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Notes for “The Legal Limits of Working to Rule”
by Ellis Boal

Following are the case citations for Chapter 10, Inside Strategies, in A Troublemaker’s Handbook 2. They go with attorney Ellis Boal’s section, “The Legal Limits of Working to Rule.”

1. AFA requests: “CHAOS and the CHAOS logo are trademarks of the AFA. We encourage others to use some or all of the CHAOS tactics, but please do not use the term CHAOS or the CHAOS logo without the AFA’s written permission. Thanks.”

2. Riverside Cement, 296 NLRB # 104, 132 LRRM 1206 (1989); Holyoke Visiting Nurses Association, 310 NLRB 684, 686 n 7, 144 LRRM 1103 (1993), enf'd 11 F3d 302, 145 LRRM 2017 (CA1, 1993); Caterpillar Inc, 322 NLRB 674, 154 LRRM 1001 (1996) (ALJ decision, p 9), NLRB decision vacated as moot with direction that the case stands as precedent, Caterpillar Inc, 332 NLRB 1, 168 LRRM 1181 (2000).

3. But see New York Times Co v Newspaper & Mail Deliverers Union, 740 F Supp 240, 244, 135 LRRM 2837 (SDNY, 1990) (union chapel chairman's directive to adhere to strict contractual requirements in making their deliveries found to be a call for a slowdown from normal operations).

4. Pye v Teamsters Local 122, 61 F3d 1013, 149 LRRM 3089 (CA1, 1995); NLRB v Mike Yurosek & Son, 53 F3d 261, 149 LRRM 2094 (CA9, 1995). Cf Briggs & Stratton Corp v Local 232, 36 F3d 712, 147 LRRM 2531 (CA7, 1994).

5. Caterpillar Inc, 322 NLRB 674, 675 n 6, 154 LRRM 1001 (1996), vacated as moot with direction that the case stands as precedent, Caterpillar Inc, 332 NLRB 1, 168 LRRM 1181 (2000) (bypassing the issue); Caterpillar Inc, 324 NLRB 201, n 4, 156 LRRM 1017 (1997), vacated as moot with direction that the case stands as precedent, Caterpillar Inc, 332 NLRB 1, 168 LRRM 1181 (2000) (same); Central Illinois Public Service Co, 326 NLRB 928, 929, 159 LRRM 1217 (1998), aff'd 215 F3d 11, 164 LRRM 2193 (2000), cert denied 531 US 1051 (2000) (same); NLRB v Insurance Agents Union, 361 US 477, 492 n 22, 45 LRRM 2704 (1960) (same); Lodge 76 Machinists v WERC, 427 US 132, 152, text at n 14, 92 LRRM 2881 (1976) (same). See also ALJ opinion in Central Illinois Public Service Co, 326 NLRB at 972, 989-91 (collecting prior NLRB cases; concerted refusal to work voluntary overtime, group presentation of grievances, and "reasonable" work-to-rule practices consisting of exercise of discretion to be diligent and systematic, and taking more time in inspecting and checking equipment, asking questions, or requesting additional safety equipment all held protected). See also ALJ opinion in Caterpillar Inc, Cases Nos 33-CA-10863, 10941, 10984 (9/3/97), p 4, n 9 (company concedes that chanting "no contract no peace" during breaks is protected; case settled without an NLRB order on 4/6/98).

6. Harrah's Lake Tahoe Resort Casino, 307 NLRB 182, 140 LRRM 1036 (1992) (concerted activity regarding management prerogatives not protected).

7. Meyers Industries Inc, 268 NLRB 493, 115 LRRM 1025 (1984) ("Meyers I"), remanded sub nom Prill v NLRB, 755 F2d 941, 118 LRRM 2649 (CADC, 1985) ("Prill I"), cert denied sub nom Meyers Industries v Prill, 474 US 971, 120 LRRM 3392 (1985), decision on remand 281 NLRB 882, 123 LRRM 1137 (1986) ("Meyers II"), affirmed 835 F2d 1481, 127 LRRM 2415 (CADC, 1987) ("Prill II"), cert denied sub nom Meyers Industries v NLRB, 487 US 1205, 128 LRRM 2664 (1988); Ellis Boal: Protected Concerted Activity and Individual Action Under Section 7: Will Alleluia Cushion Resurface?, 48 Labor Law Journal 693 (December, 1997).

