The struggle for union democracy begins with the union members themselves.
Use the links on this page to:
- Learn about your rights and how to use them in practice.
- See what the law says and what it means in the real world.
- Find out more about organizing to make your union democratic or keep it that way.
- Get resources you can use to defend your rights.
The Basics…
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What it is, who needs it, who fought for it…
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A summary of the democratic rights of union members under federal law: free speech and due process, reporting requirements, trusteeships, elections, fiduciary duties, constitution and bylaws, notification of rights, enforcement and organizing.
Know your rights
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What it is, who needs it, who fought for it…
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A summary of the democratic rights of union members under federal law: free speech and due process, reporting requirements, trusteeships, elections, fiduciary duties, constitution and bylaws, notification of rights, enforcement and organizing.
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For people who want to quote chapter and verse or just read the law for themselves.
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Got a grievance? Learn your basic rights to file grievances, how the procedure works, and what to do if it doesn’t work. (English and Spanish versions)
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Information for ILA members facing a government monitorship.
How to use them
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How do your legal rights apply in specific situations? How can you best enforce them and use them to build a stronger union?
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Find out what union “LM” reports cover and how to get your union’s report from the OLMS website.
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From AUD’s popular guide to election rights and how to make them real.
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Shares lessons learned by activists in Cinematographers for a Democratic Union.
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Need a copy of your union constitution or the contract? Want to follow up on a grievance? Use these sample letters as models to write your own.
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How to make sure your union notifies members of their rights to union democracy.
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Need help with a union democracy problem? Start here.
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Are you an attorney looking for help with a union democracy case? AUD offers mentoring for lawyers.
