Painters District Council No. 58 et al v. RDB Universal Services, LLC et al
Filing
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MEMORANDUM AND ORDER (See Full Order) IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Plaintiffs Motion for Summary Judgment is hereby GRANTED in PART and DENIED in part. [ECF No. 48 ].IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Plaintiffs' Motion for Summary Judgment is GRANTED, on the issue of whether Defendant RDB Universal is bound to a Collective Bargaining Agreement as explained in the above memorandum. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Plaintiffs' Motion for Summary Judgment is GRANTED, finding Defendants Deloris Ber ry and Relder Berry are bound as individuals through the terms of the Guaranty referenced in the above memorandum. [ECF No. 49-13].IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Plaintiffs' Motion for Summary Judgment on Defendants counterclaims of tortious int erference and breach of contract are DENIED. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Plaintiffs Motion for Summary Judgment is GRANTED on Defendants' Relder Berry and Deloris Berry counterclaims of money had and received, and DENIED for Defendant RDB Univer sals counterclaim of money had and received. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Plaintiffs' Motion for Summary Judgment in all other respects relating to their claims is DENIED. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Defendants' Demand for a Trial by Jury is hereby DENIED. [ECF No. 34 ]. Signed by District Judge E. Richard Webber on 4/6/16. (EAB)
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF MISSOURI
EASTERN DIVISION
PAINTERS DISTRICT COUNCIL NO 58,
et al.,
Plaintiffs,
vs.
RDB UNIVERSAL SERVICES, LLC, et al.,
Defendants.
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Case No. 4:14CV01812 ERW
MEMORANDUM AND ORDER
This matter comes before the Court on Plaintiffs’ Motion for Summary Judgment pursuant
to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 56(a) and (c), and Defendants’ Demand for a Jury Trial.
I. BACKGROUND
Plaintiffs represent a multi-employer pension plan, welfare pension plans, a vacation plan,
an apprenticeship plan, and a labor organization. Plaintiff Painters District Council No. 58 (the
Union) is a labor organization within section 2(5) of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), 29
U.S.C. §152(5), representing employees in an industry affecting commerce, and is an employee
organization within the meaning of section 3(4) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
(ERISA), 29 U.S.C. §1002(4). [ECF No. 49 ¶ 1]. Plaintiffs the Painters Council No. 2 Pension
Trust (Pension Trust); Painters District Council No. 2 Welfare Trust (Welfare Trust); Painters
District Council No. 2 Vacation Trust (Vacation Trust); Painters District Council No. 2
Apprenticeship and Journeyman Training Trust (Apprenticeship Trust), collectively known as the
PDC Trusts, are all employee benefit plans under Section 3(3) and 502 (d)(1) of ERSIA. 29 U.S.C.
§§ 1002(3), 1132(d)(1). [ECF No. 49, ¶¶2-5].
1
Defendant RDB Universal Services, LLC, (RDB) is a general contracting company
licensed to do business in Missouri, and Defendants Relder Berry and Deloris Berry, collectively
the Berrys, are husband and wife, associated with RDB, with Deloris serving as President of RDB
Universal. [ECF No. 49, ¶5].
A. Undisputed facts for the purpose of Summary Judgment
While significant facts remain in dispute, the Court finds the following facts undisputed for
the purposes of this motion. Deloris Berry, acting as an agent for RDB, signed a collective
bargaining agreement (hereinafter the 2010 CBA) with the Union, and the Painting and Decorating
Contractors of America on (PDCA) on April 15, 2013. [ECF No. 49 ¶ 6]. The 2010 CBA’s initial
term expired on August 31, 2013. [ECF No. 49-4 at 27]. A second collective bargaining agreement
(the 2013 CBA), Plaintiffs purport is in effect between 2013-2016. [ECF No. 49 ¶ 6, No. 49-5].
The 2013 CBA is unsigned by either party, and Defendants deny being bound by it. [ECF No. 56 ¶
6, No. 49-5]. Both CBAs require RDB to pay certain contributions, based on the number of
employee work hours to be paid the PDC trusts, and to submit contribution report forms to the
Union. [ECF No. 49 ¶¶ 11-12]. RDB maintained some contractual relationship with the union until
at least October 30, 2015, when it notified the Union it was cancelling its contractual relationship.
[ECF No. 60 ¶ D13]. While the 2010 CBA was in effect, the Union was the exclusive bargaining
representative of RDB employees. [ECF No. 56 ¶ 9].
Some RDB employees performed bargaining unit work as described in the 2013 CBA.
[ECF No. 56 ¶ 8]. Both CBAs required RDB to make specific contributions to PDC trusts and
other union entities based on the number of hours worked by union employees. [ECF No. 49 ¶¶ 22,
23]. RDB submitted such reports up until the time of the lawsuit. [ECF No. 49 ¶ 21].
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Both CBAs require RDB to pay liquidated damages and attorneys’ fees in the event of a
breach. [ECF Nos. 56 ¶¶ 25, 26; 49-4; 49-5]. Both CBAs also bind RDB to the PDC trust
agreements. [ECF No. 56 ¶ 27]. RDB’s contributions to the PDC trust funds have been late, and at
times RDB was in arrears to the union. [ECF Nos. 56 ¶ 15; 56-4 ¶¶16-17].
Deloris Berry and Relder Berry, as individuals, each signed a document labeled “Guaranty
of Payment of Wages, Dues Remissions, Fringe Benefit Contributions and other miscellaneous
payments”, around the same time Deloris Berry signed the 2010 CBA. [ECF No. 56 ¶ 29]. Deloris
and Relder Berry do not have a contractual relationship with the PDC Trusts in their individual
capacities. [ECF No.49 ¶ 33]. At this time Deloris and Relder Berry individually have not paid any
amounts to Plaintiffs. [ECF No. 49 ¶ 31].
Plaintiffs hired Grabel, Schnieders & Hollman, PC to perform an audit of RDB’s earnings
records, payroll tax reports, cash disbursement records and payroll. Plaintiffs have the right to do
such an audit. [ECF No. 49 ¶¶ 28, 34]. Charles Kinder, a payroll auditor with the firm, performed
the audit after RDB provided documents, and Defendants were provided an opportunity to review
the audit. [ECF No. 49 ¶¶ 35, 38, Kinder Affidavit ¶ 2].
RDB entered into joint check agreements with the Union, where general contractors who
had hired RDB as subcontractors would pay union checkoff dues directly to the union. [ECF No.
60 ¶¶ D1, D2]. 1 RDB attempted to have its union employees agree to have certain amounts
withdrawn from their paycheck, in order to correct double payments mistakenly made to the union
employees and the PDC Trusts. [ECF No. 56 ¶ D7]. RDB stopped these attempts after Paige Lux,
1
Defendants did not submit a separate filing in order to submit their own statement of uncontroverted facts, and
instead submitted their facts at the end of their response to Plaintiffs’ Statement of Uncontroverted Facts. They did not
continue Plaintiffs numbering, but rather restarted the numbering of their facts at the number 1. To avoid confusion
between Plaintiffs’ and Defendants’ uncontroverted facts, Defendants facts will be labeled as D1-D13.
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the business manager for the Union, demanded RDB stop its attempts at repayment. [ECF No. 56 ¶
D9].