8. Riverside Cement, 296 NLRB # 104, 132 LRRM 1206 (1989) (refusal to supply personal tools for job); Paperworkers Local 5 (International Paper), 294 NLRB # 84, 131 LRRM 1545 (1989) (refusal to brainstorm quality improvement and to do temporary non-unit work); Dow Chemical Co, 152 NLRB 1150, 59 LRRM 1279 (1965) (refusal of overtime); Imperia Foods, 287 NLRB 1200,1203-04, 127 LRRM 1200 (1988) (same); Jasta Mfg Co, 246 NLRB 48, 102 LRRM 1610 (1979), enf'd 634 F2d 623, 108 F2d 2103 (CA4, 1980) (same); Vibra-Screw, Inc, 301 NLRB 371, 376, 137 LRRM 1119 (1991) (same); Marlene Industries, 255 NLRB 1446, 107 LRRM 1346 (1981) (refusal to carry out assignment theretofore never required of employees). Cf Redwing Carriers, 137 NLRB 1545, 50 LRRM 1440 (1962), enf'd sub nom Teamsters Local 79 v NLRB, 325 F2d 1011, 54 LRRM 2707 (CADC, 1963), cert denied 377 US 905 (1964) (refusal to cross picket line at premises of employer's customer); Bernhardt v LIRC, 207 Wis2d 292, 558 NW2d 874 (Ct App, 1996) (unemployment case distinguishing lawful refusal to work voluntary overtime from intentional failure to perform duties up to capabilities). Compare Audubon Health Care Center, 268 NLRB 135 (1983), 114 LRRM 1242 (partial strike held unprotected because the work nurses refused was normal work not extra work). Compare Jeld Wen Corp, NLRB GC Advice Memo, Cases ## 506-2017-1700, 506-2050, 205-6050-2500, 506-9300, 512-5036, 512-7550-5000 (2/4/92) (discontinuance of employee practice of performing production short-cuts not protected because short-cuts were part of normal production process which employer for years had expected to be performed; but discontinuance of practice of one employee coming in ½ hour early to set up machine protected).

9. Riverside Cement, 296 NLRB # 104, 132 LRRM 1206 (1989) (workers denied work but not replaced, treated as economic strikers and made whole by NLRB); Prince Lithograph Co, 205 NLRB 110, 83 LRRM 1654 (1973) (worker treated as economic striker and replaced); Redwing Carriers, 137 NLRB 1545, 50 LRRM 1440 (1962), enf'd sub nom Teamsters Local 79 v NLRB, 325 F2d 1011, 54 LRRM 2707 (CADC, 1963), cert denied 377 US 905 (1964) (same).

10. Elk Lumber Co, 91 NLRB 333, 26 LRRM 1493 (1950) (slowdown); Valley City Furniture Co, 110 NLRB 1589, 35 LRRM 1265 (1954), enf'd 230 F2d 947, 37 LRRM 2740 (CA6, 1956) (refusal to work established overtime); Honolulu Rapid Transit Co, 110 NLRB 1806, 35 LRRM 1305 (1954) (weekend strikes of 7-day operation); US Service Industries, 315 NLRB # 38, 147 LRRM 1155 (1994); (pattern of intermittent strikes). Compare Carlson Roofing, 245 NLRB 13, 102 LRRM 1532 (1979), enf'd in pertinent part 627 F2d 77, 82, 105 LRRM 2145 (CA7, 1980) (no partial strike where members expressed reluctance but did not outright refuse to do part of job). See also Atleson: Values and Assumptions in American Labor Law, Chapter 3 Sitdowns, Slowdowns, and the Meaning of Federal Protection (Amherst, University of Massachusetts Press, 1983); Cox: The Right to Engage in Concerted Activities, 26 Indiana Law Journal, 319, 339 (1951).

11. NLRB v Washington Aluminum Company, 370 US 9, 50 LRRM 2235 (1962).

12. Shelly & Anderson Furniture Mfg Co v NLRB, 497 F2d 1200, 86 LRRM 2619 (CA9, 1974) (15 minutes).

13. NLRB v Insurance Agents Union, 361 US 477, 495, 45 LRRM 2704 (1960) (slowdowns and sit-ins to harass employer); Teamsters Local 741, 170 NLRB 61, 67 LRRM 1467 (1968) (strike in breach of contract). See also Scofield v NLRB, 394 US 423, 70 LRRM 3105 (1969) (recognizing the historic labor interest in limiting production for workers paid by piecework; a union acted legally when it imposed court-collectible fined on members who overworked); compare General Electric Co, 155 NLRB 208, 220-21 (1965), 60 LRRM 1279 (employer has right to expect maximum production from incentive-paid employees, even if that is higher than the minimum production standard).

14. NLRB v Katz, 369 US 736, 741 n 7, 50 LRRM 2177 (1962); NLRB v Insurance Agents Union, 361 US 477, 45 LRRM 2704 (1960).

15. First National Bank of Omaha, 171 NLRB 1145, 69 LRRM 1103 (1968), enf'd 413 F2d 921, LRRM (CA8, 1969); Sawyer of Napa, 300 NLRB 131, 135-37, 136 LRRM 1143 (1990).

