Preamble:
The Unite All Workers for Democracy Movement (UAWD) in the UAW is rooted in our union’s founding tradition of democracy, accountability, and solidarity.
For far too long, the total lack of accountability of the UAW leadership has thrown us into a tragic, costly, and false relationship with corporations who think nothing of exploiting our membership and our communities. We have traded away the only true means of gaining and exercising power in the workplace and community, our solidarity as workers. The need to
return to the fundamental roots of our union dictates the creation of a viable, rank and file directed alternative to the Administration Caucus.
Our union must defend workers from corporate attacks. Only a strong union firmly rooted in the principles of democracy can coordinate this struggle to regain past concessions and prepare the membership to resist future exploitation.
We need a union controlled by an informed membership, not one under the domination of a one-party political caucus concerned primarily with its own political self-preservation.
We need a union leadership that truly understands that “an injury to one is an injury to all.” We need leaders committed to develop strategies and work with like-minded allies to stand up against all assaults on worker’s basic rights across the United States and beyond. In a time of ever-increasing globalization and with the corporations’ abilities to exploit labor all over the
world, our leaders must understand the monumental challenges we face and have the courage to take those challenges head on.
The struggle to create a socially and economically just society cannot be won without such a labor leadership. Through the UAWD Movement, we believe that our union can once again be at the forefront of that struggle.
The UAWD Movement and purpose is herein defined.
Article I: NAME
This organization will be known as the Unite All Workers for Democracy Movement and shall hereinafter be referred to as UAWD.
Article II: OBJECT
UAWD’s objective is to fight for an equitable democratic vote for every UAW member. The UAWD will move to strengthen the UAW from within, forming a unified member-driven movement dedicated to educating and organizing the rank-and-file. UAWD advocates for both an engaged membership and a transparent leadership equally committed to establishing a vibrant internal democracy within the Union. The UAWD believes that this is the only effective means in which to return the power back to the Union’s highest authority, the membership.
UAWD believes in holding leadership accountable to the Union’s founding ethics, tenants, and principles, regardless of a member’s position or title. We advocate for fair, honest, and accountable representation on our jobs, inside our local halls, within our regions, and at the International Union.
UAWD does not advocate secession from the International UAW, nor does UAWD advocate for dual unionism.
UAWD exists to advocate for stronger collective bargaining in order to maintain and protect the interests of ALL workers within the UAW regarding income, job security, worker health and safety, and improved working conditions. We exist with the direct intent to uphold the integrity, dignity, and respect for the Union’s highest authority — the rank and file membership.
UAWD will work with other organizations and individuals that support the forward advancement of the labor movement and the principles within this Constitution.
Article III: Members
UAWD shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, disability, and status as a veteran. Furthermore, UAWD shall treat all union members with the highest respect, equality and dignity. We shall do so inside our Union and throughout our communities. All UAW members in good standing are eligible to become members of UAWD. However, the organization reserves the right to exclude those who are opposed to the UAWD or the principals within this Constitution. All UAWD members have a right to attend the UAWD Annual National Meeting. All UAWD members who are in attendance have the right to vote and the right to speak on all matters brought before the Annual National Meeting.
All members of UAWD are required to pay dues. UAWD is an activist organization, and as such, relies on UAWD members to take an active part in UAWD and in our Union. This includes distribution of UAWD literature, recruitment of potential members, and participation in UAWD activities as well as activities inside our Union.
UAWD members are encouraged to support UAWD candidates who run for UAW office. Those candidates who are elected as UAW officers shall continue to advocate for the advancement of UAWD, and the principles outlined within this Constitution. UAWD will promote and adhere to the highest principles of unionism within our UAW membership, UAWD will fight to defend the rights of all UAW members to maintain free and fair elections.
Article IV: Annual National Meeting
The membership, at National Meetings, is the highest authority of UAWD. All UAWD members in attendance at the UAWD Annual National Meeting will have voice and vote. Decisions will be made by UAWD members in attendance by a simple majority (50% plus one).
Section 1: Quorum
Those UAWD members in attendance at the Annual National Meeting shall constitute a quorum for that meeting.
Section 2: Agenda
1. Call to order.
2. Officer roll call.
3. Reading of National Annual Meeting rules.
4. Financial Report.
5. Communications and Bills.
6. Proposed resolutions.
7.Committee reports.
7. Officer reports.
8. Nomination of Officers
9. Unfinished business.
10. New business.
11. Adjournment.
Section 3: Rules of Order
All questions of parliamentary nature shall be decided by Roberts Rule of Order.
Article V: Organizational Structure
The Unite All Workers for Democracy Movement shall be comprised of individual members, local member union groups, and a National Organizing Committee. The highest policy-making body of UAWD will be at the Annual Meeting. The National Organizing Committee will be elected at the Annual National Meeting and shall govern and see to it the implementation of UAWD policies and programs between Annual National Meetings. It is anticipated that, in order to carry out the objectives of UAWD, area and regional organizing/steering committees will need to be formed. Such groups will operate under policies set by the Annual National Meeting and the National Organizing Committee.
