In an increasingly complex world, the ability of any one entity to address the very real but often esoteric concerns of any one client is more and more problematic. The fact is the primary experience that Jane and John Q. Public have with bureaucratic norms and procedures is often one of frustration.
Unionists are quite familiar with this particular brand of frustration. Even though union members may put in the time needed to compile an honest-to-god case, it is often quite unclear what procedures need to be taken when and where vis a vis the union or the Department of Labor. AUD serves unionists by acting as a watchdog over these bureaus. In a recent case, a union member’s attempt to appeal a decision by the top union brass to disqualify his election was denied by both the union and the Department of Labor for reasons that were contradictory of themselves. Each pointed to the other for redress. AUD grilled the Labor Dept., which has promised answers. In another instance, hundreds of carpenters were surprised and upset to learn about their union leadership’s proposed “reform” of their bylaws: proposals that these rank-and-file carpenters thought would make their union much less democratic. AUD agreed and on behalf of the carpenters, expressed its dismay to their leadership and their federal monitors.
To continue our work and stay vigilant in our counsel for union members, we need your help. Just as important as the logistical necessities of running a functional office is insuring the longevity of our service and funding the staff to provide it. AUD establishes and maintains contacts with interested parties as long as the latter wishes to inquire about the democratic rights of union members. We at AUD are the one non-profit that provides this service. So won’t you please make a tax-deductible contribution and help further the mission of a transparent, responsive, and democratic unionism? 
