Local 336, Am. Fed'n of Musicians, Afl-Cio, & Diane Martin v. Augustus Bonatz, T/a Aiebon Inn, 475 F.2d 433 (3rd Cir. 1973). · Go Syfert
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Local 336, Am. Fed'n of Musicians, Afl-Cio, & Diane Martin v. Augustus Bonatz, T/a Aiebon Inn, 475 F.2d 433 (3rd Cir. 1973). Cases Citing This Book View Copy Cite
“even on the record must clearly establish that after jurisdiction was challenged the plaintiff had an opportunity to present facts by affidavit or by deposition, or in an evidentiary hearing, in support of his jurisdictional contention.”
55 citation events (13 in the last 25 years) across 19 distinct courts.
Strongest positive: Liberty Mutual Insurance v. Ward Trucking Corp. (ca3, 1995-02-24)
Treatment trajectory · 1973 → 2026 · click a year to view as-of
1973 1999 2026
Statutes interpreted (leading-cases list)
#7 29 U.S.C. § 101-15 cited 1× in this case · 49 total citations of statute
Top citers, strongest first. 34 distinct citers. How cited ↗
examined Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Liberty Mutual Insurance v. Ward Trucking Corp.
3rd Cir. · 1995 · signal: see · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
even on the record must clearly establish that after jurisdiction was challenged the plaintiff had an opportunity to present facts by affidavit or by deposition, or in an evidentiary hearing, in support of his jurisdictional contention.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Yangjiang Xinhe Houseware Co., Ltd. v. Telebrands Corp.
D. Del. · 2026 · confidence medium
Fed’n of Musicians, AFL-CIO v. Bonatz, 475 F.2d 433, 436 (3d Cir. 1973) (court must give plaintiff notice and an opportunity to present facts in support of his jurisdictional contention); see also Davis v. Wells Fargo, 824 F.3d 333, 346 (3d Cir. 2016) (“When a factual challenge [to jurisdiction] is made, ‘the plaintiff will have the burden of proof that jurisdiction does in fact exist,’ and the court ‘is free to weigh the evidence and satisfy itself as to the existence of its power to hear the case.’” (quoting Mortensen v. First Fed.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Bautista v. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
D.V.I. · 2020 · confidence medium
Berardi v. Swanson Mem'l Lodge No. 48 of the Fraternal Order of Police, 920 F.2d 198, 200 (3d Cir. 1990) (quoting Local 336, American Federation of Musicians, AFL–CIO v. Bonatz, 475 F.2d 433, 437 (3d Cir. 1973)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Tektel, Inc. v. United States
Fed. Cl. · 2013 · confidence medium
Fed’n of Musicians, AFL-CIO v. Bonatz, 475 F.2d 433, 437 (3d Cir.1973)); McNutt, 298 U.S. at 189 , 56 S.Ct. 780 (“If [the plaintiffs] allegations of jurisdictional facts are challenged by his adversary in any appropriate manner, he must support them by competent proof.”).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Mendez v. Government of the Virgin Islands
virginislands · 2012 · confidence medium
Fed’n of Musicians v. Bonatz, 475 F.2d 433, 437 (3d Cir. 1973) (holding that party asserting jurisdiction must be given an opportunity to be heard before dismissal is ordered).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Banks v. United States
Fed. Cl. · 2011 · confidence medium
Serv., 846 F.2d 746, 748 (Fed.Cir.1988) (citing, inter alia, Local 336, American Federation of Musicians v. Bonatz, 475 F.2d 433, 437 (3d Cir.1973)).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Three Keys, Ltd. v. SR Utility Holding Co.
D.N.J. · 2006 · confidence medium
American Federation of Musicians v. Bonatz, 475 F.2d 433, 437 (3d Cir.1973).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Barrett v. Nicholson (2×)
Fed. Cir. · 2006 · confidence medium
Fed’n of Musicians v. Bonatz, 475 F.2d 433, 437 (3d Cir. 1973); Harmon v. Superior Court, 307 F.2d 796 , 797 (9th Cir. 1961).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Ruggiero v. United States
