International Longshoremen's Ass'n v. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

**Union's Right to Company Financial Information Limited** This case involved a dispute between the International Longshoremen's Association union and Nielsen Lithographing Company during contract negotiations. The union demanded that the company provide detailed financial records to support the company's position in bargaining. When Nielsen refused to hand over this information, the union filed a complaint claiming the company was engaging in unfair labor practices. The Supreme Court sided with the employer, ruling that companies are not required to provide detailed financial information to unions during contract negotiations unless the company specifically claims it cannot afford the union's demands. The Court found that Nielsen did not commit any unfair labor practices when it refused the union's request for financial records and then declared an impasse in negotiations, allowing the company to implement its proposed contract terms unilaterally. This ruling matters for workers because it limits unions' ability to access company financial information during contract negotiations. Unless an employer specifically pleads poverty or inability to pay, unions cannot force companies to open their books. This can make it harder for unions to evaluate whether an employer's contract offers are reasonable or to effectively advocate for better wages and benefits.