1843 Robinson v. UAW Local Union 31

The Local Election Committee correctly determined that Appellant was ineligible to run for office.  The Local Bylaws require one year of continuous membership in good standing immediately prior to nominations in order to be eligible to run for Committeeperson.  As a terminated employee, Appellant had two options under the UAW International Constitution in order to maintain membership in good standing in the Local.  He could either pay dues to the Local or apply for “out of work” credits.  Although the PRB has acknowledged in past decisions that the process outlined in the Constitution for obtaining “out of work” credits is complicated, the Board has also clearly stated that a discharged member may not ignore these requirements altogether.  Here, Appellant does not claim that he even attempted to apply for “out of work” credits.  Instead, his primary argument on appeal is that the Interpretation of Article 45, §1 establishes his eligibility to run for office because he was a committeeperson at the time of his discharge.  However, Appellant’s reliance on this provision is misplaced.  As the PRB has explained previously, the Interpretation of Article 45, §1 does not address membership in good standing.The Local Election Committee correctly determined that Appellant was ineligible to run for office.  The Local Bylaws require one year of continuous membership in good standing immediately prior to nominations in order to be eligible to run for Committeeperson.  As a terminated employee, Appellant had two options under the UAW International Constitution in order to maintain membership in good standing in the Local.  He could either pay dues to the Local or apply for “out of work” credits.  Although the PRB has acknowledged in past decisions that the process outlined in the Constitution for obtaining “out of work” credits is complicated, the Board has also clearly stated that a discharged member may not ignore these requirements altogether.  Here, Appellant does not claim that he even attempted to apply for “out of work” credits.  Instead, his primary argument on appeal is that the Interpretation of Article 45, §1 establishes his eligibility to run for office because he was a committeeperson at the time of his discharge.  However, Appellant’s reliance on this provision is misplaced.  As the PRB has explained previously, the Interpretation of Article 45, §1 does not address membership in good standing.