M.D. Penn. · 2005 · confidence medium
Fed’n of Musicians, AFL-CIO v. Bonatz, 475 F.2d 433, 437 (3d Cir.1973).
cited Cited as authority (rule) McCulloch v. Velez-Malave
1st Cir. · 2004 · confidence medium
Fed’n of Musicians v. Bonatz, 475 F.2d 433, 437-38 (3d Cir.1973); see also 5A Charles Alan Wright & Arthur R.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) C. David Beidleman v. The Stroh Brewery Company
3rd Cir. · 1999 · confidence medium
However, "the existence of an agreement between a labor organization and an employer is, for Section 301 purposes, a jurisdictional fact." Local 336, American Federation of Musicians v. Bonatz, 475 F.2d 433, 437 (3d Cir. 1973).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Beidleman v. Stroh Brewery Co.
3rd Cir. · 1999 · confidence medium
However, "the existence of an agreement between a labor organization and an employer is, for Section 301 purposes, a jurisdictional fact." Local 336, American Federation of Musicians v. Bonatz, 475 F.2d 433, 437 (3d Cir.1973).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Jama v. United States Immigration & Naturalization Service
D.N.J. · 1998 · confidence medium
But ‘the record must clearly establish that after jurisdiction was challenged the plaintiff had an opportunity to present facts by affidavit or by deposition, or in an evidentiary hearing, in support of his jurisdictional contention.’ ” Id. (quoting Local 336, American Fed. of Musicians, AFL— CIO v. Bonatz, 475 F.2d 433, 437 (3d Cir.1973)); accord Tanzymore v. Bethlehem Steel Corp., 457 F.2d at 1323 .
discussed Cited as authority (rule) James Suber v. Chrysler Corporation v. Kontinental Koaches, Inc., A/K/A and D/B/A Kontinental Konversions, Third-Party Chrysler Corporation, Third-Party
3rd Cir. · 1997 · confidence medium
We have also held that "the record must clearly establish that after jurisdiction was challenged the plaintiff had an opportunity to present facts by affidavit or by deposition, or in an evidentiary hearing, in support of his jurisdictional contention." Berardi v. Swanson Memorial Lodge No. 48 of the Fraternal Order of Police, 920 F.2d 198, 200 (3d Cir.1990) (quoting Local 336, American Federation of Musicians, AFL-CIO v. Bonatz, 475 F.2d 433, 437 (3d Cir.1973)); see also 5A Charles Alan Wright & Arthur R.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Suber v. Chrysler Corporation
3rd Cir. · 1997 · confidence medium
We have also held that “the record must clearly establish that after jurisdiction was challenged the plaintiff had an opportunity to present facts by affidavit or *584 by deposition, or in an evidentiary, hearing, in support of hi& jurisdictional contention.” Berardi v. Swanson Memorial Lodge No. 48 of the Fraternal Order of Police, 920 F.2d 198, 200 (3d Cir.1990) (quoting Local 336, American Federation of Musicians, AFL-CIO v. Bonatz, 475 F.2d 433, 437 (3d Cir.1973)); see also 5A Charles Alan Wright & Arthur R.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Shepherdson v. Local Union No. 401 of International Ass'n of Bridge Structural & Ornamental Ironworkers
E.D. Pa. · 1993 · confidence medium
When a court raises the issue of its subject matter jurisdiction, the plaintiff must have “an opportunity to present facts by affidavit or by deposition, or in an evidentiary hearing, in support of [her] jurisdictional contention.” Local 336, American Fed. of Musicians, AFL-CIO v. Bonatz, 475 F.2d 433, 437 (3d Cir.1973).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Hood v. Smith's Transfer Corp.
W.D. Ky. · 1991 · confidence medium
Fed. of Musicians v. Bonatz, 475 F.2d 433, 437 (3d Cir.1973).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Arthur Berardi v. Swanson Memorial Lodge No. 48 of the Fraternal Order of Police
3rd Cir. · 1990 · confidence medium