16. NLRB v Sands Mfg Co, 306 US 332, 4 LRRM 530 (1939).

17. Buffalo Forge Co v Steelworkers, 428 US 397, 92 LRRM 3032 (1976); Indianapolis Power & Light v NLRB, 898 F2d 524, 133 LRRM 2921 (CA7, 1990); IBEW Local 387 v NLRB, 788 F2d 1412, 122 LRRM 2304 (CA9, 1986); Automobile Transportation Inc v Ferdnance, 420 F Supp 75, 92 LRRM 3610 (1976).

18. Laborers Local 616 (Bruce & Merrilees Electric Co), 302 NLRB # 136, 137 LRRM 1144 (1991); Olin Corp, 268 NLRB 573, 115 LRRM 1056 (1984); ALPA v United Airlines, 802 F2d 886, 905, 123 LRRM 2617 (CA7, 1986), cert denied 480 US 946 (1987).

19. Briggs and Stratton v Local 232 AIWA, 36 F3d 712, 147 LRRM 2531 (CA7, 1994), cert denied, 514 US 1126, 149 LRRM 2384 (1995) (work-to-rule campaign); Avco Corp v Local 787, 459 F2d 968, 974, 80 LRRM 2290 (CA3, 1972) (voluntary overtime); Elevator Manufacturers' Association of New York v Local 1 Elevator Constructors, 689 F2d 382, 111 LRRM 2631 (CA2, 1982) (voluntary overtime); New York Times Co v Newspaper & Mail Deliverers Union, 740 F Supp 240, 244, 135 LRRM 2837 (SDNY, 1990) (slowdown/strict adherence to contract); American Ship Building Co v Local 358, 459 F Supp 491, 494, (ND Ohio, 1978) (voluntary overtime); Boys Markets v Retail Clerks Local 770, 398 US 235, 74 LRRM 2257 (1970) (strike); OFS-Fitel v CWA Local 1365, Civil Action 03-40066-NMG (D Mass, 5/2/03) (whistling while working). Compare United Airlines v IAM Local 141-M, 243 F3d 349, 365-66, 166 LRRM 2769 (CA7, 2001), cert denied 534 US 889 (2001), later decision 166 LRRM 2878 (ND Ill, 2001) (Railway Labor Act, work-safe campaign).

20. United Airlines v IAM Local 141-M, 243 F3d 349, 366, 166 LRRM 2769 (CA7, 2001), cert denied 534 US 889 (2001), later decision 166 LRRM 2878 (ND Ill, 2001); ALPA v United Airlines, 802 F2d 886, 905-06, 123 LRRM 2617 (CA7, 1986), cert denied 480 US 946 (1987); Plaintiff's Status Conference Statement, US v PMA and ILWU, ND California Case No 02-4859-WHA, 11/13/02, pp 3, 7; see also 229 F Supp2d 1008, 171 LRRM 2121 (ND Cal, 2002).

21. 1999-2003 Agreement between GMC and UAW, Memorandum of Understanding on Overtime, Section 11 "Concerted Activity," pp 256-57.

22. Manville Corp, 89 LA 880 (Ross, 1987); Fitchburg Paper Co, 47 LA 349, 353 (Wallen, 1966); Pratt & Whitney, 53 LA 69, 71-72 (Feinberg, 1969). See also District Painters Council v NLRB, 453 F2d 783, 79 LRRM 2145 (CA2, 1971), cert denied 408 US 930 (1972) (union-imposed production quotas may constitute a unilateral contract modification if they result in work time being reduced below the contract workweek).

23. Paperworkers Local 5 (International Paper), 294 NLRB # 84, 131 LRRM 1545 (1989).

24. Brief of US Representatives Gunderson, Gingrich, Goodlin, Ritter, Henry, Armey, Boehner, Edwards, Klug, and Ballenger to the NLRB in Electromation Inc, 309 NLRB 990, 142 LRRM 1001 (1992), aff'd 35 F3d 1148, 147 LRRM 2257 (CA7, 1994), p 7 n 9, filed 1/31/92, citing Cornelius Peck: A Critique of the National Labor Relations Board's Performance in Policy Formulation: Adjudication and Rule-Making, 117 U Pa L Rev 254, 254 (1968).

25. Smith v Evening News, 371 US 195, 197, 51 LRRM 2646 (1962) (concurrent jurisdiction of NLRB and federal court); United Technologies, 268 NLRB 557, 115 LRRM 1049 (1984) (NLRB deferral to arbitration); Olin Corp, 268 NLRB 573, 115 LRRM 1056 (1984) (same). But compare Carey v Westinghouse Electric Corp, 375 US 261, 272, 55 LRRM 2042 (1964) (in jurisdictional dispute "Board's ruling would, of course, take precedence [over arbitrator's]"); Building Trades Council v Garmon, 359 US 236, 246, 43 LRRM 2838 (1959) (state court to follow "compelling [NLRB] precedent").

