Too many issues are 'resolved' in arbitration in offices rather than by workers on the job. It also ties up valuable union staff time in lawyer-like work rather than mobilizing and involving the membership in enforcing the contract. Lack of attendance at union meetings and activities is a warning sign that union democracy is in trouble. It is the responsibility of union leadership to ensure that the union is not a 'business' relationship of mailings and dues. Real union democracy means that the members set policy.
Union democracy means better ways of mobilizing and involving members in the work of the union.
Some unions are now experimenting with part-time and volunteer organizers from the ranks. This needs to be greatly expanded. Even more, unions need to bring the issues of the day to the shop floor. Members have to be mobilized for elections, demonstrations, solidarity actions, mass protests, and organizing. Union democracy also means beefing up health and safety enforcement on the shop floor.