Summary
In Textile Workers Union v. Textron, Inc., 99 N.H. 385, 111 A.2d 823 (1955), an unincorporated employees' association was permitted to bring an action against the defendant employer to recover back wages owed to former employees and union members.
Summary of this case from Royer v. State Dep't of Empl. SecurityOpinion
No. 4377.
Argued January 4, 1955.
Decided February 25, 1955.
The authorized representative of an unincorporated labor union may by bill in equity maintain a single action in behalf of the numerous union members to recover from the employer certain wages allegedly due the members under collective bargaining contracts.
ASSUMPSIT, brought by Textile Workers Union of America, an unincorporated association, against Textron, Inc. to recover wages for members of the association allegedly due them under three contracts between the parties. The declaration as amended described the plaintiff as "Textile Workers Union of America of the Congress of Industrial Organizations by Thomas J. Pitarys, Director, Granite State Joint Board of the Textile Workers of America of the Congress of Industrial Organizations." It alleged in substance that the defendant had failed to pay certain employees, some 2700 in number, who were members of the plaintiff association, increases in their wages as provided in the contracts negotiated between the parties "to the damage of the plaintiff for its members." The defendant demurred specially "on the ground that the plaintiff is an unincorporated association and as such is not a legal entity which has capacity to sue." To the Court's order overruling the demurrer the defendant excepted. Further facts appear in the opinion. Transferred by Wheeler, C. J.
Green, Green, Romprey Sullivan (Mr. Samuel Green orally), for the plaintiff.
Sullivan Gregg and Edwards Angell of Rhode Island (Mr. Sullivan orally), for the defendant.
The single question transferred is whether the plaintiff union, an unincorporated association having collective bargaining contracts with the defendant employer, may bring an action against the employer to recover the aggregate amount of back wages due numerous former employees of the defendant, who are also members of the union, for work performed by them. The issue as to whether an unincorporated association may represent its members by a suit in its own name has never been decided in this state nor does it appear necessary to decide it here. Under our liberal procedure, we see no reason why the plaintiff cannot amend the action to a bill in equity brought in behalf of the members of the union in the name of the association's director, Thomas J. Pitarys, as the duly authorized agent, or so-called representative, of its members. Liederkranz Singing Society v. Turn-Verein, 163 Pa. 265; Hasinger v. Insurance Co., 117 Pa. Super. 475; Seavey, Studies in Agency, 66, 67; 7 C.J.S., Associations, s. 35a (3).
On the record before us no question appears as to Pitarys' power to act as agent for the association and its members although the pleadings should so allege. Art. 16, s. 2, of the union's constitution reads: "The Union shall be the exclusive representative. of each member for the purpose of collective bargaining, in negotiation and execution of collective bargaining agreements with employers, and is irrevocably authorized and empowered by each member to present, negotiate and settle any and all grievances, complaints and disputes arising out of the relationship between the member and the employer." By this article the members are bound to abide by the result of the action. See Maria Konopnicka Society v. Maria Konopnicka Society, (Mass.) 120 N.E.2d 769. It follows there can be no harassment of the defendant by subsequent suits. Restatement, Judgments, s. 85; 63 Yale L.J. 1173, 1181, n. 31. On the other hand, the claimants need have no fear that their interests will not be well represented. Pitarys would be liable as their agent for any negligence or failure to perform his obligations. Restatement, Agency, ss. 379, 399; see also, Seavey, Studies in Agency, 70. As a further guarantee, the need of the union to achieve success that it may maintain its standing with its members is too plain to require elaboration. 63 Yale L.J. 1173, 1183, n. 38. The issue before us involves only members of the union so we need not concern ourselves with any possible difficulties arising out of actions by others.
In broad outline, we have a situation here where all concerned understood that the union or some representative of it would act for the claimants in such a dispute as this. The record indicates and it may be reasonably assumed that all dealt with each other accordingly, since it is common knowledge that employees in such cases are so represented. Munsey v. Virginian Ry. Co., 39 F. Supp. 881, 883. It seems to us that the court should not ignore what everyone else connected with the situation knows (State v. Duranleau, 99 N.H. 30) or the basis on which they acted, and above all it should not force the parties to the costly absurdity of bringing 2700 separate suits where one will suffice. Smith v. Bank, 69 N.H. 254; Allbee v. Elms, 93 N.H. 202, 203; 1 Pomeroy, Eq. Jur. (5th ed.) ss. 267, 273. Indeed, to compel each claimant to bring a separate suit might well result, as pointed out in the Smith case, supra, in a practical denial of justice since the expense in some instances could be such that the worker would realize little or nothing. There are no substantial procedural difficulties here. At the trial evidence may be presented of the names of the members involved, the amounts due each, and, if judgment be in the plaintiff's favor, an order may be entered insuring payment to the proper persons. Smith v. Bank, supra; Munsey v. Virginian Ry. Co., 39 F. Supp. 881, 884.
In conclusion, it appears that justice and convenience require that one suit be brought to dispose of many and that the plaintiff's action be amended accordingly.
Remanded.
All concurred.