opposed to union organization of its em-
ployees and to McLaughlin's part therein as an active
union advocate, and that Respondent expressed its oppo-
sition through actions that were in violation of Section
8(a)(1) of the Act.' 5
4. McLaughlin's discharge
a. Stated reasons for the discharge
McLaughlin testified that Guye called him into the
office when he reported for work on May 22, informed
him that there was a broken spring on his truck which
was the third spring he had broken within 30 days, and
told him "this is it," which McLaughlin accepted as a
discharge. McLaughlin disputed the statement about
three broken springs, they discussed it in detail, and
McLaughlin left.
Guye testified: As of the time McLaughlin was di-
charged, Respondent did not have a consistent policy
whereby drivers were discharged for abuse of equip-
ment. Each case was judged independently, on its own
merits. Some drivers were not fired, even though they
might have broken springs or abused equipment much
the same as others who were fired. In 1982 the rule was
established whereby a driver almost automatically was
fired when he broke three springs within 30 days,'6 re-
gardless of the severity of the break and regardless of the
location of the spring. 17 The new rule was established in
" Respondent introduced much testimony to the effect that McLaugh-
lin, Priestley, and Mee, and possibly other employees, conspired to bring
this controversy to trial and to start other legal actions for the purpose of
making large sums of money, in addition to harassing Respondent That
testimony has been considered, and given the weight to which it is enti-
tled.
1' Ouye contradicted himself in that he testified that the 30-day rule
was established prior to McLaughlin's discharge, and McLaughlin "wes
one of them that got caught in it."
T7 Testimony established that trucks sometimes may be operated with
springs that are cracked, or only slightly broken, if the springs are locat-
ed on trailers or in noncritical locations. Some broken springs preclude
any further operation of the truck. All springs have several leaves, and
the seriousness of breaks depends in some measure on the location in the
spring of the leaf that is broken.
252
ROWLAND TRUCKING CO.
January, and it was announced to the drivers at a safety
meeting that month. At the same time, a safety bonus
program was announced, but one broken spring caused a
one-third loss of the bonus; two broken springs caused a
two-third loss; and three broken springs caused total loss
of bonus and job. On May 21 Guye participated in a rou-
tine nightly check of trucks'a with Roberts and Johnson.
Roberts found a broken right front trailer spring on
McLaughlin's truck, No. 811, and reported it to Guye.
Guye checked the records, and saw that McLaughlin
had three broken springs within the past 30 days. Guye
returned home after the check, reported the matter by
telephone to Parker, who was home that night, and rec-
ommended that McLaughlin be fired. Parker agreed, and
said he would take care of it the following day. The next
morning Guye talked with McLaughlin, told him he had
broken three springs within 30 days, and fired him.
McLaughlin did not dispute the statement that he had
broken three springs within 30 days, and said possibly he
drove too fast the preceding day. McLaughlin said he
did not check his truck thoroughly the prior evening
after work.
Parker testified: McLaughlin had been a problem em-
ployee since April 1982. He was observed driving sever-
al miles off his route; he consistently abused his trucks;
he drove too fast, and carelessly; he loafed a lot on the
job; he made a joke of work instructions; he refused to
accept work criticism; he complained about the kind of
work he had to do; he engaged in excessive horseplay;
and, on one occasion, approximately a week before his
discharge, he was warned that he would be fired unless
his work performance improved, and "he grabbed me
around the collar . . . with a knife in his hand and made
some sly remarks."1 9 McLaughlin was told on five or six
occasions to quit driving so fast. A month before his dis-
charge, the entire front end of McLaughlin's truck had
to be repaired. All employees are given a set of Re-
spondent's rules,20 which they must follow, but they
were not adhered to by McLaughlin. At a safety meeting
on January 5 employees were told there was a new
policy relative to abuse of equipment, and McLaughlin
attended that meeting. The new policy was set forth
orally; it never was reduced to writing.2 ' Parker cor-
roborated Guye's testimony relative to the discharge
interview, and further testified that McLaughlin was
fired not only because of the broken springs, but also be-
cause of all the other problems Respondent had with
him.
