United Ass'n of Journeymen & Apprentices of Plumbing & Pipefitting Industry of United States & Canada, Local Union No. 189 v. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

**What Happened** This case involved a dispute between a plumbers' union (Local Union No. 189) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The union challenged the EEOC's authority to investigate and take action against them for potential discrimination practices. Essentially, the union was arguing that the EEOC didn't have the power to regulate their activities or hold them accountable for discriminatory behavior. **What the Court Decided** The Supreme Court refused to hear the union's appeal, which meant the lower court's decision against the union remained in place. By denying the union's petition, the Court effectively upheld the EEOC's authority to investigate and take enforcement action against unions when discrimination is suspected. **Why This Matters for Workers** This ruling is significant because it confirms that unions cannot shield themselves from federal discrimination oversight. The decision strengthens workers' civil rights protections by ensuring that the EEOC can hold both employers and unions accountable for discriminatory practices. Workers who face discrimination from their own unions now have clearer recourse through federal agencies. This case helped establish that unions, despite representing workers, must still follow the same anti-discrimination laws that apply to employers.