Where we stand:

racy, social progress, and social justice in the nation. To fulfill that potential most effectively, it must be thoroughly democratic in its own internal life. In this spirit, the Association for Union Democracy favors the strengthening of a free labor movement in America, free not only in relation to government but free also in affording basic democratic rights to its membership. This idea underlies all the work of the Association. In this, the Association takes sharp issue with the partisans of the so-called “right to work” movement whose basic objective would weaken the labor movement.

ions continue to serve their interests as workers, unionists need democracy. The public interest in union democracy is embodied in federal legislation, particularly in the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959. The Association aims to help implement and enforce  the kind of democratic rights written into federal law. AUD devotes special attention to the rights of those who strive to eradicate corruption and racketeering in unions.

and ideology. As a non-partisan, non-political organization, AUD does not advance any special plafform or program for the labor movement, nor does it support any candidates for any union office. It does propose that differences over policy and program be resolved with full respect for the democratic rights of all sides and that unionists be guaranteed the right to choose officers in fair, honest elections. AUD will defend democracy for unionists from left to right against all who would undermine it from right to left.

are available to citizens under the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution and to unionists under the LMRDA. Democratic principles do not require that every issue be resolved at mass meetings or in referendums. Recognizing that there can be alternative means of properly expressing the will of the membership, AUD does not advocate any special rules or procedures as the only “true” embodiment of union democracy. AUD does propose that members have the right to publish

a statement by AUD

newspapers and handbills and to organize groups and caucuses to promote policies and candidates.

pose, or to remove an administration by orderly constitutional, fair processes be protected, not merely

on paper but in reality. It recognizes the right of unions to discipline members for violating fair and reasonable rules, a right which can become particularly important in a tense strike situation; it emphasizes, however, that unionists must have the right to a fair trial before a genuinely impartial tribunal and recourse to a genuinely impartial appeals procedure.

criticism does not weaken the labor movement but strengthens it by keeping open the possibility of replacing inadequate policies or leaders by those more attuned to the

promotes unity in action by increasing

membership understanding of the issues. Unions, like other democratic bodies, must accept the risks of irresponsible criticism, confident that when truth and error confront each other in free debate, the membership will, in time choose the better option.

ionists, other individuals, and foundations which support its program in whole or in part. It does not accept financial aid from employers who are or may be engaged in bargaining with unions.

democracy and decency in the labor movement, deserve support in law and from pro-labor allies in the general public. In its publications and in counseling unionists, AUD will sometimes suggest litigation, mainly as a shield against harassment and against the repression of membership rights. But such support and such litigation can provide only the tools of democracy. AUD always emphasizes that the strength, integrity, and democracy of unions depends primarily upon the organization of an interested and educated membership exercising its democratic rights to the full.

for Union

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June2000

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Union Democracy Review