Seattle Opera v. National Labor Relations Board

**Seattle Opera v. National Labor Relations Board (2002)** Seattle Opera challenged a decision by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) about whether auxiliary choristers—part-time singers who perform in operas—should be considered employees with union rights. The Opera argued these performers were independent contractors, not employees, and therefore shouldn't be included in the union's bargaining unit. This distinction matters because only employees have the right to join unions and engage in collective bargaining. The court sided with the NLRB and against Seattle Opera. The judges ruled that auxiliary choristers are indeed employees under federal labor law, not independent contractors. This meant they had the right to be represented by the union and participate in collective bargaining for wages, benefits, and working conditions. The court ordered Seattle Opera to negotiate with the union on behalf of all choristers, including the auxiliary performers. This decision matters for workers in the arts and other industries because it reinforces that part-time or seasonal workers can still qualify as employees with union rights. Employers cannot simply label workers as "independent contractors" to avoid their obligations under labor law. The ruling helps protect workers' rights to organize and bargain collectively, even in non-traditional employment arrangements.