Norris v. Texas Employment Commission
Norris, an employee of Texaco, appealed the denial of unemployment benefits by the Texas Employment Commission (TEC) and the trial court. His unemployment stemmed from a seven-month strike by the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers (OCAW) union against Texaco following failed contract negotiations. Norris, observing picket lines, returned home and made no attempt to resume work, despite other employees crossing the lines. The TEC ruled his unemployment was due to a stoppage of work caused by a labor dispute, disqualifying him from benefits, a decision upheld by the district court under the substantial evidence rule. The appellate court affirmed, finding sufficient evidence to support the conclusion that Norris's unemployment was a claimant's stoppage of work and that he failed to make an unconditional offer to return to work, thus upholding his disqualification for unemployment benefits.