II. STANDARD OF REVIEW
Summary Judgment is proper only if there exists “no genuine issue as to any material fact”
and the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. Fed. R. of Civ. Proc. 56(c); Bores
v. Domino’s Pizza, LLC, 530 F3d 671, 674 (8th Cir. 2008). The burden of proof is on the party
moving for summary judgment, and all facts and reasonable inferences are to be viewed in the
light most-favorable to the non-moving party. Duluth, Winnipeg and Pacific Ry. Co. v. City of Orr,
529 F.3d 794, 797 (8th Cir. 2008). “Although the moving party has the burden of demonstrating the
absence of genuine issues of material fact, ‘the nonmoving party may not rest upon mere denials or
allegations, but must instead set forth specific facts sufficient to raise a genuine issue for trial.’”
Burchett v. Target Corp., 340 F.3d 510, 516 (8th Cir. 2003) quoting Rose-Maston v. NME Hosps.,
Inc., 133 F.3d 1104, 1107 (8th Cir.1998).
Material facts are determined by substantive law, and factual disputes which are irrelevant
or collateral do not preclude Summary Judgement. Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc. 477 U.S. 242,
248 (1986). A dispute is a genuine issue, where the evidence is such a reasonable jury could return
a verdict for the nonmoving party. Id. at 248.
III. DISCUSSION
Plaintiffs move for Summary Judgment on all claims, including Defendants’ counterclaims.
Plaintiffs’ have alleged claims for damages against RDB Universal, Relder Berry, and Deloris
Berry for damages resulting from a failure to pay unpaid fringe benefit contributions, union dues,
interest, liquidated damages, attorneys’ fees and costs. Defendants counterclaim for alleged double
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payments and make state law claims of money had and received, breach of contract, and tortious
interference with a contract or business expectancy.
A. Plaintiff’s claim for summary judgment on their claims for payments of unpaid
fringe benefit contributions, union dues, interest, liquidated damages, attorneys’
fees and costs.
Plaintiffs move for Summary Judgment on their claim, and argue summary judgment is
appropriate because: RDB is liable to the Plaintiffs on one of multiple theories of liability; Deloris
Berry and Relder Berry are personally liable through a guaranty agreement; Plaintiffs are entitled
to Summary Judgment for a certain amount of principal damages; Plaintiffs should be allowed to
submit a subsequent memorandum regarding other damages, such as attorneys’ fees; and finally,
Plaintiffs should be allowed to submit a subsequent memorandum on additional damages
discovered in subsequent audits. [ECF No. 50 at 4-10]. Defendants respond any damages are
inaccurate and unsubstantiated; there are issues relating to the execution and enforceability of the
CBAs; and Deloris Berry and Relder Berry do not have personal liability. [ECF No. 57 at 2-13].
1. RDB’s liability
Plaintiffs claim they are entitled to Summary Judgment on RDB’s liability in three separate
ways. First, Plaintiffs argue RDB is liable because it is bound to the CBA, which incorporates the
PDC trusts. [ECF No. 50 at 4-5]. Second, Plaintiffs contend RDB is liable for principal damages to
the PDC trusts through ERISA, and to the Union under the Labor Management Relations Act
(LMRA). [ECF No. 50 at 5-6]. Third, Plaintiffs assert RDB is liable for liquidated damages,
interest, attorneys’ fees and other costs on the principal obligation as applied to both the Union’s
claim and the PDC Trusts’ claim. [ECF No. 50 at 6-8]. In respect to RDB’s liability, Defendants
first argue the damages alleged are inaccurate and unsubstantiated, and seek to organize the
damages into audit amounts, post-audit amounts, liquidated damages, attorneys’ fees, and a
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damage summary. Defendants also argue the 2013 CBA is not binding, as issues exist to the
execution, existence and enforceability of that agreement. Plaintiffs respond to these arguments by
further asserting: RDB’s liability to the PDC trusts and the Union are established as a matter of
law; and there is no material dispute for liability under the 2013 CBA.
a. Liability of RDB under a CBA
Plaintiffs begin their claims by arguing RDB is liable to Plaintiffs because RDB is bound
by a CBA. Plaintiffs allege the Union and RDB negotiated the 2013 CBA, and although the 2013
CBA is unsigned, RDB has through their conduct and statements adopted the 2013 CBA. [ECF
No. 50 at 4-5]. Alternatively, Plaintiffs plead, even if RDB has not accepted the 2013 CBA, it is
still bound through the 2010 CBA through an evergreen clause present in the 2010 CBA. [ECF No.
61 at 3-6]. Defendants in their response argue, RDB has not substantially complied with the 2013
CBA, and as such has not accepted this agreement through their conduct; the 2013 CBA is void
because RDB, as an employer, may not contribute to a pension plan without a written agreement,
and the 2010 CBA has ended. RDB alleges it was within their rights to institute unilateral changes
to the terms and conditions of employment, as the 2010 CBA had lapsed. [ECF No. 57 at 11-12].
Plaintiffs reply, RDB is bound to the 2013 CBA through its own statements, and failure to
produce a signed 2013 CBA does not prevent an agreement from being reached; RDB is unable to
use a void defense under the jurisprudence of 29 USC § 1145; no CBA lapsed and cases cited by
RDB are inapplicable; and, finally, RDB is bound by the 2010 CBA, as other courts have
determined parties are bound by similar parties to CBAs on similar facts. [ECF No. 61 at 3-6].
First, Plaintiffs assert RDB accepted the 2013 CBA through their own conduct, by
completing and submitting contribution reports to the Plaintiff’s third party administrator
acknowledging the CBA, and these contribution reports showed RDB paid a new hourly rate
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present in the 2013 CBA. [ECF No. 50 ¶ 4]. Defendants respond, by pointing out Plaintiffs’
motion for summary judgment claims RDB does not comply with the CBA, did not submit
contribution reports, and did not pay the requested contributions. [ECF No. 56 ¶ 10].
Plaintiffs point out the United States Court for the Eastern District has previously found
Summary Judgment is appropriate on the issue of binding a company to a CBA where courts have
found paying increased fringe benefit contribution, and agreeing to language in computer software,
before submitting reports in a similar case. Carpenters’ Dist. Council of Greater St. Louis v.
Ortmann Stair Co., Inc., 4:08-cv-1288-DJS, 2009 WL 3763089 (E.D. Mo. Nov. 10, 2009). The
present case is distinguished, because in Ortmann Stair, Defendants did not respond to Summary
Judgment, and therefore no facts were in dispute. Here Defendants in their response to Summary
Judgment create genuine issues of material fact.
Plaintiffs also contend Defendants accepted the contract by submitting contribution report
forms to the third party administrator that stated “the preparation and submission of this report
evidence[s] our agreement to make contributions in accordance with the existing collective
bargaining agreement of the Painters District Council No. 2.” (emphasis added) [ECF No. 49-23 at
10-12]. The Court disagrees with this contention, although this language is evidence of an
agreement, it is not evidence of which collective bargaining agreement controls.
