Critical Mission Information
One call or email to your Regional Director can begin to change the direction of our union.
Critical Mission Information
One call or email to your Regional Director can begin to change the direction of our union.
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How to Bring Charges Using Section 1 of Article 31
What does Section 1 of Article 31 do?
Section 1 of Article 31 in the UAW Constitution allows members from different local unions (locals) to file formal charges against a UAW leader for things like misconduct, mismanagement, or violating union principles. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand the process.
Step 1: Identify the Problem
Before anything else, the members of your local need to agree that there’s a serious issue with the leader in question. This could be financial mismanagement, breaking union rules, or other misconduct. Make sure there’s solid evidence to back up the claim.
Step 2: Talk to Other Locals
Once your local agrees that there’s a problem, reach out to other locals to gather support. To bring charges, you need 10 different locals from at least 5 states. Here’s how you do it:
- Start with locals that might share your concerns.
- Share your evidence and explain why you believe charges need to be brought up.
- Ask if they would be willing to join in the effort to file charges.
Step 3: Draft the Formal Charges
Once you have support from at least 10 locals in 5 different states, you’ll need to write the formal charges. This document should clearly state:
- Who the charges are against (the UAW leader).
- What the leader has done wrong (be specific and provide examples).
- Why this violates UAW rules or principles.
Step 4: Hold a Vote in Your Local
Each local must hold a vote where members decide whether or not to support the charges. According to the UAW Constitution, at least two-thirds (2/3) of the members present at the meeting must vote in favor of bringing the charges. If your local gets that level of support, you can move forward with the charges.
Step 5: Submit the Charges
Once you have support from at least 10 locals in 5 different states and each local has voted in favor, the next step is submitting the charges to the appropriate UAW body, as outlined in the UAW constitution. The charges must be submitted in a formal, written manner and include:
- A list of the locals backing the charges.
- The details of the charges.
- Any supporting evidence or documentation.
Step 6: What Happens Next?
After the charges are submitted, the UAW leadership will follow a process to review them. This can involve:
- An investigation into the claims.
- A formal hearing where both sides present their case.
- A vote by the UAW body to determine if the leader should be removed or face other consequences.
