Equal Employment Opportunity Commission v. Local 580

**Union Found in Contempt for Continuing Racial Discrimination** This case involved a construction union, Local 580 of the International Association of Bridge, Structural and Ornamental Ironworkers, and its training program that had been caught discriminating against workers based on race. In 1978, the union had agreed to stop these discriminatory practices through a court settlement. However, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission later accused the union of continuing to discriminate against minority workers in violation of that agreement. The federal appeals court ruled that the union had indeed violated the 1978 agreement and was in contempt of court for continuing racial discrimination in their apprenticeship and employment practices. The court upheld strong remedial measures, including appointing a Special Master to oversee the union's operations and ordering hearings to determine back pay for workers who had been discriminated against. This ruling matters for workers because it shows that courts will enforce anti-discrimination agreements and hold unions accountable when they continue illegal practices. It demonstrates that workers have legal protections against racial discrimination in union apprenticeship programs and employment opportunities, and that violations can result in compensation and ongoing court supervision.