Unlike a corporation which is organized from the top down, a union is organized from the bottom up. All power should derive from the members. Non-elected appointments put too much power and influence in the hands of a few leaders and render the appointed person accountable only to those who appointed them. It s a system that fosters favoritism and nepotism. Direct election of all representatives empowers the members, encourages participation, at all levels, and enforces accountability to the workers on the floor.
More democracy means more vitality.
I would support this resolution. Caucus opposition to the resolution reveals a fundamental distrust of democracy and the ability of workers to judge for themselves. The resolution for one member, one vote to replace the delegate system would make the UAW consistent with the Machinists and Steelworkers with whom we expect to unify. The present system affords us no real choice. It promotes complacency on one hand and cynicism on the other.