Seafarers International Union of North America v. United States

This case is before us on appeals from a preliminary injunction, a supplemental order, and an order denying a motion to modify the injunction, all entered under section 208 of the Labor Management Relations Act of 1947 (Act), 29 U.S.C.A. § 178 . The injunction and orders were entered in a suit brought by the United States to enjoin continuation of the 1962 Pacific Coast maritime strike.

Named as defendants were Pacific Maritime Association (Association) and four unions. The Association represents, for collective bargaining purposes, the steamship companies comprising the West Coast maritime industry. The defendant unions are Seafarers International Union of North America, Pacific District, Sailors' Union of the Pacific, Pacific Coast Marine Firemen, Oilers, Watertenders and Wipers Association, and Marine-Cooks and Stewards Union.

*439 On March 16,1962, after the unions and the companies had failed, following negotiation, to agree to terms of new collective bargaining agreements, the unions commenced a strike. If permitted to continue, the strike would have affected some 130 cargo and passenger ships, or over a majority of the American flag vessels operating out of the West…