Equal Employment Opportunity Commission v. Local 28 of the Sheet Metal Workers International Ass'n

**Court Orders Union to Set Aside Money for Discrimination Victims** This case involved Local 28 of the Sheet Metal Workers International Association, a union that had been found guilty of discriminating against workers in violation of their civil rights. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) sued the union because it had engaged in discriminatory practices that violated Title VII, the federal law that prohibits workplace discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The court ordered the union to place money in a special escrow account to pay back wages to union members who had been harmed by the discrimination. When the union challenged this requirement, arguing they shouldn't have to set aside these funds, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals disagreed and upheld the lower court's decision. **What this means for workers:** This ruling reinforces that unions, like employers, cannot discriminate against workers and must be held financially accountable when they do. When a union violates workers' civil rights, courts have the power to ensure victims receive compensation by requiring the union to set aside money specifically for back pay awards. This provides workers with greater assurance that they will actually receive the money they're owed when discrimination is proven.