Plaintiffs next contend RDB is bound to the 2013 CBA through its own statements. RDB,
through its deposition, acknowledged it is bound to a CBA, although not necessarily the 2013
CBA. [ECF No. 56-3 at 20-22, 27-28; No. 49-17 at 4-5]. The Court is not persuaded by Plaintiffs’
argument RDB has assented to the agreement, merely because as part of the electronic payment
processes, it needed to submit reports. Multiple times, through its own statements, RDB has
affirmed it is bound to a CBA, or it received a copy of the CBA. [ECF No. 56-3 at 20-22, 27-28;
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No. 49-17 at 4-5]. All RDB has acknowledged, through its conduct and statements, is it is bound to
a CBA, not a specific CBA, as each reference does not mention the 2013 CBA. Based on these
facts, it appears a reasonable fact finder could determine a CBA is in effect, that it might be the
2010 CBA or it could conclude the 2013 CBA is in effect.
Plaintiffs for the first time in their reply brief, contend, even if Defendants did not agree to
2013 CBA, they are still liable under the 2010 CBA because of the evergreen clause in the 2010
CBA which continues the CBA from year to year until a new agreement is reached, or the current
agreement is disavowed in writing. [ECF No. 49-4 at 27]. “Where new evidence is presented in a
reply to a motion for summary judgment, the district court should not consider the new evidence
without giving the movant an opportunity to respond.” Sowers v. Gatehouse Media Missouri
Holdings, Inc., No. 4:08CV633 TIA, 2010 WL 1633389, at *2 (E.D. Mo. Apr. 22, 2010). It is
generally improper to raise a new argument in a reply brief. Fed. Trade Comm'n v. Neiswonger,
580 F.3d 769, 775 (8th Cir.2009).
While these arguments are disfavored, the court will allow this argument for two reasons.
First, the 2010 CBA was presented with Plaintiffs’ initial motion in support of summary judgment.
[ECF No. 49-4 at 27]. Second, the Defendants admit they have received this contract and are
bound to a collective bargaining agreement. However, the Court takes notice of the differences
between the 2010 CBA and the 2013 CBA, and determines summary judgment is improper on all
issues of damages as the two CBAs are different. Therefore, the Court concludes summary
judgement is not appropriate, as a reasonable fact finder could come to multiple outcomes in
regards to the effect of the 2013 CBA.
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Defendants also argue two defenses to the CBAs. Defendants argue the CBA is void, and
the CBA had lapsed, and therefore RDB was free to implement unilateral changes in conformity
with prior offers to the terms and conditions of employment. [ECF No. 57 at 10-11].
Defendants first argue the CBA is void, and as such does not bind them. Courts have held
many contract defenses provided at common law, are unavailable as defenses to a CBA, but a void
defense is still available. Benson v. Brower's Moving & Storage, Inc., 907 F.2d 310, 314 (2d Cir.
1990). A void contract is defined as “A contract that is of no legal effect, so that there is really no
contract in existence at all.” Black's Law Dictionary (10th ed. 2014). A contract may be void for
illegality. Kaiser Steel Corp. v. Mullins, 455 U.S. 72, 87 (1982). An employer’s required
contributions and the details of such a plan must be in writing under the Labor Management
Relations Act. 29 USC § 186(c)(5)(B); see Arroyo v. United States, 359 U.S. 419, 425-426 (1959)
(interpreting the LMRA to determine it is a criminal violation to contribute to a plan without a
written agreement).
Defendants misinterpret the law and are not entitled to a void defense. RDB signed the
2010 CBA incorporating the PDC trusts, and continued to submit contribution reports evidencing
an obligation to the CBA up until 2015. [ECF No. 60 at ¶ 40]. This is not an unwritten agreement
as discussed in Arroyo or the LMRA, and therefore the defense is inapplicable. Defendants may be
bound to the 2010 CBA, and while a reasonable fact finder may make multiple conclusions about
the 2013 agreement, there is a written CBA in place. It is not illegal for Defendants to continue to
contribute to the PDC trusts, and therefore a void defense here is inapplicable and Defendants
reliance on it is rejected.
Defendants next argue RDB was entitled to impose unilateral changes to the CBA in
conjunction with prior offers, as the CBA had lapsed. When an employer has bargained in good
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faith with a union to an impasse, it may institute unilateral changes to the CBA in conformity with
prior offers made to the union. NLRB v. Katz, 369 U.S. 736,745 (1962). In a lapsed CBA, the CBA
can be extended, but this does not mean the entire contract is extended. Gen. Warehousemen &
Emp. Union Local No. 636 v. J. C. Penney Co., 484 F. Supp. 130, 134 (W.D. Pa. 1980).
Defendants however have not set forth any allegations of fact, showing they bargained in
good faith with the union to an impasse. The only contention of fact, which might be considered an
attempt to bargain, was RDB’s attempts to recover its alleged double payments made in its
counterclaims. [ECF No. 56 at ¶D7-D9]. This alone is not the type of good faith bargaining
discussed in Katz or J.C. Penney Co., where union and employer representatives were meeting
with each other in order to renegotiate a CBA. Defendants have only made general allegations
about bargaining with the union to an impasse, and have not set forth a genuine dispute of a
material fact as required by Burchett. Burchett, 340 F.3d at 516. The Court will not conclude this is
a lapsed CBA, and the Court rejects Defendants contention.
In conclusion, the Court has determined a reasonable finder of fact, could make no other
conclusion, but that RDB Universal is a party to the 2010 CBA, as it signed the agreement, and its
action and statements evidence it is bound to a CBA. However, a reasonable finder of fact could
make multiple conclusions as to whether RDB was a party to the 2013 CBA, as its actions and
statements could be supportive of a 2013 CBA. As such, to the extent Plaintiffs’ motion asks for
summary judgment on its claim in regards to the 2013 CBA, it is denied.
b. Liability of RDB to Plaintiffs through a CBA for principal damages
Plaintiffs next claim RDB is liable for principal damages to the PDC Trusts and the Union
for unpaid contributions and unrecovered dues pursuant to the CBA. An employer bound to a CBA
shall make such contributions in accordance with the CBA, and a federal right of action exists,
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when a party fails to perform under ERISA. 29 U.S.C. § 1145; see also Cent. States, Se. & Sw.
Areas Pension Fund v. Indep. Fruit & Produce Co., 919 F.2d 1343, 1347-1348 (8th Cir. 1990).
The Union also has an independent claim against RDB for unrecovered dues pursuant to
the CBA. A Union has an independent claim for a breach of CBA. Agathos v. Starlite Motel, 977
F.2d 1500, 1509 (3d. Cir. 1992). For the purposes of summary judgment, a CBA is in effect, and
summary judgment on the effectiveness of the 2013 CBA is inappropriate for summary judgment.
A reasonable finder of fact may make other conclusions as to whether the 2013 CBA is in effect.
Although the Court has determined there is a genuine dispute of material fact over which CBA is
in effect, the Court has determined a CBA is in effect. Both the 2010 and the 2013 CBA
incorporate the PDC Trusts, and require RDB to submit due remittances to the Union. Therefore,
while the Court recognizes a CBA is in effect, the Court denies Summary Judgment on specific
damages, as the specific CBA in effect is still a genuine issue of material fact in dispute.
2. Deloris Berry and Relder Berry’s individual liability on the basis of the
Guaranty.
Plaintiffs claim Deloris and Relder Berry are both personally liable as individuals for the
debts and liability of RDB based on a guaranty signed on April 15, 2013. [ECF No. 50 ¶ 8].
Defendants’ response argues the guaranty is ambiguous and parol evidence is required to
determine the true intent of the Berrys making summary judgment inappropriate on this claim.
