Hodgson v. Liquor Salesmen's Union, Local No. 2
The Secretary of Labor brought an action to set aside the January 9, 1970 election of officers for Liquor Salesmen’s Union, Local No. 2, and to order a new supervised election. The Secretary alleged violations of 29 U.S.C. § 481(g), specifically that the Union used its financed publication, "The Journal," to promote incumbent candidates and that an employer used company funds to influence the election. The court found that the Union's use of "The Journal" did violate § 481(g) and that this likely affected the election outcome, given the narrow margins of victory for incumbents. However, the court found no direct employer contribution to promote candidates. The court also rejected the defendant's First Amendment and vagueness challenges to § 481(g). Consequently, the court voided the election and ordered a new election under the Secretary's supervision.