The statute does not reach the substitute device of abolishing local unions or merging them with other local unions without the members' consent to repress opposition. The primary breeding grounds for corruption are union funds. The only policing is by union members suing for access to union books when they have substantial evidence of misuse of funds, and lawsuits are expensive. The government should bear more responsibility for auditing of all union related funds, and closer supervision of pension and other trust funds. Guaranteeing union members an effective voice in the decisions of their union and the election of union officers presents a special problem which is often overlooked.
Unions are political organization, and the democratic process works through their political process.
Their political structure and process, however, are unlike our government political process. The union political process is a one party process, not a two party process. The incumbent officers have predominate if not complete control over communication within the union, access to the membership and dispensing of patronage. Rarely is there a continuing opposition group with a political base or financial resources. The incumbents, with their built-in political organization and control of communications have an enormous advantage over any opposition group which may form.