Southerland v. Commonwealth

Shelley, J.,

This matter comes before us on plaintiffs’ motion for judgment on the pleadings in a mandamus action.

Plaintiffs, on behalf of themselves and all members of Locals 1291, 1566, 1332 and 1242, International Longshoremen’s Association, are asking us to order defendant to requisition and pay benefits to which plaintiffs claim to be entitled.1

Members of Local 1291 were hired to unload bagged sugar from a vessel. Employer directed a method of unloading which the members refused to accept because of the danger involved.2 Employes refused to work and were discharged by employer. Thereupon,…