Theatre Techniques, Inc. v. United Scenic Artists Local 829 of Brotherhood of Painters & Allied Trades
This case addresses an application by the defendants, United Scenic Artists, Local 829, seeking clarification of a prior court order. The defendants requested a finding that the status of their designer members as independent contractors is irrelevant to the ongoing litigation, which involves antitrust claims. The plaintiff alleges that these designer members, who are independent contractors, effectively control the Local and conspired with New York City scenic shops to restrict the scenery construction market, thereby violating the Sherman Act. The court denied the defendants' specific request for clarification, ruling that the status of the designer members is indeed relevant to determining the Local's eligibility for labor exemptions under antitrust laws. This decision emphasizes that a union's antitrust immunity can be jeopardized if it is found to be controlled by independent businessmen pursuing anticompetitive objectives, and the issue of the designers' status is to proceed to trial.