Glacier Northwest v. International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Glacier Northwest v. International Brotherhood of Teamsters is a case about whether companies can sue union organizers in state court for destruction of property during a labor strike. Glacier Northwest filed a lawsuit in state court to hold striking cement truck drivers responsible for loss of cement when the drivers left their trucks running. The Teamsters believe that the company filed the suit in retaliation for a labor strike that is legal under the National Labor Relations Act. The case is one of the more important cases this term because it could have profound implications for workers’ rights.
If Glacier Northwest wins, it will be much easier for companies to file lawsuits and stop lawful protests and strikes by workers.
If the Teamsters win, lawsuits like this would be preempted by federal law, making it easier for workers to strike.