Mitchell v. King Packing Co., 350 U.S. 260 (1956)

Mitchell v. King Packing Co.

No. 39

Argued November 16-17, 1955
Decided January 30, 1956
350 U.S. 260

CERTIORARI TO THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS

FOR THE NINTH CIRCUIT

Syllabus

Knifemen employed in butchering and trimming meat in respondent’s meatpacking plant spend time each workday in sharpening the knives which they use in their work. Such knife sharpening is necessary for the proper performance of the work, and respondent requires it to be done outside the scheduled eight-hour shift of these employees, and provides a room and equipment for its accomplishment.

Held: this activity is a "principal," rather than a "preliminary" or "postliminary," activity, within the meaning of § 4(a)(2) of the Portal-to-Portal Act, and it is compensable under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Steiner v. Mitchell, ante, p. 247. Pp. 260-263.

216 F.2d 618 reversed and remanded.