"' The fact that such checks routinely are made each 10 days or 2
weeks was established by the record, and is not in dispute.
l0 This knife incident, according to Parker, was a serious incident that
occurred in the presence of several drivers. However, McLaughlin
denied that he ever threatened Parker with a knife, and no witness cor-
roborated Parker's testimony on this subject. Based on the testimony of
several witnesses, many drivers engaged in horseplay, and McLaughlin
probably was the worst offender of all. His horseplay frequently included
brandishing a knife. However imprudent and ill-advised his actions may
have been, Parker's attributing the knife incident to an intent by
McLaughlin to threaten or intimidate him simply is not believable. This
piece of testimony by Parker clearly was an effort to depict McLaughlin
as a dangerous person; this testimony is given no credence.
'o G.C. Exh. 3. McLaughlin testified that he was told of some of the
rules, but that he never has seen a copy of them.
" This policy is the same one previously testified to by Guye.
b. The broken springs on truck no. 811
McLaughlin acknowledged that he reported, and was
charged with, a broken spring that was repaired April
24,22 but he contended that he had been off work 2 days
when it was reported, and he denied that he broke the
spring. He said his truck was in the shop for repairs
when he reported back to work. The fact that a broken
spring on McLaughlin's truck was repaired April 24 is
not in dispute, and is shown by Respondent's records.
Guye credibly testified that it is the driver's responsibil-
ity to check his truck each night and report anything
wrong, including a broken spring. If an unreported
broken spring is found the next day by a mechanic or su-
pervisor, the person to whom the truck is assigned is
charged with the broken spring, even though he may not
have broken it, unless he can prove otherwise. Roberts
credibly testified that he talked with Guye about the
broken spring of April 24, because it was a serious break
located on a drive spring. It is clear that McLaughlin
either broke this spring, which he did in fact report, or
can be assumed to have broken it. In any event, Re-
spondent's records show that McLaughlin was charged
with responsibility for the break, and McLaughlin did
not try until the trial to get a reversal of that responsibil-
ity.2 3 His attempt at trial to duck the responsibility was
not convincing.
Another broken spring on truck no. 811 was replaced
on May 3. McLaughlin had not reported this broken
spring, although he drove the truck on May 1, 2, and 3.
The break was discovered by a mechanic on May 3.
McLaughlin denied responsibility for this spring, but Re-
spondent's records, and its established policy relative to
assigning responsibility for broken springs, clearly place
the matter in McLaughlin's hands. Guye credibly testi-
fied that, based on his review of Respondent's records,
this spring was included within the group for which
McLaughlin was fired.
The principal controversy relative to broken springs is
centered on the third one. As noted above, Guye and
Roberts saw the spring during their inspection of trucks
the evening of May 21. After Guye and McLaughlin
concluded the discharge interview, McLaughlin went to
where his truck was parked and Roberts showed him the
broken spring. McLaughlin testified that the break was a
hairline crack, which could be seen only by crawling
under the truck and scraping the dirt away from the
crack with his knife. He said he did not previously know
about the break, and could not have seen it except upon
an unusually close inspection. Priestley and Mee partially
corroborated McLaughlin relative to the nature of the
break. Johnson testified that he replaced the broken
spring, that more than a hairline crack was involved, and
that he could see the break from outside the truck, look-
ing under the fender. Respondent's records show re-
placement of the broken spring. Respondent introduced
photographs of the spring Respondent says was
" McLaughlin acknowledged that he broke a spring on his truck in
January.
a3 McLaughlin testified that he protested being sent home because of
this spring, while it was being repaired, but he did not pursue the matter,
so far as the record shows.
