Equal Employment Opportunity Commission v. Wood, Wire, and Metal Lathers Union, Local 11

**EEOC v. Wood, Wire, and Metal Lathers Union, Local 11 (1982)** This case involved allegations that the Wood, Wire, and Metal Lathers Union, Local 11 engaged in employment discrimination practices. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed a lawsuit against the union, claiming it violated federal anti-discrimination laws in how it treated workers or job applicants. The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the EEOC, upholding a lower court's decision that found the union had indeed committed employment discrimination violations. The court affirmed that the union's practices were illegal under federal employment law. This ruling is significant for workers because it demonstrates that labor unions—not just employers—can be held legally accountable for discrimination. While unions typically advocate for workers' rights, they must still follow federal anti-discrimination laws in their own practices, including membership decisions, job referrals, and training opportunities. The case reinforces that all workplace organizations, whether employers or unions, have a legal obligation to treat people fairly regardless of protected characteristics like race, gender, religion, or national origin. Workers can seek help from the EEOC if they face discrimination from any workplace entity, including their own union.