But “the record must clearly establish that after jurisdiction was challenged the plaintiff had an opportunity to present facts by affidavit or by deposition, or in an evidentiary hearing, in support of his jurisdictional contention.” Local 336, American Federation of Musicians, AFL-CIO v. Bonatz, 475 F.2d 433, 437 (3d Cir.1973); see also Neiderhiser v. Borough of Berwick, 840 F.2d 213, 216 (3d Cir.1988).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Karen S. Reynolds v. Army and Air Force Exchange Service
Fed. Cir. · 1988 · confidence medium
Fed’n of Musicians v. Bonatz, 475 F.2d 433, 437 (3d Cir.1973); Harmon v. Superior Court, 307 F.2d 796 , 797 (9th Cir.1962).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In re Asbestos School Litigation
E.D. Pa. · 1985 · signal: cf. · confidence medium
Cf. Local 336 v. Bonatz, 475 F.2d 433, 437 (3d Cir.1973) (after jurisdiction is challenged, the plaintiff must have opportunity to present facts by affidavit, deposition, or in an evidentiary hearing); Strick Corporation v. A.J.F.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Anand Prakash v. American University (2×)
D.C. Cir. · 1984 · confidence medium
Fed’n of Musicians v. Bonatz, 475 F.2d 433, 437 (3d Cir.1973); Cooper v. United States Penitentiary, 433 F.2d 596, 597 (10th Cir.1970). 39 .
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Debora D. Gordon v. National Youth Work Alliance (2×)
D.C. Cir. · 1982 · confidence medium
Fed’n of Musicians v. Bonatz, 475 F.2d 433, 437 (3d Cir. 1973); Cooper v. United States Penitentiary, 433 F.2d 596, 597 (10th Cir. 1970); see also Weisman v. LeLandais, 532 F.2d 308 , 309 n.3 (2nd Cir. 1976). .
cited Cited as authority (rule) National Distillers & Chemical Corp. v. Department of Energy
D. Del. · 1980 · confidence medium
Federation of Musicians AFL-CIO v. Bonatz, 475 F.2d 433, 437 (C.A.3, 1973); Groh v. Brooks, 421 F.2d 589, 594-95 (C.A.3, 1970).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Holman v. Carpenter Technology Corp.
E.D. Pa. · 1980 · confidence medium
Support for defendant’s position may be derived from áffidavits, depositions and sworn documents filed by the parties from which the Court can examine and evaluate all relevant factors and surrounding circumstances, Land v. Dollar, 330 U.S. 731 , 735 n. 4, 67 S.Ct. 1009, 1010 , 91 L.Ed. 1209 (1947), Gibbs v. Buck, 307 U.S. at 71-72 , 59 S.Ct. at 728-729 , KVOS, Inc. v. Associated Press, 299 U.S. 269, 278 , 57 S.Ct. 197, 200 , 81 L.Ed. 183 (1936), McNutt v. General Motors Acceptance Corp., 298 U.S. at 184-90 , 56 S.Ct. at 782-85 , Wetmore v. Rymer, 169 U.S. 115, 120-21 , 18 S.Ct. 293, 295 , …
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Sheila Payne, Next Best Friend of Franklin Payne, a Minor v. Government of the District of Columbia (2×)
D.C. Cir. · 1977 · confidence medium
Fed’n of Musicians v. Bonatz, 475 F.2d 433, 437-438 (3d Cir. 1973); Georgia A. & F. Ry. v. Atlantic Coast Line R.R., 373 F.2d 493, 497-498 (5th Cir.), cert. denied, 389 U.S. 851 , 88 S.Ct. 69 , 19 L.Ed.2d 120 (1967); Cohen v. Cahill, 281 F.2d 879, 880-881 (9th Cir. 1960); Cooper v. United States Penitentiary, 433 F.2d 596, 597 (10th Cir. 1970). .
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Gulf Oil Corp. v. Copp Paving Co. (2×)
SCOTUS · 1974 · confidence medium
Land v. Dollar, 330 U. S. 731 , 735 n. 4 (1947), and cases cited; Local 336, American Federation of Musicians v. Bonatz, 475 F. 2d 433, 437 (CA3 1973).
discussed Cited "see" Liberty Mutual Insurance Company v. Ward Trucking Corp.
3rd Cir. · 1995 · signal: see · confidence high
See Local 336, American Federation of Musicians, AFL-CIO v. Bonatz, 475 F.2d 433, 437 (3d Cir.1973) ("Even on [issues of jurisdictional fact] the record must clearly establish that after jurisdiction was challenged the plaintiff had an opportunity to present facts by affidavit or by deposition, or in an evidentiary hearing, in support of his jurisdictional contention.") (emphasis supplied); Prakash v. American Univ., 727 F.2d 1174, 1179-80 (D.C.Cir.1984) ("When subject matter jurisdiction is questioned, the court must, of course, satisfy itself of its authority to hear the case, and in so doin…