253
DECISIONS OF NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD
broken,' 4 and a spring was brought into court which
Respondent contends is the one in question. McLaughlin
denied that the photographs and the spring in court were
the same spring that was on his truck, but Johnson iden-
tified them as being the same. Roberts and Guye cor-
roborated Johnson's description of the break, and identi-
fied the pictures and spring as showing, and being, the
one they found on McLaughlin's truck May 21. To the
extent there are discrepancies in testimony between the
groups of McLaughlin, Mee, and Priestley and of Rob-
erts, Guye, and Johnson relative to this spring, the latter
three are credited. It is found that there was a broken
spring on truck no. 811 the evening of May 21, which
was McLaughlin's responsibility.
c. Abuse of equipment by drivers
The record is replete with examples wherein drivers
have abused Respondent's trucks. Parker and others testi-
fied at length concerning warnings to all drivers about
their speeding and abusing equipment, about frequent
safety meetings that involved abuse of trucks, about bo-
nuses for proper driving, and about problem drivers who
wrecked and damaged trucks. Respondent constantly has
equipment under repair, and broken springs are common.
High turnover of drivers, very heavy loads, and poor
back roads over which hauls are made, all contribute to
Respondent's problems with its trucks.
Nearly all witnesses testified that broken springs are
frequent, serious, and a source of trouble and concern to
Respondent, but it is apparent that broken springs are
not all alike. Testimony established that, depending on
the location of the spring and the nature of the break, a
spring may or may not have to be replaced immediately.
Sometimes they are not replaced at once, and are left in
place until an opportune time to replace them arises. Re-
spondent contends that it is rare for a broken spring to
be left on a truck at all, but several of the General Coun-
sel's witnesses credibly testified to the contrary and cited
instances wherein broken springs were left on trucks for
extended periods of time.
In addition to broken springs, Respondent's trucks fre-
quently suffer other damage. The General Counsel's wit-
nesses credibly testified relative to trucks and trailers
that have been wrecked and damaged in a number of
ways. Some of that damage has been very costly-far
more so than a broken spring. Parker testified that one
driver (Robinson) damaged a truck to the extent of a
$14,000 or $15,000 loss and received a traffic citation for
the incident, yet was left on the payroll.
d. Discipline of drivers for abuse of equipment
There is some testimony to the effect that drivers are
sent home while their trucks are under repair for abusive
damage, including broken springs, but that testimony is
contradictory and ambiguous. If such a policy exists, it is
of fairly recent origin, and is unevenly applied.
Parker testified relative to the discharge of several
drivers wholly or partially because of abuse of equip-
" O.C. Exh. 37.
ment. His testimony was supported by company records
in the cases of three such drivers.
Discussion
Guye's testimony makes it clear that, but for the new
30-day rule, McLaughlin's discharge would be a judg-
ment call. McLaughlin was not a careful driver, and the
record makes it apparent that he loafed a lot the last
month or two of his employement and frequently en-
gaged in horseplay, but it is equally apparent that other
drivers were careless with equipment, had serious acci-
dents that were their fault, loafed, and engaged in horse-
play without being fired. Parker testified that he person-
ally warned McLaughlin on several occasions about his
careless and fast driving, but McLaughlin credibly
denied that he ever was warned that he could lose his
job, although all employees were warned during safety
meetings about driving too fast and abusing equipment,
and Respondent never warned McLaughlin in writing. It
is clear that McLaughlin was in good standing with Re-
spondent prior to April 1982'5 and, as discussed above,
Respondent knew of, and resented, his union activity
commencing the last part of April. The suspicion is
strong that, regardless of the alleged 30-day rule,
McLaughlin was the target of Respondent's union ani-
mosity, and that suspicion ripens into a virtual certainty
when the testimony of McDowell is considered. That
testimony shows that Respondent was after McLaughlin,
whether or not it took another broken spring to get him.
Parker attempted to paint McLaughlin as a knife-
wielding assailant, but that attempt patently was a sham.
