Internal Jurisprudence and Trade Union Democracy: The Case of the Auto Workers

Abstract

While much of the literature on trade union democracy considers the ability of members to influence union policy or gain union office, not enough attention has been paid to internal systems of jurisprudence. In this article, the author presents evidence of the effects of the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implements Workers of America's (UAW) highly formalized system of jurisprudence on democracy in that union. Following a brief section on public policy and union regulation, key decisions of the UAW's Public Review Board are presented. Finally, the attractiveness of the public review model, in light of the current state of government deference and union acceptance, is discussed.