Your Rights
AFSCME Members' Bill of Rights
As AFSCME members, we have the right to...
Membership
No person otherwise eligible for membership in this union shall be denied
membership, on a basis of unqualified equality, because of race, creed,
color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, or
political belief.
Freedom of speech
Members shall suffer no impairment of freedom of speech concerning the
operations of this union. Active discussion of union affairs shall be
encouraged and protected within this organization.
Freedom from bosses
Members shall have the right to conduct the internal affairs of the union
free from employer domination.
Fair elections
Members shall have the right to fair and democratic elections, at all levels
of the union. This includes due notice of nominations and elections, equal
opportunity for competing candidates, and proper election procedures which
shall be constitutionally specified.
Hold office
Members shall have an equal right to run for and hold office, subject only
to constitutionally specified qualifications, uniformly applied.
Review financial records
Members shall have the right to a full and clear accounting of all union
funds at all levels. Such accounting shall include, but not be limited to,
periodic reports to the membership by the appropriate fiscal officers and
periodic audits by officers elected for that purpose or by independent
auditors not otherwise connected with the union.
Vote
Members shall have the right to full participation, through discussion and
vote, in the decision-making processes of the union, and to pertinent
information needed for the exercise of this right. This right shall
specifically include decisions concerning the acceptance or rejection of
collective bargaining contracts, memoranda of understanding, or any other
agreements affecting their wages, hours, or other terms and conditions of
employment. All members shall have an equal right to vote and each vote cast
shall be of equal weight.
Due process
Charges against a member or officer shall be specific and shall be only on
grounds provided in the International Constitution. Accused members or
officers shall have the right to a fair trial with strict adherence to due
process. The accused shall be considered innocent until proven guilty.
