Graphic Arts International Union, Local No. 280 v. National Labor Relations Board

Graphic Arts International Union, Local 280 (Union or Local 280) petitions for review of a decision and order of the National Labor Relations Board (the Board) finding that the Union had violated the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA or Act) and imposing sanctions. The Board cross-applies for enforcement of its order. We enforce.

I. Statement of the Case

Local 280 represents certain workers in the lithograph industry. Prior to the negotiations here in question, it had been the practice in this industry for a multi-employer bargaining association known as the Printing Industries of Northern California (PINC) to negotiate with Local 280. Independent employers in the industry who were not members of PINC summarily agreed to the terms established by the Local 280-PINC negotiations, often before those negotiations were completed.

In 1975, the Union broke with this practice. Making little progress in its negotiations with PINC, the Union began individualized negotiations with the independent employers, even though the independents indicated their continued willingness to adhere to the previous practice. The Union formulated a proposed contract and mailed it to the independents on…