discussed Cited "see" Lessmann v. General President Intern. Broth. of Teamsters
6th Cir. · 1990 · signal: see · confidence high
See Local 336, American Federation of Musicians, AFL-CIO v. Bonatz, 475 F.2d 433, 437 (3d Cir.1973); Miller v. United States, 530 F.Supp. 611 , 616 n. 3 (E.D.Pa.1982). 9 Having provided Lessmann with adequate time to conduct discovery, we conclude the district court properly dismissed her suit for lack of jurisdiction for the reasons stated by it in its opinion. 10 Accordingly, the motion for miscellaneous relief is hereby denied and the district court's judgment is hereby affirmed pursuant to Rule 9(b)(5), Rules of the Sixth Circuit. * The Honorable David D.
cited Cited "see" Neiderhiser v. Borough of Berwick
3rd Cir. · 1988 · signal: see · confidence high
See Local 336, American Fed. of Musicians, AFL-CIO v. Bonatz, 475 F.2d 433, 437 (3d Cir.1973); Prakash v. American University, 727 F.2d 1174, 1179-80 (D.C.Cir.1984).
cited Cited "see" Neiderhiser v. Borough of Berwick
3rd Cir. · 1988 · signal: see · confidence high
See Local 336, American Fed. of Musicians, AFL-CIO v. Bonatz, 475 F.2d 433, 437 (3d Cir.1973); Prakash v. American University, 727 F.2d 1174, 1179-80 (D.C.Cir.1984).
cited Cited "see" International Association of MacHinists & Aerospace Workers v. Northwest Airlines, Inc.
3rd Cir. · 1982 · signal: see · confidence high
See Local 336, American Fed. of Musicians v. Bonatz, 475 F.2d 433, 437-38 (3d Cir. 1973). 11 Under these circumstances the district court’s task was clear.
cited Cited "see" Strick Corp. v. A. J. F. Warehouse Distributors, Inc.
E.D. Pa. · 1982 · signal: see · confidence high
See Local 336, American Federation of Musicians v. Bonatz, 475 F.2d 433, 437 (3d Cir. 1973); Boysen v. Treadway Inn, supra, at 98; Selman v. Harvard Medical School, supra, at 610.
discussed Cited "see" Sea-Land Service, Inc., a New Jersey Corporation, and Harrington & Company, Inc. v. International Longshoremen's Association of New York, New York
5th Cir. · 1980 · signal: see · confidence high
So much clearly is assumed both under the United States Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C.A. §§ 9-13 (West 1970); see Local 336, American Federation of Musicians v. Bonatz, 475 F.2d 433, 435 (3d Cir. 1973), and the federal common law.
discussed Cited "see, e.g." Bradley v. Crow Tribe of Indians (2×)
Mont. · 2003 · signal: see also · confidence medium
The court must, however, afford the nonmoving party "an ample opportunity to secure and present evidence relevant to the existence of jurisdiction." Prakash, 727 F.2d at 1179 -80 (quoting Gordon v. National Youth Work Alliance (D.C.Cir.1982), 675 F.2d 356, 363 ) (other citations omitted); see also Local 336, American Fed. of Musicians, AFL-CIO v. Bonatz (3rd Cir.1973), 475 F.2d 433, 437 ("[W]e have never departed from the rule that even on such *311 an issue the record must clearly establish that after jurisdiction was challenged the plaintiff had an opportunity to present facts by affidavit o…
Retrieving the full opinion text from the archive…
LOCAL 336, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF MUSICIANS, AFL-CIO, and Diane Martin, Appellants,
v.
Augustus BONATZ, T/A Aiebon Inn, Appellee
72-1057.
Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
Mar 9, 1973.
475 F.2d 433
Bernard N. Katz, Warren J. Borish, Meranze, Katz, Spear & Bielitsky, Philadelphia, Pa., Philip G. Steel, Steel & Steel, Camden, N. J., for appellants., Jack W. Tapper, Dimon, Haines & Bunting, Mt. Holly, N. J., for appellee.
McLaughlin, Gibbons, Weis.
Cited by 50 opinions  |  Published

