The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1945-05-26

in JAW locals and In their cleo
tons.
IN EACH OF the elections men
toned above, however. with the
possible exception OF the one at
Anderson, Ind, there we're other
factors besides race, color or reli-
glous issues which contributed
materially 10 the defeat OF the Ne
gro or Jewish candidates. These
factors include charges OF Com
munism." "big-headedness," in
fidelity 10 Official responsibilities
voting lethargy on the part OF
known supporters. loss Of popular
ity, and just plain factionalism.
We are not concerned with
these factors. They are properly
considered as strictly local union
affairs.
But we are concerned about
race batting and anti Semit.Sn IN
JAW local union elections and
What is being done on the local
level TO correct these fragrant vio-
lations OF JAW policy. The para
mount question with US, therefore.
as regards each of these elections
Is what can and should be done 10
end this sort OF campaigning. For
clearly unless II Is ended and end
cd soon. We are likely TO see the
same thing cropping out at JAW
International conventions. And
that will spell the imminent de-
struction Of the Union.
THE ANSWER 10 all Of this is
provided in JAWS Constitution.
The only problem is whether lead
erShlp on the local level has the
CUTS 70 make OF race batting and
antl-Semltlsm an issue for deter
mination first by a trial in the To-
cal union and finally by appeal 20
the International Executive board.
The Constitution Of JAW pro-
vides for the trial Of any mem
Der engaging in conduct unbe-
coming a union member. Ger
tainly any one who seeks 10 ar
ray race against race or religion
against religion within an organ
izatiOn which Is dedicated to
unite regardless Of religion,
race tori creed" Is guilty Of such
conduct.
Yet, for some underlined reason
not a single one of the locals we
have mentioned nor a single mem
Der OF any OF these locals, so far as
We have heard. has preferred
charges in his local union against
these open violators OF JAW
policy. Gould it possibly be that
these victims OF race and religious
discrimination are more concerned
ABOUT union politics than they arc
about union policy? And. havinG
been defeated politically in their
desire TO remain in office, are no
longer interested in upholdlng
union policy?
THE JAW Constitution also pro.
vides a method whereby elections
may be challenged for Irregular
tiles. Obviously a campaign and
resultant election is subject 10
challenge where il was actively
conducted on a plane which NO.
lates the Constitutional policy OF
the International Union.
Yet. we know OF but two in
stances out of the several elections
mentioned above in which chal-
lengcs have been filed with the
International Union. One Of these
was referred to JAWS Fair Prac-
tees committee for Investigation
but the committee has had 10 dis
miss e1e -ss.s.c'E ,S Ssstise .SJ3 .y,;@vS. : .
OF the local union conVcrsant with
the facts mot even the complain.
ants themselves was willing tc
testify or even meet informally
with the committees investigator
10 discuss the matter.
The International Union and IL.
Fair Practices committee is reluct.
ant 10 60 into these and other loca
union election matters in the alb.
sence Of complaints filed in accord
ance with constitutional procedure
They assume that local union Off
Gals are competent, ready anc
willing 10 correct any violation o
International Union policy wher
called 10 their attention in tho
proper manner.
However where. as in the In
stances we have mentioned. tha
assumption would seem 10 he un
supported by the facts for VIC can
not close our eyes: intoleranc,
grows by degrees and thrives or