[ECF No. 57 at 12-13]. Plaintiffs’ reply contends cases Defendants wish to show creating an
ambiguity are not relevant, and ambiguity is a matter of law the Court can and should address at
this point and time. [ECF No. 61 at 6-7].
Under Missouri Law to establish an enforceable guaranty, Plaintiffs must show:
“(1) that the defendant executed the guaranty, (2) that the defendant
unconditionally delivered the guaranty to the creditor, (3) that the creditor, in
reliance on the guaranty, thereafter extended credit to the debtor, and (4) that
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there is currently due and owing some sum of money from the debtor to the
creditor that the guaranty purports to cover.”
ITT Commercial Fin. Corp. v. Mid-Am. Marine Supply Corp., 854 S.W.2d 371, 382 (Mo.
1993) (citing Linwood State Bank v. Lientz, 413 S.W.2d 248, 256 (Mo.1967)). “The contract of
guaranty must be construed strictly according to its terms, and no stretching or extension of its
terms can be indulged in order to hold the guarantor liable on his guaranty.” Zoglin v. Layland, 328
S.W.2d 718, 721 (Mo. Ct. App. 1959) (citing Bank of Slater v. Harrington, S.W. 496, 496 (1924)).
Where an ambiguity exists within the contract, parol evidence is admissible to determine the intent
of the parties. Bank of Kirksville v. Small, 742 S.W.2d 127, 133 (Mo. 1987). The determination of
whether language is ambiguous is a question of law, and summary judgment is only appropriate
when the language is ambiguous on its face. Anderson v. Curators of Univ. of Missouri, 103
S.W.3d 394, 399 (Mo. Ct. App. 2003). To test if an ambiguity exists, the disputed language, in the
context of the entire agreement, must be susceptible to multiple meanings as understood by a
reasonable person. Klonoski v. Cardiovascular Consultants of Cape Girardeau, Inc., 171 S.W.3d
70, 73 (Mo. App. E.D.2005). The ambiguity must come from the four corners of the contract, and
ambiguity cannot be created with the use of extrinsic evidence. ATC Co. v. Myatt, 389 S.W.3d 732,
735 (Mo. Ct. App. 2013) (citing Teets v. American Family Mutual Ins. Co., 272 S.W.3d 455, 462
(Mo. App. E.D.2008)).
It is undisputed, Deloris and Relder Berry each signed a document labeled “Guaranty of
Payment of Wages, Dues Remissions, Fringe Benefit Contributions and Other Miscellaneous
Payments.” [ECF No. 56 at ¶ 29]. The Union relied on the Guaranty to become a signatory to the
CBA and extend credit. [ECF No. 56 at ¶ 30]. RDB is delinquent to the Plaintiffs, and RDB has
not satisfied RDB’s breach. [ECF No. 56 at ¶ 31]. While both parties dispute the amount of
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Defendants’ liability, both parties acknowledge Defendants have some liability to Plaintiffs. [ECF
No. 60 at ¶D12].
Defendants argue the guaranty is ambiguous and parol evidence is required to determine
the parties’ intent. Defendants argue the use of the following terms are broad and ambiguous: “all
existing and future indebtedness…”, “various Trust Funds”, “any subsequent collective bargaining
agreements”, and “any state local or federal law.” [ECF No. 57 at 12]. Defendant cites U.S. Suzuki
Motor Corp. v. Johnson, 673 S.W.2d 105, 107 (Mo. App. 1984), where the term “indebtedness”
was held to be broadly defined in a guaranty and thus subject to ambiguity. [ECF No. 57 at 13].
Plaintiffs contend Defendants’ cited cases are not relevant, and even if the Court requires extrinsic
evidence, any evidence Defendants might submit is already present in the record. [ECF No. 61 at
7]. Plaintiffs also respond Defendants’ intention is an unsupported assertion, not creating a genuine
issue of material fact, and therefore not appropriate for summary judgment. [ECF No. 61 at 6].
Before reviewing the disputed contract language, the Court examines the entire guaranty in
order to determine its purpose. [ECF No. 49-13]. The title of the document clearly states the
document is guarantee of certain payments, and the preamble states: “The undersigned owners of
the Company believe it is [their] best interests and in the best interests of the Company to
guarantee the Company’s obligations and payments pursuant to the collective bargaining
agreement.” Id. Defendants cite three phrases, they contend are ambiguous, but do not provide any
support for why these terms are ambiguous other than blanket statements the terms are “vague and
broad.” The Court disagrees, and does not find these terms to be vague, and as a result there is no
ambiguity in the terms provided by Defendants. Defendants also argue the phrase “indebtedness”
is ambiguous, and provide more extensive argument, which the Court will further address.
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Defendants argue “indebtedness” is ambiguous because past courts have held indebtedness
to be overly broad, and cites U.S. Suzuki Motor Corp., 673 S.W.2d at 107. In U.S. Suzkuki Motor
Corp., the term “indebtedness” was ambiguous, because the indebtedness was subsequently
assigned to a third party, and the guaranty was intended to be a series of continuing transactions
between the two contracting parties. Id. This present case is distinguished, for two reasons: first,
here the only one party looking to enforce the guaranty is a contracting party; and secondly, the
guarantee specifies the indebtedness, stating: “all existing and future indebtedness of the Company
to Union, its members and the Trust Funds.” [ECF No. 49-13 at 2]. As such, this Court finds the
Guaranty is unambiguous and parol evidence is not required to determine the parties’ intent.
The Guaranty the Berrys signed is unambiguous, and the Court holds the Guaranty
establishes Deloris and Relder Berry have guaranteed payment for obligations pursuant to the 2010
CBA, or any future CBAs between the parties.
3. Damages for Plaintiffs’ claim
Plaintiffs contend they are entitled to Summary Judgment on damages, and characterize
their damages into categories of: audit damages; post-audit damages; and liquidated damages,
attorneys’ fees, costs, and other reasonable damages.
Plaintiffs also request they should be allowed to submit a supplemental memorandum to
detail, the amount of interest, attorney’s fees and costs owed, and an additional memorandum with
further damages, pending the results of their most recent audit of Defendants. [ECF No. 50 at 10].
Defendants contend damages are inaccurate and unsubstantiated, arguing: the audit procedures
were inadequate, not independent, post-audit damages double counted damages from the audit
period, and are not substantiated by evidence; liquidated damages pleadings do not contain enough
information, attorney’s fees are inappropriate because the CBA is unenforceable and Plaintiffs’
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hands are unclean; and finally, the damages are not supported by reliable evidence. [ECF No. 57 at
4-9]. Plaintiffs reply argues as a matter of law, liquidated damages, interest, costs and attorneys’
fees are mandatory on all principal obligations claimed and awarded to the PDC Trusts; damages
are appropriately calculated through the use of affidavits, Defendants do not present specific facts
creating a dispute; Plaintiffs’ damages are more than adequately asserted, and the audit is reliable
and uncontested. [ECF No. 61 at 9-11].
a. Audit Damages.
Plaintiffs begin their argument over damages with the contention they are entitled to
Summary Judgment against RDB for damages from the audit submitted by Grabel Schneiders &
Hollman, P.C. [ECF No. 50 at 9]. Defendants’ response is the audit procedures were not
independent, the audit was improper in its scope, and the audit does not include a payment made
prior to the filing of the summary judgment motion. [ECF No. 61 at 4-5]. Plaintiffs reply in
arguing the evidence presented is sufficient for the Court to make a judgment on damages, and the
Defendants did not raise specific material facts to create a genuine dispute under FRCP 56(c)(1).
