Who runs the union?
Who do you believe?
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Union web sites say the members run the union.
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Union constitutions say members must obey the union.
Remember: unions can say anything they want on their web sites, but the law says they must do what's in their constitutions.
Who runs the International Association of Machinists union?
Their web site says members run the union:
"The company may try to tell you that the union is run by outsiders, not from around here, but that just isn't the truth."
“It is the obligation and responsibility of every member…to comply with the provisions of this Constitution and the decisions of the Grand Lodge officers.” (Article I, Sec. 3, p. 2)
Their constitution says members must obey the union:
Who runs the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union?
Their web site says members run the union:
Who really runs the Union? The members. Unions are democratic organizations formed by workers for workers.
Their constitution says members must promise to obey the union by repeating and signing this statement:
"I, [give name], in the presence of members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, promise and agree to conform to and abide by the Constitution and laws of the IBEW and its local unions." (Article 19, Section 3, p. 66)
Who runs the United Steelworkers Union?
Their web site says members run the union:
"Who runs the Union? You do. The Union is a democracy at every level. You elect your negotiating committee and leadership for the local, district, and international union."
Their constitution says members must promise to obey the union by raising their right hand and making this pledge:
"I do sincerely promise, of my own free will, to abide by the laws of this Union..." (Initiation of New Members, p. 84).
Who runs the Utility Workers of America union?
Their web site says members run the union:
YOU are the union; YOU elect your own Local and National officers. YOU run your Local Union affairs...YOU are the final vote of authority and decision in YOUR union. YOU are the union's real "Boss."
Their constitution says members must promise to obey the union by taking this pledge:
"I, _________, sincerely promise on my honor, that I will abide by the Constitution and Bylaws of the Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO..."
THE BOTTOM LINE:
Union constitutions say there are two things you have to do when you join:
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You have to PAY the union
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You have to OBEY the union