Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 1 of 1
Full-Text Articles in Labor and Employment Law
Union Liability In Fair Representation Suits, Robert Jones
Union Liability In Fair Representation Suits, Robert Jones
Journal Articles
In 1976 Charles V. Bowen, a United States Postal Service employee requested that his union, the American Postal Workers initiate arbitration proceedings to prevent his employer from firing him over an alleged altercation with another employee. After the union refused Bowen sued both the Service for firing him and American Postal Workers for breaching its duty of fair representation. The case reached the U.S. Supreme Court, which held that a union that fails to properly represent an employee illegally fired from his job is liable for a portion of his lost wages. The Bowen decision poses a serious threat to …