Additionally, Plaintiffs refute Defendants contention there was work to be excluded under the
CBA, as oral promises to disregard CBA text is not a defense, and the only person with the
authority to exclude work did not exclude work. [ECF No. 61 at 11-12].
The audit is based on the wage rate in “the collective bargaining agreement,” and the Court
has determined the existence of a particular CBA is a matter of genuine factual dispute. [ECF No.
49-2 at 2]. In addition to the CBA, Defendants also point out assumptions to which they disagree
and assumptions not supported by uncontested facts, such as: audit procedures and the inclusions
of non-union employees. [ECF No. 49-2]. Defendants also argue the procedures are inadequate,
citing limitations of the procedures and the stated purpose of the audit. [ECF No. 57 at 4].
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Defendants further list specific facts they wish to dispute, including specific portions of the audits
disclosure statements. They believe they can shed light on the audit’s lack of independence. [ECF
No. 57 at 4].
Defendants contend damages are inappropriate because the audit includes projects which
were subject to exclusion from the audit, through an oral agreement. Oral modifications are not a
defense to a CBA. Cent. States, Se. & Sw. Areas Pension Fund v. Gerber Truck Serv., Inc., 870
F.2d 1148, 1153 (7th Cir. 1989). Here Defendants present no evidence of any written agreement
excluding certain work from the audit, which would preclude summary judgment. While
Defendants are entitled to all reasonable inferences of fact, they must place specific facts in
dispute, and must have more than just general allegations. Burchett, 340 F.3d at 516. Defendants
have not placed any specific facts in dispute in regards to a written exclusion. The Court
determines Defendants are liable for any damages which are the result of work they aver is
excluded from the CBA, as such exclusions are improper.
Defendants have placed specific facts in dispute, and this is more than a general denial. As
the enforcement of the 2013 CBA remains a genuine issue of material dispute, calculating damages
from an audit, based on the 2013 CBA is inappropriate for Summary Judgment.
b. Post – Audit damages
Plaintiffs assert they are entitled to post-audit damages based on contribution reports
submitted by RDB. [ECF No. 50 at 9-10]. Defendants’ response contends the post-audit section of
damages includes, six months of damages of time included by the audit, and claim Plaintiffs have
not presented enough evidence to support Summary Judgment. [ECF No. 57 at 6]. Plaintiffs reply
the post – audit damages specifically, do not include audit damages, and Plaintiffs post-audit
damages are specifically pled. [ECF No. 61 at 13]. The Court notes, much of the evidence received
16
on post-audit damages is based on the 2013 CBA; and as the enforcement of 2013 CBA is a matter
of material dispute, damages resulting from it would not be appropriate for summary judgment.
Further as the audit is contention, determining judgments for just the time period after the audit
seems disingenuous. Therefore, the Court denies summary judgment on this issue.
c. Liquidated Damages, interest, attorneys’ fees, and reasonable costs
Plaintiffs go on to claim ERISA and the CBA allow the PDC trusts to recover interest,
liquidated damages, attorneys’ fees, reasonable accounting fees, and other relief prescribed by law;
and the Union is entitled to the above damages as a result of section 4 of the CBA under a LMRA
breach of contract claim. [ECF 57 at 6]. Defendants contend Plaintiffs should not be entitled to an
award of liquidated damages because they have not established the minimum requirements.
Under 29 U.S.C. 1132(g)(2) of ERISA, attorneys’ fees, liquidated damages, and costs are
all authorized when applied to the PDC Trusts claim. In an LMRA breach of contract claim, the
goal of awarding damages is to put the parties in the position as if there had been no breach. The
Union’s claim for special damages is not required by law, but instead by contract. Fire Sprinklers,
Inc. v. Icon Contracting, Inc. 279 S.W.3d 230, 235 (Mo. App. 2009).
“Subsection 1132(g)(2)(C)(ii) is the liquidated damages provision. It applies when (1) the
fiduciary obtains a judgment in favor of the plan, (2) unpaid contributions exist at the time of suit,
and (3) the plan provides for liquidated damages.” Idaho Plumbers & Pipefitters Health & Welfare
Fund v. United Mech. Contractors, Inc., 875 F.2d 212, 215 (9th Cir. 1989). A party can recover
liquidated damages on unpaid contributions, if the contributions were unpaid at the time the suit
was filed. Carpenters & Joiners Welfare Fund v. Gittleman Corp., 857 F.2d 476 (8th Cir.1988).
Other district courts have interpreted this not to bar recovery of liquidated damages related to
contributions that became delinquent after the suit was filed. See Trustees of Minn. Ceramic Tile &
17
Allied Trades Ret. Fund v. Legacy Tile & Marble, Inc., No. CIV. 06-2965 JNE/SRN, 2008 WL
624120, at *4 (D. Minn. Mar. 4, 2008).
The Court declines to enter summary judgment on this issue as there is a genuine dispute of
material fact on which CBA applies, thus preventing the Court from giving a judgment on
principal damages. Further, as the Court does not know which of the CBAs is in effect, it cannot
award LMRA breach of contract claim, without knowing the identity of the language to apply.
B. Defendants’ Counterclaims of money had and received, breach of contract, and
tortious interference with a contract of business expectancy.
Plaintiffs argue they are entitled to summary judgment on each of Defendants’
counterclaims: a claim of money had and received, a claim of breach of contract, and a claim of
tortious interference, as no Defendant can maintain a cause of action for any claim, and ERISA
and NLRA preempt the claim of tortious interference. Defendants’ response argues, ERISA does
not preempt their counterclaim as the claims do not “relate to any employee benefit plan,” courts
allow for a federal common law action in restitution, and the lapsed CBA allowed RDB to institute
unilateral changes. [ECF No. 57]. Plaintiffs reply Defendants have not met their burden to plead
and show lack of justification, the claims against the PDC Trusts are pre-empted by the ERISA,
and if the Court finds RDB is not bound by a CBA, each claim is preempted as a labor dispute
under NLRA. [ECF No. 61 at 7-8].
1. ERISA preemption analysis of Defendants tortious interference of contract or
business expectancy claim
Before the Court analyzes the merits of any claim, there must be a determination of
whether the claims are preempted under ERISA. Plaintiffs argue the claims are preempted as they
not relate to an employee benefit plan. [ECF No. 50 at 17]. Defendants contend while their claim
18
does not relate to any the employee benefit plans, but instead it relates to tortious actions or
omissions of agents of the Plaintiffs. [ECF No. 57 at 14].
Under § 1144(a), ERISA preempts any state law claim which “relates to” any employee
benefit plan. See 29 U.S.C. §1144(a). A “law ‘relate[s] to’ a covered employee benefit plan for
purposes of § 514(a) if it [1] has a ‘connection with’ or [2] ‘reference to’ such a plan.” California
Div. of Labor Standards Enf't v. Dillingham Const., N.A., Inc., 519 U.S. 316, 324 (1997) (quoting
Shaw v. Delta Air Lines, Inc., 463 U.S. 85, 96-97 (1983)). State law claims need not specifically
refer to employee benefit plans in order to be preempted; nor do the claims need to be designed to
affect benefit plans. Pilot Life Ins. Co. v. Dedeaux, 481 U.S. 41 at 47–48 (1987). Some state
actions involving ERISA are too tenuous or remote to warrant a finding they relate to an ERISA
plan, and examples have included torts committed by an ERISA plan. Bannister v. Sorenson, 103
F.3d 632, 635 at (8th Cir. 1996) (finding some ERISA plans such as unpaid rent, failure to pay
creditors, or some torts are not pre-empted by ERISA).
