United States v. Drivers, Chauffeurs & Helpers Local Union No. 639
District Court, District of Columbia · 1940-03-26 · cited 1×
This case is a criminal prosecution under Section 3 of the Sherman Antitrust Act against a Teamsters local union, its officers, and an international representative, charging them with a conspiracy to restrain trade and commerce in the District of Columbia's construction industry. The indictment alleged that the defendants used strikes, boycotts, threats, and force to compel concrete companies to replace drivers from another union with their own members, thereby disrupting deliveries and construction projects. The defendants demurred and moved to quash, claiming the indictment was too vague and that the conduct was protected by the Clayton and Norris-LaGuardia Acts. The court overruled the demurrer and denied the motion, finding the indictment adequately detailed the conspiracy, its participants, timing, and unlawful means, and that the cited labor statutes did not shield the alleged direct restraint on commerce from Sherman Act liability.