26. Patent Office Professional Association and US Department of Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, 48 FLRA 129 (1993), aff'd 47 F3d 1217, 1222-23, 148 LRRM 2577 (CADC, 1995). Compare Caterpillar Inc, 322 NLRB 674, 684-85, 154 LRRM 1001 (1996), vacated as moot with direction that the case stands as precedent, Caterpillar Inc, 332 NLRB 1, 168 LRRM 1181 (2000) (union official's testimony discredited by ALJ that purpose of working to rule was to protect members from discipline).

27. Caterpillar Inc, Cases Nos 33-CA-10559, 10563, 10610, 10743, JD-112-97 (ALJ decision, 6/30/97), pp 9-13. After exceptions and cross-exceptions this case was settled without an NLRB order on 4/6/98. Shattuck Denn Mining Corp v NLRB, 362 F2d 466, 470, 62 LRRM 2401 (CA9, 1966) and Triple H Electric 323 NLRB # 90, 156 LRRM 1155 (1997), cited by the ALJ, do not support his holding.

28. Union Fork & Hoe Co, 241 NLRB 907, 908, 101 LRRM 1014 (1979), quoting ALJ in Clara Barton Terrace Convalescent Center, 225 NLRB 1028, 1034, 92 LRRM 1621 (1976); Hardin: The Developing Labor Law, Third Edition, 151 (BNA, 1992). Cf National Steel Corp Great Lakes Steel Division, 236 NLRB # 115, 98 LRRM 1551 (1978), aff'd 625 F2d 131, 104 LRRM 3156 (CA6, 1980) (non-profane accusation that company murdered for profit).

29. United Airlines v IAM Local 141-M, 243 F3d 349, 360, 363, 364, 365 n 11, 166 LRRM 2769 (CA7, 2001), cert denied 534 US 889 (2001), later decision 166 LRRM 2878 (ND Ill, 2001).

30. United Airlines v IAM Local 141-M, 243 F3d 349, 366, 166 LRRM 2769 (CA7, 2001), cert denied 534 US 889 (2001), later decision 166 LRRM 2878 (ND Ill, 2001).

31. Caterpillar Inc, 324 NLRB 201, 202, 156 LRRM 1017 (1997), vacated as moot with direction that the case stands as precedent, Caterpillar Inc, 332 NLRB 1, 168 LRRM 1181 (2000).

32. Valley City Furniture Co, 110 NLRB 1589, 35 LRRM 1265 (1954), enf'd 230 F2d 947, 37 LRRM 2740 (CA6, 1956).

33. Riverside Cement, 296 NLRB # 104, 132 LRRM 1206 (1989) (work assignment was traditionally voluntary, refusal was part of union economic tactic against employer, exercise would have been fruitless if not exercised timely); Paperworkers Local 5 (International Paper), 294 NLRB # 84, 131 LRRM 1545 (1989) (same, except union tactic was to assist sister local at different plant); United Parcel Service, 301 NLRB # 140, 137 LRRM 1107 (1991) (Oviatt, concurring) (unsafe working condition). See generally Elkouri & Elkouri: How Arbitration Works, Fourth Edition, 199-200 (BNA, 1985).

34. Richardson Paint Co v NLRB, 574 F2d 1195, 98 LRRM 2951 (CA5, 1978); United Parcel Service, 301 NLRB # 140, 137 LRRM 1107 (1991).

35. Central Illinois Public Service Co, 326 NLRB 928, 933 nn 18, 20, 159 LRRM 1217 (1998), aff'd, 215 F3d 11, 164 LRRM 2193 (CADC, 2000), cert denied 531 US 1051 (2000). See also American Ship Building v NLRB, 380 US 300, 58 LRRM 2672 (1965) (lawful lockout in anticipation of strike); NLRB v Brown Food Store, 380 US 278, 58 LRRM 2663 (1965) (lawful lockout in anticipation of strike and hiring of temporary replacements). Compare Riverside Cement, 296 NLRB # 104, 132 LRRM 1206 (1989) (unlawful lockout in retaliation for refusal to voluntarily provide personal tools); Highland Superstores, 314 NLRB 146, 146 LRRM 1207 (1994) (unlawful lockout in retaliation for handbilling in support of union's consumer boycott).

[Ellis Boal is a labor lawyer and also the web steward for Labor Notes. He has written manuals about legal and union rights for Teamster and UAW members.]