The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals has determined seven factors in order to analyze whether a
claim is preempted
“(1) whether the state law negates an ERISA plan provision, (2) whether the state
law affects relations between primary ERISA entities, (3) whether the state law
impacts the structure of ERISA plans, (4) whether the state law impacts the
administration of ERISA plans, (5) whether the state law has an economic impact
on ERISA plans, (6) whether preemption of the state law is consistent with other
ERISA provisions, and (7) whether the state law is an exercise of traditional state
power.”
Shea v. Esensten, 208 F.3d 712, 718 (8th Cir.2000) (quoting Ark. Blue Cross & Blue Shield v. St.
Mary's Hosp., Inc., 947 F.2d 1341, 1344-45 (8th Cir.1991)). Courts must look at the totality of the
state law’s impact on the ERISA plan, and no one factor is determinative on the pre-emption issue.
Ark. Blue Cross & Blue Shield, 947 F.2d at 1344-45.
19
The Court begins its analyses of whether tortious interference of contract or business
expectancy is preempted by ERISA, by analyzing the factors the Eight Circuit provided in Ark.
Blue Cross & Blue Shield. The Court notes, neither Plaintiffs nor Defendants cited this case, and
many of the parties arguments are not directly on point.
The first factor the court addresses is “whether the state law negates an ERISA plan
provision.” Plaintiffs argue in favor of preemption because under 29 U.S.C. §1104, ERISA
requires plan fiduciaries to discharge their duties to the plan for the purposes of providing benefits
to plan participants and defraying the costs of plan administration. [ECF No. 50 at 17]. Courts have
held this requires fiduciaries must consider the appropriateness of legal action to recover plan
assets, although they do not need to institute a lawsuit in every instance. Herman v. Mercantile
Bank, N.A., 137 F.3d 584, 587 (8th Cir. 1998), as amended on clarification (Apr. 2, 1998) see also
Holdeman v. Devine, 572 F.3d 1190, 1193-4 (10th Cir. 2009). “ERISA clearly assumes that
trustees will act to ensure that a plan receives all funds to which it is entitled, so that those funds
can be used on behalf of participants and beneficiaries, and that trustees.” Cent. States, Se. & Sw.
Areas Pension Fund v. Cent. Transp., Inc., 472 U.S. 559, 571 (1985). Defendants argue these
claims, do not relate to the plan directly but rather to the tortious actions of their agents, alleging
Plaintiffs contacted general contractors and told these general contractors not to pay RDB for
amounts owed, until the Union discrepancy was paid. [ECF No. 57 at ¶D10]. Plaintiffs’ alleged
actions are within their fiduciary duties as fiduciaries of the PDC trusts and within the realm of the
defendants claim. Since Plaintiffs’ actions were part of an attempt to recover unpaid benefits and
was within their duties as fiduciaries of the benefit plans, in an attempt to recover monies due to
the plans, these actions relate to the benefit plans. As such this factor is in favor of preemption.
20
The second and third factors of “whether the state law affects relations between primary
ERISA entities” and “whether the state law impacts the structure of ERISA plans”, will be
addressed together. These two factors are treated alike. Ark. Blue Cross & Blue Shield, 947 F.2d at
1346. Primary ERISA entitles are “the employer, the plan, the plan fiduciaries, and the
beneficiaries.” Id. This is a suit between the employer and companies, and imposes constraints on
their relationships. See Thrailkill v. Amsted Indus. Inc., 102 F. Supp. 2d 1129, 1134 (W.D. Mo.
2000) (finding when state law claims not affecting the benefit plan were still weighed in favor of
preemption on this factor, because they were brought against a primary ERISA entity). Therefore
these factors are in favor of preemption.
The fourth factor is “whether the state law impacts the administration of ERISA plans.”
This factor weighs in favor of preemption as well. This is not a run of the mill tort suit or one
where Defendants are seeking to recover unpaid rents, or past dues, as such suits would be preempted. Mackey v. Lanier Collection Agency & Serv., Inc., 486 U.S. 825, 833 (1988). This,
instead, alleges a tort, directly relating to the plans ability to recover unpaid dues thus affecting the
administration of the plans. As it affects the administration of the plans, this weighs slightly in
favor of preemption.
The fifth factor to address is “whether the state law has an economic impact on ERISA
plans.” This factor weighs against preemption, although only slightly. Further an indirect economic
influence, such as paying damages for a tort, does not bind an ERISA plan into any particular
choice, thus regulating the plan. New York State Conference of Blue Cross & Blue Shield Plans v.
Travelers Ins. Co., 514 U.S. 645, 646 (1995). An economic impact has been found where the
requested relief would involve payments to an employee stock ownership plan. Eckelkamp v.
Beste, 315 F.3d 863, 870 (8th Cir. 2002). Case law on the analysis of this factor is sparse, and a
21
decision allowing tortious interference claims for past dues would have an effect, on the plans as it
limit the plans and their trustees from taking appropriate action for recovery of past dues, but the
economic effect would likely be indirect, and does not bind any ERISA plan into a particular
choice, as it only bars certain actions. This factor weighs slightly in favor of nonpreemption.
The sixth factor to address is “whether preemption of the state law is consistent with other
ERISA provisions.” Where there are no relevant portions of ERISA consistent or inconsistent with
the state tort at issue, this factor does not support a finding of preemption or nonpreemption. See
Wilson v. Zoellner, 114 F.3d 713, 719 (8th Cir. 1997) (finding where the Court cannot say
preemption would be inconsistent with or directly contrary to any relevant provisions of ERISA
the factor did not support preemption or nonpreemption). ERISA requires a number of fiduciary
duties of trust administrators as seen in 29 U.S.C. 1103(c)(1) and further specified in 29 U.S.C.
1104(a). However, the court does not, believe there is any specific provision of ERISA inconstant
with or directly contrary to the tort, and thus this factor does not support preemption or
nonpreemption.
The seventh and final factor to address is “whether the state law is an exercise of traditional
state power.” This factor weighs against preemption. The state cause of action involves
adjudicating tort claims in its courts, and Missouri has long recognized the tort of tortious
interference with contract or business relations. See Wilson, 114 F.3d at 719–720. 718. Prudential
Ins. Co. of Am. v. Doe, 46 F. Supp. 2d 925, 936 (E.D. Mo. 1999). Accordingly this factor weighs in
favor of nonpreemption.
In reviewing all of the factors, the factors weigh is in favor of preemption, and Defendants
tortious interference of business or contract expectancy claim is therefore preempted, and denied.
As the court has determined ERISA preempts claims of tortious interference the Court declines to
22
address the merits of Defendants’ claim of Tortious Interference. Accordingly, the court will grant
Plaintiffs’ Summary Judgment motion denying Defendants’ claims of tortious interference of
contract or business expectancy.
