Sid Casey v. Federal Trade Commission, Federal Trade Commission v. Sid Casey

These consolidated cases present the issue whether the federal courts should intervene to prevent the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) from investigating appellants, union locals and their principal officers (Unions), to determine if Safeway Stores and the Unions engaged in unfair methods of competition. The Unions contend that judicial intervention is warranted because the FTC has no jurisdiction to investigate collective bargaining activities of bona fide labor unions.

In No. 77-2697 (Casey I), the Unions sought to enjoin the FTC investigation. The district court denied equitable relief. In No. 77-3155 (Casey II), the FTC petitioned the district court for enforcement of subpoenas after union officers refused to testify at FTC hearings. The court ordered the subpoenas enforced, but this court stayed enforcement pending appeal. We conclude that judicial intervention would be improper and we vacate the stay order and affirm.

BACKGROUND:

The FTC issued a resolution on October 13, 1976, directing the use of compulsory process to investigate whether Safeway Stores and other participants in labor-management negotiations affecting the grocery industry in the Pacific Northwest engaged…