§411 Bill of rights; constitution and bylaws of labor organizations

Summary

Members of a labor organization (union) must have equal rights to nominate candidates, vote in elections or referendums, go to membership meetings, and take part in debates and votes, under the group’s reasonable rules. Members can meet and speak freely at meetings about candidates or business, as long as they follow fair meeting rules. The union may still set reasonable rules about members’ responsibilities and avoiding conduct that hurts the union’s legal or contract duties. Dues and initiation fees that were in effect on September 14, 1959 cannot be raised, and no general or special assessments can be added, unless approved as follows: local unions need a majority on a secret ballot at a meeting after notice or in a secret-ballot referendum; larger unions (not locals or federations of national or international unions) may approve increases by a majority of delegates at a convention with at least 30 days’ notice, by a secret-ballot membership referendum, or by a majority of the executive board if the constitution allows (board action lasts only until the next regular convention). Any member may go to court, an administrative agency, appear as a witness, or petition lawmakers, though the union may require use of its internal hearing process first, not to exceed four months. Employers or employer groups may not finance, encourage, or take part in those actions except as a direct party. No member can be fined, suspended, expelled, or otherwise disciplined (except for not paying dues) unless they get written charges, reasonable time to prepare, and a full, fair hearing. Any union rules that conflict with these rights are void.