2. NLRA preemption analysis of Defendants’ claim of tortious interference of
contract or business expectancy
Plaintiffs argue NLRA’s exclusive jurisdiction over labor disputes preempts RDB’s claim,
since a labor dispute existed throughout the time the alleged double payments were made. [ECF
No. 50 at 17]. Defendants do not address NLRA preemption in their response, and Plaintiffs’ reply
restates its arguments from its motion in support in summary judgment.
“Labor dispute” is defined in the NLRA as “any controversy concerning terms, tenure or
conditions of employment, or concerning the association or representation of persons in
negotiating, fixing, maintaining, changing or seeking to arrange terms or conditions of
employment, regardless of whether the disputants stand in proximate relation of employer and
employee.” 29 U.S.C. § 152(9). “The definition of labor dispute under the NLRA is very broad and
“rarely have courts found concerted union activities to fall outside this broad definition.” Beverly
Hills Foodland, Inc. v. United Food & Commercial Workers Union, Local 655, 39 F.3d 191, 195
(8th Cir. 1994) (citing Hasbrouck v. Sheet Metal Workers Local 232, 586 F.2d 691, 694 n. 3 (9th
Cir.1978)).
The dispute over past due union contributions and check off fees can be seen as a labor
dispute, as the contributions and check off fees are a condition of employment, especially
considering the broad definition of labor dispute under the NLA. As such, Defendants claim of
tortious interference, to the extent the claim is not preempted by ERISA is preempted by the
NRLA.
3. Defendants’ money had and received claim
23
Plaintiffs argue no Defendant can maintain a cause of action for a claim of money had and
received. Defendants argue a federal common law claim of restitution is appropriate similar to 29
U.S.C. § 1103(c)(2)(A)(ii). Plaintiffs reply such a claim is inappropriate because Defendants have
not pled restitution is inequitable. [ECF No. 61 at 8].
For a claim of money had and received a party under Missouri Law “must establish the
following elements: (1) that the defendant received or obtained possession of the plaintiff's money;
(2) that the defendant thereby appreciated a benefit, and (3) that the defendant's acceptance and
retention of the money was unjust. ” Kohrs v. Family Support Div., Missouri Dep't of Soc. Servs.,
407 S.W.3d 85, 87-88 (Mo. Ct. App. 2013) (quoting School Dist. of Kansas City, Missouri v.
Missouri Bd. of Fund Comm'rs, 384 S.W.3d 238, 272 (Mo.App. W.D.2012)).
The law permits plan benefit trusts to return contributions made as a mistake of fact or law,
if the contributions are requested to be returned within a timely manner. 29 U.S.C. § 1103 (2016).
Federal courts have also created a common law action for restitution of mistaken payments made
to an ERISA Plan. Greater St. Louis Const. Laborers Welfare Fund v. Park-Mark, Inc., 700 F.3d
1130, 1135 (8th Cir. 2012). Several circuits have also allowed a federal common law action for
restitution, after parties have sought a state law restitution claim. UIU Severance Pay Trust Fund v.
Local Union No. 18-U, United Steelworkers of Am., 998 F.2d 509, 512 (7th Cir. 1993). However,
parties requesting a refund must show restitution is “equitable under the circumstances,” and the
Eight Circuit has previously used the following as factors in determining if restitution is equitable:
(1) are unauthorized contributions the sort of mistaken payments that equity
demands be refunded? (2) has the Union delayed bringing this action for so long
that laches, or some other equitable defense, bars recovery? (3) in the same vein,
has the Union, by continuing the payments for years without apparent question,
somehow ratified past payments? and (4) since the Fund has agreed that it is not
entitled to keep the disputed amount in any event, can the Union demonstrate that
the party from whom it seeks payment would be unjustly enriched if recovery were
denied?
24
Park-Mark, Inc., 700 F.3d at 1135. Where affidavits concluded the employer made payments for
hours worked outside of the scope of the CBA, a mistake of fact was found. Id.
a. Relder Berry and Deloris Berry’s cause of action as individual defendants
The Plaintiffs first argue Deloris Berry and Relder Berry cannot maintain a cause of action,
as no Plaintiff ever received or obtained any of Deloris or Relder Berry’s monies as a double
payment of vacation pay or check off dues. [ECF No. 50 at 13]. Defendants do not dispute this fact
in their opposition brief, and do not provide or produce any facts which show there is a genuine
dispute as to this issue. Therefore, there is no genuine issue of material fact, and summary
judgment is proper in denying Relder Berry and Deloris Berry’s claim for Summary Judgment.
b. RDB’s claim of federal restitution
Plaintiffs also maintain RDB is unable to maintain a cause of action for money had and
received, as the amount was used for the intended purposes, RDB did not meet the required trust
contribution return dates, and restitution from the trusts would be inequitable. [ECF No. 50 at 13].
Defendants assert courts have allowed a right of action for overpayment under ERISA, despite
ERISA’s tight requirements of a shorter window. [ECF No. 57 at 15]. Plaintiffs’ response is these
claims are pre-empted by NLRA, and even if they are not pre-empted restitution is inequitable and
should not be granted. [ECF No. 61 at 8].
A federal claim of restitution requires a mistake of law or fact, leading to the overpayment
of monies due in ERISA, and it must be equitable to return the money. Park-Mark, Inc., 700 F.3d
at 1135. RDB made overpayments in the amount of about $25,000, paying the same amount once
to the PDC Trusts, and once directly to its employees. [ECF No. 60 at ¶D7]. RDB properly pleads
the first step in alleging a federal common law claim for restitution in alleging a mistake of law or
fact existed, by alleging it paid both the PDC trust funds and its individual employees the same
25
amount of money, or at the very least a genuine issue of material fact exists over whether a mistake
of law or fact occurred. RDB also alleges it was tortious and thus inequitable for Plaintiffs to
thwart their attempts to have the money returned to them by the funds or the individual employees.
Plaintiffs allege restitution is inequitable as RDB intended to submit these payments to the
PDC trusts, and the money submitted was the correct amount, and used for its intended purpose.
[ECF No. 50].
The Court now begins its analyses of the factors in Park-Mark, Inc. in order to determine if
restitution is equitable. The first factor is: “are unauthorized contributions the sort to mistaken
payments that equity demands be refunded?” The contributions made are the sort of mistaken
payments that equity demands to be refunded, as RDB has allegedly paid both the PDC trusts and
individual employees. RDB is not seeking a windfall, and has attempted to recover the monies
already through its employees. This factor weighs in favor of the Defendants.
The second factor is “has the Union delayed bringing this action for so long that laches, or
some other equitable defense, bars recovery?” RDB has also not delayed in bringing this action,
and prior to litigation tried a number of different methods to recover the monies, from either its
employees or the funds itself. [ECF No. 60 at ¶¶D7-D8]. RDB has not delayed in attempting to
recover the monies, and therefore this factor weighs in favor of the Defendant.
The third factor is has RDB, “by continuing the payments for years without apparent
question somehow ratified past payments?” RDB upon determining the mistake, immediately
ceased the payments, so it cannot be said RDB ratified the mistake in any fashion. [ECF No. 60 at
¶D9]. This factor weights in favor of the Defendants, as Defendants have not somehow ratified the
payments with past payments.
