Local 851, International Brotherhood of Teamsters v. National Labor Relations Board

PER CURIAM: At issue is the board’s determination that Purolator Courier’s driver-employees are “guards” within the meaning of § 9(b)(3) of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), 29 U.S.C. § 159(b)(3). If they are, then Local 851 cannot admit them to membership along with its nonguard members without being barred from certification as a bargaining representative of the guards. The union contends that the board’s interpretation of § 9(b)(3) contravenes both the legislative history and purpose of that statute, because the Purolator employees do not “guard” any property, but are merely truck drivers employed by Purolator. The board and Purolator contend that the drivers are “guards” because, although unarmed, they wear uniforms, are entrusted with a wide variety of valuable commodities ranging from cash letters to controlled drugs and radioactive pharmaceuticals, are bonded and subjected to security clearance, are often given keys to the premises and security vaults of customers, are held responsible for the safekeeping of packages in their vehicles, and are required to insure that their entry or departure does not impair the security of customers’ premises. We are satisfied that the board’s finding that the subject employees are “guards” is supported by substantial evidence, and that the board’s consistent interpretation for thirty years of the statutory term to encompass more than “plant guards” comports with the statutory language and the legislative history. See International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 344 v. National Labor Relations Board, 568 F.2d 12, 15-16 (7th Cir.1978); Drivers, Chauffeurs, Warehousemen and Helpers, Local 71 v. National Labor Relations Board, 553 F.2d 1368, 1372-74 (D.C.Cir.1977). Accordingly, the petition to review is denied, and the cross-petition for enforcement is granted.