Chauffeurs, Teamsters, And Helpers, Local No.

391 V. TERRY 494 U.S. 558 (1990)

Facts

Terry (Ps) and other various members of the Teamsters Union, Local 391 (D), brought an action against D. This was after Ps filed a grievance with D, but D refused to refer the charged to the grievance committee. Ps sued D alleging a violation of D’s duty of fair representation. The complaint sought compensatory damages for lost wages and health benefits. Ps claimed that D did not represent them properly in a back-pay dispute and their suit, Ps sought compensatory damages for lost wages and health benefits. Ps requested a jury trial. D moved to strike on grounds that no right to a jury trial exists in a duty of fair representation suit. The district court denied D's motion, and the Fourth Circuit affirmed. The Supreme Court granted certiorari.