What Happened in Felix vs. Weber Metals Reconsideration?
This action was brought pursuant to subdivision 1 of section 340 of the General Business Law (the Donnelly Act) seeking injunctive relief and a penalty against the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association and its individual officers. The defendants, comprised of horse owners and trainers, sought to prevent the unionization of back-stretch employees and lobbied for a legislative pension plan. When their bill failed, members withdrew horses, causing significant racing cancellations and financial losses in 1969. The State commenced this action, alleging an illegal combination in restraint of trade, and a preliminary injunction was granted and affirmed. After a nonjury trial, the complaint was dismissed, which this appellate court affirmed. The court found concerted activity to boycott racing but disagreed with the trial court's finding of a 'labor dispute' exception and that the acts did not create a monopoly, asserting the Donnelly Act's applicability. However, the appellate court ultimately affirmed the dismissal of the complaint, concluding that an injunction was unwarranted due to the passage of time and the State's delay, and denied damages based on laches.