Section 29(8)
LABOR DISPUTE, Refusal to cross picket line, Picket line violence
CITE AS: Dynamic Manufacturers, Inc. v UCC, 369 Mich 556 (1963).
Appeal pending: No
Claimant: Vernon Mason
Employer: Dynamic Manufacturers, Inc.
Docket No: B60 2976 25478
SUPREME COURT HOLDING: Whether the refusal of claimants to cross the picket line disqualified them (for benefits) was a question for administrative, rather than judicial, determination.
FACTS: A labor dispute arose at employer's work place with immediate work stoppage and picketing. Claimants who were laid-off employees were recalled to work. Claimants reported to the work site but each was deterred from crossing the picket line by threats of violence and fear of personal harm.
DECISION: Claimants are not disqualified for benefits either for failure to accept suitable work or because of the existence of a labor dispute.
RATIONALE: Justice Souris - Concurring:
"The Referee and appeal board found as a fact that claimants refused to cross the picket line because of violence. That factual finding is not against the great weight of the evidence. Having so found, the Referee and appeal board correctly concluded that neither asserted disqualifying provisions of the Act was legally applicable."
11/90
NA