Frito-Lay, Inc. v. Local Union No. 137, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Warehousemen and Helpers of America

Frito-Lay, Inc., brought suit against fifteen local unions affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Warehousemen and Helpers of America (the “Union”), seeking monetary relief for damages suffered as a result of the Union’s strike against the Company. Frito-Lay alleged the Union struck in violation of sections 8(b)(4)(A) and 303(a) of the Labor Management Relations Act (“Act”), 29 U.S.C. § 158 (b)(4)(A) and § 187(a). The Union locals appeal from the district court judgment awarding Frito-Lay $688,518 in damages. Appellants challenge the trial court’s interpretation of section 8(b)(4)(A) of the Act and the court’s findings of fact relating to both liability and computation of damages. This court has jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1291 . For the reasons set out below, we affirm the findings as to liability, and we remand for further proceedings on the issue of damages.

I

Appellee Frito-Lay manufactures, sells and distributes potato chips, corn chips and other snack food products in California and elsewhere. Granny Goose, Inc., and Laura Scudder’s are competitors engaged in the same business. Appellants are local labor organizations that represent…