26
The fourth factor is can RDB “demonstrate that the party from whom it seeks payment
would be unjustly enriched if recovery were denied?” Plaintiffs contend it is inequitable to return
the money to Defendants as the money they were paid was the correct amount of money and it was
used for the intended recipients. [ECF No. 61 at 8]. It appears the party whom is unjustly enriched,
is not the PDC trusts or the Union, from whom recovery is sought, but rather the individual Union
members. However, if an employer makes a contribution that causes an employee to realize or
enjoy a benefit, then that employer is not entitled to a refund. UIU Severance Pay Trust Fund v.
Local Union No. 18—U, United Steelworkers of Am., 998 F.2d. 509, 549 (7th Cir.1993) (citing
Constr. Indus. Ret. Fund of Rockford, Ill. v. Kasper Trucking, Inc., 10 F.3d 465, 467 (7th
Cir.1993)). This factor weighs in favor of the Plaintiffs, as they are not being unjustly enriched.
An analysis of the factors, could show, in total, it is equitable to require Plaintiffs to return
the money to defendants. Based on this a reasonable finder of fact could determine, Defendants
have a claim, and as such summary judgment is inappropriate.
4. Defendants’ claim of breach of contract
Plaintiffs next argue they are entitled to Summary Judgment on Defendants’ claim for
breach of contract, because neither the Berrys’ nor RDB can maintain a cause of action.
Defendants do not address this claim in their opposition motion to Summary Judgment.
To establish a claim for breach of contract in Missouri, the claimant must demonstrate:
“‘(1) a contract between the plaintiff and the defendant; (2) rights of the plaintiff and obligations of
the defendant under the contract; (3) breach of the contract by the defendant; and (4) damages
suffered by the plaintiff.’” Amburgy v. Express Scripts, Inc., 671 F. Supp. 2d 1046, 1055 (E.D. Mo.
2009) (citing Teets v. American Family Mut. Ins. Co., 272 S.W.3d 455, 461 (Mo.Ct.App.2008).
a. Relder Berry and Deloris Berry’s claim as individuals
27
Plaintiffs allege neither Deloris nor Relder Berry are able to maintain a cause of action for
breach of contract because they are not parties to the collective bargaining agreement as
individuals, nor are they third party beneficiaries to the CBAs at issue. Defendants did not address
this claim in their opposition motion for summary judgment.
The Berrys as individuals are unable to maintain a cause of action for breach as the Berrys
have not mentioned specifically which contract they intend to state is in breach. The Counterclaim
only mentioned one contract, the collective bargaining agreement, and Defendants have admitted
the collective bargaining agreement does not apply to the Berrys as individuals. [ECF No. 65 at
P7]. As such the claim of breach of contract fails at its outset as the contract is not between the two
contracting parties, and the Court will grant Plaintiffs’ Summary Judgment on this claim and deny
Deloris Berry and Relder Berry’s claim for breach of contract.
b. RDB’s claim of breach of contract
Plaintiffs next allege RDB cannot maintain a cause of action for breach of contract because
there are no allegations RDB was unpaid or suffered a pecuniary loss, and the allegations in its
counterclaim says the same monies were allegedly doubly paid, and Plaintiffs interfered with the
business relationship of Defendants and third parties which employed Defendants. [ECF No. 50 at
16]. Defendants did not specifically address Plaintiffs arguments in their memorandum opposing
summary judgment.
RDB in its counterclaim pled Plaintiffs breached a contract by retaining money, and by
committing tortious acts against Defendants. Defendants’ allegations, do not show how the
contract only was breached, rather alleged only tortious actions, and there is no allegation RDB
was unpaid or that RDB suffered a pecuniary loss as a result of the breach of contract. This is only
a general allegation which does not defeat Summary Judgment, as it has not placed any specific
28
facts in dispute. Burchett, 340 F.3d 510 at 516. As such the Court determines, RDB has not made a
breach of contract claim, and Plaintiffs Summary Judgment motion is granted.
C. Defendants Demand for a Trial by Jury
Defendants have also made a demand for trial by jury of Plaintiffs’ Complaint and Defendants’
Counter Claim. [ECF No. 34]. Defendants did not file a demand for jury trial along with a
response to their initial answer filed on December 12, 2014, and first demanded a jury trial on June
11, 2015 when they filed a motion for leave to file a counterclaim.
Under FRCP Rule 38, a party’s Seventh Amendment right to a jury trial is waived, unless they
make a demand within 14 days after the last pleading at issue is served. Once the right is waived,
the right is revived only as to new issues. Williams v. Farmers & Merchants Ins. Co., 457 F.2d 37,
38 (8th Cir. 1972). Defendants, did not raise any counterclaims in their initial answer, nor do they
address the issues now raised in their counterclaim. [ECF No. 12]. Therefore, Defendants right to a
jury trial is revived on any triable issues in their counterclaims.
Defendant’s sole remaining claim is RDB’s claim of money had and received against the
Plaintiffs. The right to a jury trial under the seventh amendment depends on the nature of the issue
to be tried. In re Vorpahl, 695 F.2d 318, 322 (8th Cir. 1982). RDB’s action is essentially an action
for restitution, an equitable remedy for which there is no Seventh Amendment right to trial. Crews
v. Cent. States, Se. & Sw. Areas Pension Fund, 788 F.2d 332, 338 (6th Cir. 1986) (holding the
right to a jury trial was denied for an action of mistaken contributions under 29 U.S.C.
§1103(c)(2)(A)). Therefore, Defendants do not present a new claim to which a right to jury trial
exists, and Defendants demand for jury trial is properly denied.
29
IV. CONCLUSION
The Court has determined summary judgment is inappropriate on Plaintiffs’ claims; while
Defendants are bound to a CBA, it is a genuine dispute of material fact, if they are specifically
bound to the 2013 CBA. As Defendants are bound to a CBA, they are liable for unpaid principal
amounts. Further, as such the Court cannot determine damages as part of this summary judgment
motion. The Court has determined as a matter of law that the Guaranty signed by Deloris Berry
and Relder Berry binds them as individuals to any liability of RDB Universal. The Court also has
determined Summary Judgment is appropriate on each of the Defendants’ counterclaims, except
RDB Universal’s claim for money had and received, as a federal restitution claim. Finally, the
Court denies Defendants demand for a jury trial on its remaining claim of money had and received,
as it is an equitable remedy for which there is no right to trial.
Accordingly,
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Plaintiffs Motion for Summary Judgment is hereby
GRANTED in PART and DENIED in part. [ECF No. 48].
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Plaintiffs’ Motion for Summary Judgment is
GRANTED, on the issue of whether Defendant RDB Universal is bound to a Collective
Bargaining Agreement as explained in the above memorandum.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Plaintiffs’ Motion for Summary Judgment is
GRANTED, finding Defendants Deloris Berry and Relder Berry are bound as individuals through
the terms of the Guaranty referenced in the above memorandum. [ECF No. 49-13].
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Plaintiffs’ Motion for Summary Judgment on
Defendants’ counterclaims of tortious interference and breach of contract are DENIED.
30
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Plaintiffs’ Motion for Summary Judgment is
GRANTED on Defendants’ Relder Berry and Deloris Berry counterclaims of money had and
received, and DENIED for Defendant RDB Universal’s counterclaim of money had and received.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Plaintiffs’ Motion for Summary Judgment in all other
respects relating to their claims is DENIED.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Defendants’ Demand for a Trial by Jury is hereby
DENIED. [ECF No. 34].
So Ordered this 6th Day of April, 2016.
E. RICHARD WEBBER
SENIOR UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE
31
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