OPINION OF THE COURT

GIBBONS, Circuit Judge.

This is an appeal by the plaintiffs, Local 336, American Federation of Musicians, AFL-CIO, (the local union) and Diane Martin (the leader) from an order dismissing their complaint in the district court for want of jurisdiction. The defendant Augustus Bonatz t/a Aiebon Inn, (the employer) is the proprietor of a cocktail lounge in Florence, New Jersey where occasionally he provides musical entertainment for his customers. The local union is an unincorporated association functioning as a labor union of musicians, with its principal office in Burlington, New Jersey. The leader is a member of the local union who resides in Willingboro, New Jersey. In the complaint the local union and the leader assert federal jurisdiction solely by virtue of Section 301 of the Labor-Management Relations Act of 1947. 29 U.S.C. § 185. They allege that on December 15, 1967, they and the employer entered into a labor contract, a copy of which is attached to the complaint as Exhibit A, pursuant to which the employer engaged the musical services of the leader and two other undesignated members of the local union for two evenings a week for thirteen weeks beginning January 5, 1968; that the labor contract contained a clause providing for binding arbitration of disputes before the International Executive Board of the American Federation of Musicians; that a dispute arose and was submitted to arbitration by the local union and the leader; and that an award was made by the arbitrators in favor of[*435] the local union and the leader, to which award the employer refuses to abide. They seek a judgment enforcing the award, with interest and counsel fees. The employer filed an answer which admits the jurisdictional allegation, admits the execution of “a labor contract . . Exhibit A” and asserts four separate defenses:

“FIRST DEFENSE
The complaint fails to state a claim against defendant upon which relief can be granted. [1]
SECOND DEFENSE
Plaintiff breached the contract and thereby waived any rights under the contract which she may have had.
THIRD DEFENSE
Defendant is riot bound by the arbitration agreement of the American Federation of Musicians in that there was no appearance by defendant.
FOURTH DEFENSE
The arbitration agreement is void as being against public policy in that there is a clear conflict-of-interest in having the defendant judged by that organization of which the plaintiff is a member.” (footnote added).

It is clear that the pleadings do not traverse federal jurisdiction. The plaintiffs moved, pursuant to rule 56, Fed.R.Civ.P., for summary judgment. In support of this motion they established by affidavit the execution of Exhibit A, the existence of a dispute, the submission of that dispute to the designated arbitrators, notice to the employer that the arbitration panel would proceed, the default by the employer after such notice and opportunity to participate, the impartiality of the arbitration panel and the award. No answering affidavits were filed.

When the motion for summary judgment came on for argument the district court, sua sponte, raised the issue of the court’s jurisdiction under § 301, After a brief colloquy, the court ruled that Exhibit A was a simple contract between an employer and an employee, that no labor organization was a party to the agreement, and that the federal court lacked jurisdiction to enforce the arbitration award resulting from such a contract. No opportunity was afforded the local union or the leader to establish any further jurisdictional facts.

We reverse.

