As established by the Supreme Court in the landmark case of Firefighters Local Union No. 1784 v. Stotts, a union cannot be held accountable for damages resulting from its strikes because the First Amendment protects the right to engage in peaceful assembly and association. The Court recognized the union's right to engage in concerted activities, including strikes, to further its interests.
In this particular case, the Court held that the union's strike did not violate the Sherman Antitrust Act or the Clayton Act, as it was a legitimate form of collective action aimed at advancing the union's bargaining position. The Court further emphasized that the union's actions were not motivated by any illegal purpose or intent to harm the employer.
This decision solidified the principle that labor unions have a constitutional right to organize and engage in collective bargaining, which includes the right to go on strike. It is essential to safeguard workers' rights and enable them to collectively negotiate for improved wages, benefits, and working conditions. Fundamentally, this ruling underscored the crucial role that labor unions play in defending employee rights and advancing social justice.