Justia Federal District Court Opinions

Terry G. Martin appeals from a judgment on the pleadings, on statute of limitations grounds, in his suit against his employer and the labor union representing him, alleging that his discharge violated a collective bargaining agreement and the union's duty of fair representation. The trial court, relying on United Parcel Service, Inc. v. Mitchell, 451 U.S. 56, 101 S.Ct. 1559, 67 L.Ed.2d 732 (1981), held that the action was barred by the thirty-day statute of limitations in 42 Pa.Cons.Stat.Ann. Sec. 7314(b) (Purdon 1982). Martin v. Pullman Standard, 538 F.Supp. 1174, 1176 (W.D.Pa.1982). While Martin's appeal was pending, the Supreme Court overruled United Parcel Service, Inc. v. Mitchell, holding that the six-month period for filing unfair labor practice charges in section 10(b) of the National Labor Relations Act, 29 U.S.C. Sec. 160(b) (1976), was the appropriate limitations period for suits such as his. DelCostello v. International Brotherhood of Teamsters, --- U.S. ----, 103 S.Ct. 2281, 2285-94, 76 L.Ed.2d 476 (1983).

Martin's grievance was withdrawn by the union on April 13, 1981, and the present action commenced on October 15, 1981, or 185 days thereafter.

Martin contends, however, that the statute of limitations should have been tolled until the Union informed him, sometime in May of 1981, that the grievance was withdrawn. The trial court did not decide the tolling question because even if the action had been tolled until May, the thirty-day Pennsylvania time bar still would govern. 538 F.Supp. at 1176. In DelCostello the Supreme Court remanded for further proceedings in identical circumstances. --- U.S. at ----, 103 S.Ct. at 2294. We conclude that that course is appropriate here as well.

The judgment appealed from will be reversed and the case remanded for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.