The record shows it to be without merit, and establishes
that the incident was just another of McLaughlin's ill-ad-
vised pieces of horseplay which Parker recognized as
such. Parker went further, and stated that McLaughlin
was fired for many reasons, including fast and careless
driving, abuse of equipment, loafing, refusing to follow
work instructions, complaining, and others. Parker did
not ground his stated reason for firing McLaughlin upon
the 30-day rule, but rather upon McLaughlin generally
being a poor employee. In any event, it was Guye who
did the actual firing, albeit after consultation with
Parker.
Guye testitied that McLaughlin was fired solely be-
cause of the 30-day rule, which rule, he stated, almost
was automatically applied. That testimony is suspect.
Guye did not give a convincing reply when he was
asked why he felt it necessary to call Parker at home, at
night, to recommend that McLaughlin be fired. If the
rule automatically was applied, there would be no need
to call Parker or confer with anyone. Parker came to
work at 5 a.m., and certainly nothing could be done be-
tween Guye's call and 5 a.m. to process a discharge that
was automatic anyway. Further, Guye testified that
never in the past had he called Parker at home to recom-
mend a discharge. In any event, it seems unlikely that
there ever was a 30-day rule. Mee, McLaughlin, and
Priestley testified that they never knew of such a rule,
and no employee of the many who testified said anything
25 Parker acknowledged this fact.
254
ROWLAND TRUCKING CO.
about such a rule. Further, Parker did not rely on such a
rule when he testified about McLaughlin's discharge. Fi-
nally, such a rule would be so inflexible that its use
would seem highly unusual. Springs may be broken for
any number of reasons, good and bad, and the serious-
ness of the breaks depends on many factors. It would be
unfair, and unlikely, for Respondent to apply the rule if
one or two springs were broken because of carelessness,
and the third was broken within 30 days through no fault
of the driver. Guye's testimony that McLaughlin was
fired because he broke an alleged 30-day rule is found to
be pretextual.
In summary, McLaughlin was not an exemplary em-
ployee, but it appears that Respondent accepted him
with all his faults until he started engaging in union ac-
tivity. When Respondent learned of that activity, it de-
cided to get rid of him. The third broken spring provid-
ed a good excuse, which Guye quickly grabbed.
McLaughlin's denial of responsibility for three broken
springs seemed shallow and unconvincing, but that is
beside the point. Possibly he should have been fired be-
cause of the broken springs and his other faults. Howev-
er, it is quite clear from the record that the real reason
he was fired was his union activity, and that his faults
and the broken springs provided a convenient excuse. It
does not appear that he would have been fired when he
was had he not been engaged in union activity.2 '
IV. EFFECT OF THE UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICES UPON
COMMERCE
The activities of Respondent set forth in section III,
above, occurring in connection with its operations de-
scribed in section I, above, have a close, intimate, and
substantial relationship to trade, traffic, and commerce
among the several States and tend to lead to labor dis-
putes burdening and obstructing commerce and the free
flow of commerce.
V. THE REMEDY
Having found that Respondent violated Section 8(aX3)
and (1) of the Act, it will be recommended that Re-
spondent be ordered to cease and desist therefrom, and
to take certain affirmative action designed to effectuate
the policies of the Act.
It is recommended that Respondent be ordered to
offer immediate and full reinstatement of Kenneth L.
McLaughlin to his former job or, if that job no longer
exists, to a substantially equivalent job, without loss of
seniority or other rights and privileges, and make him
whole for any loss of earnings he may have suffered to
be computed in the manner prescribed in F. W. Wool-
worth Co., 90 NLRB 289 (1950), plus interest as set forth
in Isis Plumbing Co., 138 NLRB 716 (1962), and Florida
Steel Corp., 231 NLRB 651 (1977).
On the basis of the foregoing findings of fact and on
the entire record, I make the following
2" Wright Line, 251 NLRB 1083 (1980).
CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
I. Rowland Trucking Company, a Division of Uni-
chem International is, and at all times material herein has
been, an employer engaged in commerce within the
meaning of Section 2(2), (6), and (7) of the Act.
