§411 Bill of Rights; Constitution and Bylaws of Labor Organizations

Summary

Requires labor unions to give every member equal rights inside the group. Members must be able to nominate candidates, vote in union elections or referendums, attend meetings, and take part in meeting business. Members can meet and speak freely, including about candidates or meeting topics, as long as they follow reasonable meeting rules. The union may still set fair rules about members’ responsibilities and stopping behavior that would hurt the union’s legal or contract duties. For unions that are not federations of national or international unions, dues and initiation fees in effect on September 14, 1959 cannot be raised and no general or special assessments can be charged unless approved by vote. Local unions need a majority secret-ballot vote at a meeting after notice or a secret-ballot membership referendum. Larger unions may raise fees by majority delegate vote at a convention (with at least thirty days’ written notice), by a secret-ballot membership referendum, or by a majority of the executive board if the union’s rules allow (but that board action lasts only until the next regular convention). Members may sue, appear as witnesses, or petition lawmakers, but the union can require an internal hearing first that cannot delay things more than four months. Employers may not pay for or encourage such actions except if they are a party. No member can be fined, suspended, or expelled (except for unpaid dues) unless given written charges, a reasonable time to prepare, and a full and fair hearing. Any union rule that conflicts with these rights is not valid.