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From the March-April 2005 issue of Union Democracy Review #155
NY Postal Union needs a lesson in democracy
On the letterhead of the New York Metro chapter of the American Postal Workers Union are these reassuring words: "A Democratic Trade Union." But its president, Clarice Torrence, could use a good course in what democracy means.
In a terse two-sentence letter in November she informed Bernice Herrring, "You are hereby decertified as a shop steward." Herring had been elected steward by his colleagues at the post office's Wall Street station; and, when they learned of his abrupt removal, 31 of his constituents petitioned the president, asking for his reinstatement (He says only one failed to sign.) They wanted an explanation. They got their answer from the president, this time in an expansive full-page letter, the crux of which explained:
"Mr. Herring chose to act in a manner not consistent with our goals and repeatedly stood outside of postal facilities handing out literature which cast aspersions on this Union. Needless to say, that literature was packed with lies and vicious attacks on this administration, and that type of betrayal will not be tolerated... Dissension within the ranks is not allowedc."
In February, in his appeal to the national union, Herring noted: "I have always been an active member of the union. During the last union election, I ran for officer on a slate of candidates that opposed the current administration. Since the election, I have continued to speak out on matters of importance in our union."
If President Torrence would consult AUD's web site for the summary of the LMRDA, she might learn something about the requirements of union democracy. Meanwhile, the chapter might reconsider whether that reference to "A Democratic Trade Union" really belongs on its letterhead. In any event, it is obvious that the national union must post prominently on its website, where even local presidents may find it, the provisions of federal law on union democracy.
See:
LMRDA summary and full
text
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