2. Chauffeurs, Teamsters, and Helpers Local 492, affili-
ated with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters,
Chauffeurs, Warehousemen and Helpers of America is,
and at all times material herein has been, a labor organi-
zation within the meaning of Section 2(5) of the Act.
3. Respondent violated Section 8(aXl) of the Act by
threatening and interrogating its employees concerning
their activities; creating the impression among its em-
ployees that their union activity was under surveillance;
advising an employee that he was the first to be dis-
charged for union activity, but would not be the last;
telling an employee that other emloyees would be dis-
charged for engaging in union activity; informing em-
ployees that their union activity was under surveillance
by Respondent; and telling employees that it would not
allow their union activity, and would seek a reason to
discharge an employee because of his union activity.
4. Respondent violated Section 8(aX3) and (1) of the
Act by discharging an employee because of his union ac-
tivity.
5. The aforesaid unfair labor practices are unfair labor
practices affecting commerce within the meaning of Sec-
tion 2(6) and (7) of the Act.
On the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of
law and on the entire record, I issue the following rec-
ommended2 7
ORDER
The Respondent, Rowland Trucking Company, a Di-
vision of Unichem International, Carlsbad, New Mexico,
its officers, agents, successors, and assigns, shall
1. Cease and desist from
(a) Violating Section 8(a)(1) of the Act by threatening
and interrogating its employees concerning their activi-
ties; creating the impression among its employees that
their union activity was under surveillance; advising an
employee that he was the first to be discharged for union
activity, but would not be the last; telling an employee
that other employees would be discharged for engaging
in union activity; informing employees that their union
activity was under surveillance by Respondent; and tell-
ing employees that it would not allow their union activi-
ty, and would seek a reason to discharge an employee
because of his union activity.
(b) Violating Section 8(aX3) and (1) of the Act by dis-
charging an employee because of his union activity.
(c) In any like or related manner interfering with, re-
straining, or coercing employees in the exercise of the
rights guaranteed them by Section 7 of the Act.
" If no exceptions are filed a provided by Sec. 102.46 of the Board's
Rules and Regulations, the findings, conclusions and recommended
Order shall, as provided in Sec. 102.48 of the Rules, be adopted by the
Board and all objections to them shall be deemed waived for all pur-
poses.
255
DECISIONS OF NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD
2. Take the following affirmative action designed to ef-
fectuate the policies of the Act.
(a) Offer Kenneth L. McLaughlin immediate and full
reinstatement to his former job or, if that job no longer
exists, to a substantially equivalent job, without prejudice
to his seniority or other rights and privileges, and make
him whole for his loss of earnings in the manner set forth
in the section of this decision entitled "The Remedy."
(b) Expunge from its records and files any and all ref-
erences to the discharge of Kenneth L. McLaughlin.
(c) Preserve and, on request, make available to the
Board and its agents for examination and copying, all
payroll records, social security payment records, time-
cards, personnel records and reports, and all other
records necessary to compute the amount of backpay
due under the terms of this Order.
(d) Post at its place of business in Carlsbad, New
Mexico, copies of the attached notice marked "Appen-
dix."2 8 Copies of the notice, on forms provided by the
Regional Director for Region 28, after being signed by
the Respondent's authorized representative, shall be
posted by the Respondent immediately upon receipt and
maintained for 60 consecutive days in conspicuous places
including all places where notices to employees are cus-
tomarily posted. Reasonable steps shall be taken by the
Respondent to ensure that the notices are not altered, de-
faced, or covered by any other material.
(e) Notify the Regional Director in writing within 20
days from the date of this Order what steps the Re-
spondent has taken to comply.
All allegations of the complaint not found herein to
have been proved are dismissed in their entirety.
sJ If this Order is enforced by a Judgment of · United States Court of
Appeals, the words in the notice reading "Posted by Order of the Na-
tional Labor Relations Board" shall read "Posted Pursuant to a Judgment
of the United States Court of Appeals Enforcing an Order of the Nation-
al Labor Relations Board."
256