The federal district courts have jurisdiction under Section 301 of the Labor-Management Relations Act of 1947 not only to compel contract arbitration of labor contracts but also to enforce arbitration awards made pursuant to such contracts. 9 U.S.C. § 9; General Drivers Local 89 v. Riss & Co., 372 U.S. 517, 83 S.Ct. 789, 9 L.Ed.2d 918 (1963) (per curiam); Philadelphia Marine Trade Association v. Longshoremen’s Local 1291, 365 F.2d 295 (3rd Cir. 1966). Thus, dismissal sua sponte pursuant to rule 12(b), Fed.R.Civ.P., may be sustained here only if no facts which the local union and the leader might prove would bring Exhibit A within the coverage of § 301 as an agreement between a labor organization and an employer.

Exhibit A is the standard so-called Form B contract used by locals of the American Federation of Musicians, AFL-CIO, for many years throughout the country for musical engagements of a transitory nature. It covers employment in what the musicians refer to as the club date field, as distinguished from employment by the few regular and long term purchasers of music such[*436] as symphonic orchestras, network broadcasters, opera societies and theatres. The appellants contend that had they been given the opportunity, in support of the pleaded jurisdictional allegation they would have been able to establish:

(1) The greatest number of musical engagements are in the club date field, and that orchestra leaders, sub-leaders and sidemen perform in that field and elsewhere interchangeably wherever work is available.
(2) Musician union members agree not to accept employment except pursuant to a contract in a form issued by the American Federation of Musicians, and that Exhibit A is one such form contract.
(3) There is no arrangement in the club date field, which includes thousands of occasional employers of musicians, for prehire contracts (Cf. 29 U.S.C. § 158(f), applicable to the construction industry), but a separate contract is entered into for each engagement.
(4) An orchestra leader negotiating with a club date employer for a musical engagement has authority to act on behalf of the local union of which he is a member and on behalf of the sidemen who will participate in the engagement with him in the making of a Form B contract, and the leader in this case was so authorized.

The nature of the music industry and the operation of the Form B contract are set forth in considerable detail in American Federation of Musicians v. Carroll, 391 U.S. 99, 88 S.Ct. 1562, 20 L.Ed.2d 460 (1968). That case holds that the Federation’s enforcement of the requirement that its member-leaders use the Form B contract for club dates fell within the protection of the Norris-LaGuardia Act, 29 U.S.C. §§ 101-15, and outside the reach of the Sherman Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 1-7. Since the exemption in the Norris-LaGuardia Act for allowable union activity probably is broader than the district court jurisdiction conferred in § 301, Carroll is not dispositive of the ultimate issue whether a Form B agreement is covered by that section. But Carroll clearly belies the assumption of the district court that Form B (Exhibit A) is a mere employment contract in which the local union has no interest. If the local union establishes the facts which it has represented (which, the briefs suggest, probably will not be seriously disputed) a § 301 jurisdictional finding seems highly likely.

For example, the local union proposes to establish that its leader-member had actual and apparent authority to bind it when she executed a Form B contract with the employer. Her authority to so act is determined, under the Labor-Management Relations Act, by ordinary agency principles. 29 U.S.C. § 185(b), (e). See e. g., Barefoot v. International Brotherhood of Teamsters, 424 F.2d 1001, 1004 (10th Cir.), cert. denied, 400 U.S. 950, 91 S.Ct. 239, 27 L.Ed.2d 257 (1970); Teamsters Local 524 v. Billington, 402 F.2d 510, 513 (9th Cir. 1968). The local union, then, would be a labor organization suing for violation of its contract with the employer. See 29 U.S.C. § 185(a).

The local union’s agency position is consistent with the text of Exhibit A. The Exhibit captioned:

“CONTRACT BLANK
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF MUSICIANS OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA (HEREIN CALLED ‘FEDERATION’) BURLINGTON MUSICAL SOCIETY LOCAL NO. 336, A. F. of M. BURLINGTON, NEW JERSEY”

[*437] The employer makes several direct undertakings with the union. [2] The contract is signed by the leader, but with the local number of the local union inserted immediately following her name.

