Where we stand: A statement by AUD

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From time to time union officials uncomfortable with something we write, or the role we play supporting struggles for union democracy, question AUD's mission. For their benefit, we republish this short statement of principles. -- MN

1. The labor movement is a great force for democracy, 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 the 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 partisans of the so-called "right to work" movement whose basic objective would be to weaken the labor movement.

2. To make sure that unions 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.

3. Union democracy transcends issues of politics and ideology. As a non-partisan organization, AUD does not advance any special platform 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 union elections. AUD will defend democracy for unionists from left to right against all who would undermine it from right to left.

4. By democracy we mean the kind of rights that 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 newspapers and leaflets and to organize groups and caucuses to promote policies and candidates.

5. AUD proposes that the right to elect, or to propose, 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 a right to a fair trial before a genuinely impartial tribunal and recourse to a genuinely impartial appeals procedure.

6. Responsible internal criticism does not weaken the labor movement but strengthens it by keeping open the possibility of replacing inadequate policies or leadership.