THE UAW "NO DISCRIMINATION POLICY"
The fundamental policy of the UAW as it relates to the question of discrimination is set forth in Article 2, Section 2, of the International Constitution:
"To unite in one organization, regardless of religion, race, creed, color, sex, political affiliation, nationality, age, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation, all employees under the jurisdiction of the International Union."
No official of the UAW, nor any Local Union, has the authority to approve any acts that are contrary to this Constitutional policy. Final decision on what is and what is not a violation of this policy rests with the International Executive Board and the Convention, but it is understood that the words "to unite in one organization." definitely means the following:
-To offer the same benefits of membership to all workers in the UAW. No workers are to be excluded because of religion, race, creed, color, sex, political affiliation, nationality, age disability, marital status, or sexual orientation. No Local Union or officer of a Local Union may, either expressly or impliedly, sanction segregated employment opportunities, work assignments, wage differentials, or work place facilities for any member or group of members regardless of the approval of any portion or all of the local's membership.
-· All members of the Local must be made to feel that their membership and active assistance in the affairs of the Local Union are desired and appreciated and that they are just as important to the continued growth and success of the local as other members. There should be a mutual feeling of solidarity.
-There must be no restrictions on the right of any member to run for office because of religion, race, creed, color, sex, political affiliation, nationality, age disability, marital status, or sexual orientation.
- No Local Union Member may be excluded, or restricted from participation in any affairs of the Local Union, which the local gives, sponsors or finances, in whole, or in part. The name of the local as well as its finances and property belong to all of its members and no group may use them to the exclusion of any other group.
-All seniority clauses and other conditions of employment negotiated by the UAW locals must apply with equal force and effect to every member of the local.
-There must be a single uniform procedure for the handling of all grievances. No worker is to be favored over another because of religion, race, creed, color, sex, political affiliation, nationality, age disability, marital status, or sexual orientation; nor can a local or its officers sanction favoritism by any grievance handlers in the settlement of legitimate grievances. Every meritorious grievance, when timely filed, must be assumed to be legitimate until decided otherwise by those entrusted with processing grievances under the contract.
-In accordance with the UAW International Constitution, charges may be filed against any local union officer, grievance handler or member believed to be guilty of any act in violation of the "No Discrimination Policy" of the UAW.
-The initial responsibility for the proper enforcement of the "No Discrimination Policy "of the UAW, rest with elected officers and the members of each Local Union. The International Executive Board will hold each local union to strict accountability for any violation of the policy by the local, by its officers or by any of its members. |