Moreover, the labor organization and the leader urge that the latter signed the Form B contract in a representational capacity on behalf of the sidemen as well as on behalf of the local. A § 301 contract must be between an employer and a labor organization representing employees. Labor organizations are broadly defined elsewhere in the Labor-Management Relations Act:

“The term ‘labor organization’ means any organization of any kind, or any agency or employee representation committee or plan . . . which exists for the purpose ... of dealing with employers concerning grievances, labor disputes, wages, rates of pay, hours of employment, or conditions of work.” 29 U.S.C. § 152(5) (emphasis added.)

Even accepting the proposition that the leader did not, when signing Form B, have authority to bind the local union to a labor contract with the employer, as appears on its face, she purported to act on behalf of two other union members, the sidemen, with respect to many of the subjects listed in 29 U.S.C. § 152(5). If an issue is actually framed by the pleadings and tried as to the existence of a § 301 contract, in this case the leader may well qualify as an agency, representation committee, or plan, and hence as a labor organization.

The jurisdictional issue having been raised at this juncture we cannot say that as a matter of law Exhibit A is a § 301 contract. We hold only that it was error for the district court to decide that issue with this record on a sua sponte rule 12(b)(1) motion. We recognize that the district courts have more latitude as to modes of proof in the disposition of issues of jurisdictional fact. E. g., Tanzymore v. Bethlehem Steel Corp., 457 F.2d 1320 (3d Cir. 1972); Nelson v. Keefer, 451 F.2d 289 (3d Cir. 1971). But we have never departed from the rule that even on such an issue the record must clearly establish that after jurisdiction was challenged the plaintiff had an opportunity to present facts by affidavit or by deposition, or in an evidentiary hearing, in support of his jurisdictional contention. E. g., Groh v. Brooks, 421 F.2d 589, 594 (3d Cir. 1970); Shahmoon Industries, Inc. v. Imperato, 338 F.2d 449 (3d Cir. 1964). The existence of an agreement between a labor organization and an employer is, for § 301 purposes, a jurisdictional fact. For the determination of that fact, no doubt, those more liberal modes of proof apply which the Supreme Court has approved for jurisdictional determinations. [3] Whether the court[*438] proceeds by considering affidavits or depositions, or by an evidentiary hearing, however, something must appear of record to contradict the pleaded and uncontroverted jurisdictional allegation that there was a § 301 contract and to support the district court’s determination.

The judgment of the district court will be reversed and the case remanded for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.

1

. On appeal the employer claims this defense traversed federal jurisdiction. Obviously it did not, since a dismissal on this ground would be on the merits. Obviously, also, it was not so intended, since the jurisdictional allegations were admitting in the same pleading.

2

. “Representatives of the Federation local in whose jurisdiction the musicians shall perform hereunder shall have access to the place of performance (except to private residences) for the purpose of conferring with the musicians.

No performance on the engagement shall be recorded, reproduced or transmitted from the place of performance, in any manner or by any means whatsoever, in the absence of specific written agreement with the Federation relating to and permitting such recording, reproduction or transmission.

The Employer represents that there does not exist against him, in favor of any member of the Federation, any claim of any kind arising out of musical services rendered for such Employer. No musician will be required to perform any provisions of this contract or to render any services for said Employer as long as any such claim is unsatisfied or unpaid, in whole or in part. .

Rules and Regulations of the Federation and of any local thereof applicable to this engagement (not in conflict with those of the Federation) will be adhered to and the parties acknowledge that they are and each has the obligation to be fully acquainted therewith.”

3

. See Land v. Dollar, 330 U.S. 731, 735, 67 S.Ct. 1009, 91 L.Ed. 1209 (1947); Gibbs v. Buck, 307 U.S. 66, 71-72, 59 S.Ct. 725, 83 L.Ed. 1111 (1939); KVOS, Inc. v. Associated Press, 299 U.S. 269, 57 S.Ct. 197, 81 L.Ed. 183 (1936); Me[*438] Nutt v. General Motors Acceptance Corp., 298 U.S. 178, 184-190, 56 S.Ct. 780, 80 L.Ed. 1135 (1936); Wetmore v. Rymer, 169 U.S. 115, 120, 18 S.Ct. 293, 42 L.Ed. 682 (1898).