About the Association for Union Democracy

The Association for Union Democracy (AUD) is the only national, pro-labor, non-profit organization dedicated solely to advancing the principles and practices of democratic trade unionism in the North American labor movement. It is the premise of AUD that internal democracy makes unions stronger and better able to fight for the rights and interests of working people. We provide organizing, educational, and legal assistance to those fighting for greater membership control of their unions.

As a non-partisan organization, AUD does not support or endorse candidates for union office or particular policies within unions. Rather, AUD supports actions which strengthen the democratic process, promoting membership participation, free speech and fair elections, so that union members can shape the direction and actions of their union.

Our Mission

The Association for Union Democracy (AUD) is the only national organization dedicated solely to the following purposes:

1. "To further the knowledge and understanding of democratic principles and practices in American labor organizations by research, publications and conferences.

2. "To render assistance to members of labor organizations in securing and insuring their enjoyment of their legal rights as such members, where the enjoyment of such rights is threatened or infringed upon."

AUD publishes Union Democracy Review and other literature which report on the efforts of union reformers and analyze developments in the field of union democracy law. The Association has advised thousands of unionists on their rights and how to defend them. It helps them find lawyers to serve at reduced fees, free of charge or on contingency.

Among the unionists who have come to AUD for assistance or advice are electricians, operating engineers, furriers, teamsters, painters, civil service employees, steelworkers, miners, seamen, bricklayers, hospital workers, postal employees, and many others.

Unionists with internal union democracy problems are frequently referred to AUD by lawyers, labor educators, fellow unionists, members of AUD's Boards, and by government personnel. AUD has sponsored a special women's project that has provided advice to union women on how to utilize their legal rights inside their unions.

Under work-study and internship programs, AUD helps train law students in its field. Some have gone on to careers in union democracy or other public service law.

The Association is a clearinghouse for information about union democracy for reporters, magazine writers, students and professors. Its expertise is sought by researchers, attorneys and government agencies. Amicus curiae briefs have been filed on its behalf in key cases. Our intervention was decisive in establishing conditions for a fair and honest national election in the Teamsters union in 1991, and in pushing the Department of Labor to revise its regulations, blocking the use of meeting attendance rules which prevent members from running for union office. (A detailed description of current activities is available from the AUD office.)

Who Pays the Bills?

AUD would, of course, welcome financial support without strings from legitimate unions. Unfortunately, however, our experience has been that, with a few notable exceptions, even labor leaders who are themselves honest and democratic are chary of supporting union reformers. AUD's funds therefore have come from individual unionists and others who believe that America needs a strong, democratic labor movement, and from a small number of foundations which support liberal and charitable causes and which recognize the Association's unique contribution to democracy in America. Please join AUD and contribute what you can. We do not accept financial aid from employers who are or may be engaged in bargaining with unions. Your contribution is tax deductible. (Join AUD)