Article VI: National Organizing Committee
Section I: Structure
The National Organizing Committee shall be comprised of twenty-five (25) members. This number will be subject to the approval of the UAWD National Meeting on an annual basis.
It is intended that the National Organizing Committee composition be such that all major industrial and occupational sectors of UAW membership be represented, and that the National Organizing Committee composition reflect an unequivocal commitment to racial, ethnic, and gender representation on the part of that body and UAWD as a whole.
Section II: Officers
The National Organizing Committee will include one (1) National Organizing Chairperson, three (3) Co-Chairs, one (1) Financial Secretary/Treasurer, one (1) Recording Secretary, two (2) Trustees, two (2) Retirees (to be elected by retiree members of UAWD), one (1) representative
for each geographic UAW region (elected from the membership from those regions), and four (4) additional National Members-at-Large. Two (2) National Organizing Committee Alternates will also be numerically elected to serve in the event of any vacancies which may occur.
Section III: Elections
The Annual National Meeting shall elect the National Organizing Committee. All UAWD members in attendance at the UAWD Annual National Meeting will have a vote regarding electing members of the National Organizing Committee.
Section IV: Terms of Office
Elected positions that comprise the National Organizing Committee shall serve a term of one (1) year.
Section V: Powers
The UAWD National Organizing Chairperson shall oversee the day-to-day functions of UAWD, administer operations, and coordinate the organizing activities of UAWD in accordance with the policies and programs approved by convention action and the direction of the National Organizing Committee. All actions taken by the National Organizing Chairperson shall be subject to the approval of the National Organizing Committee. The Trustees shall meet the day before the regular National Organizing Committee meetings to go over the books and financial records of UAWD. They will have full access to all financial records, books, receipts, and other material needed to verify UAWD financial activities. The Trustees shall meet as a Financial Subcommittee, along with the National Organizing Chairperson, to make recommendations to the National Organizing Committee on finances, staff, and fundraising.
Section VI: Governing Rules
The National Organizing Committee shall meet quarterly, or at such times as it may be vital to the needs of the organization. Special National Organizing Committee meetings may be called by the National Organizing Chairperson and two of three of the Co-Chairs with the concurrence of six other members of the National Organizing Committee. A majority of the National Organizing Committee may request a special meeting in writing to the Co-Chairs and National Organizing Chairperson at any time and it shall be held promptly. A majority of the National Organizing Committee must be present at any National Organizing Committee meeting to constitute a quorum.
Section VII: National Organizing Committee Primary Responsibilities
● The development of an overall organizing, education, and maintenance of membership plan.
● The maintenance of a national newsletter and other such membership communication vehicles to educate UAWD and UAW membership.
● To manage the organization’s finances.
● To promote fundraising in addition to member dues.
● To support local UAWD groups and assist in the development and coordination of regional and area activities.
● To assist in the coordination of election campaigns as needed.
● To establish a member-defense review committee for individuals and locals who are interfered with, coerced, or denied rights or due process by the International Union or local officials through illegal or extra-Constitutional (UAW) actions.
● To raise legal defense funds and provide access to legal advice and assistance where appropriate.
Article VII: Finances
The UAWD National Organizing Committee and all UAWD subordinate bodies shall be accountable to UAWD members for all uses of UAWD finances. UAWD Trustees will conduct quarterly financial audits. An annual audit of UAWD finances will be conducted by an outside accounting firm to insure open, honest, and transparent accountability to all UAWD members.
UAWD National Organizing Committee Trustees will be present at the annual audit to assist with all requests and demands of the outside accounting firm conducting the UAWD annual audit. The findings of all UAWD financial audits will be made available to UAWD members for review.
Section I: Dues
All UAWD Members must pay annual dues in the amount of $50.00 per year. Annual UAWD membership dues will be set at the Annual National Meeting (subject to UAWD membership approval). A voluntary pledge system over and above the annual dues will be established by the National
Organizing Committee for those members who express a willingness to pay more than the minimum. A financial report shall be given quarterly and at all National Organizing Committee meetings and that the National Annual Meeting.
Section II: Newsletter
All UAWD members will receive a subscription to Revolt for Solidarity newsletter, the official newsletter of UAWD. Non-member subscriptions to the newsletter may be purchased at an annual fee to be set by the National Organizing Committee.
Article VIII: Constitutional Amendments
This UAWD Constitution shall be amended only by UAWD Annual National Meeting action. Suggested amendments shall be submitted to the National UAWD office to the “attention of the National Organizing Committee Co-Chairs” at least thirty days (30) prior to the convening of the next Annual National Meeting. A subcommittee of the National Organizing Committee will organize them according to the Article and Sections they wish to amend. All suggested amendments will be presented to the UAWD membership for vote.
