bylaws

Article One: Name 

This organization shall be known as the Essential Workers for a Democratic UFCW (EWDU), a 501c(5) labor organization. 

Article Two: Purpose 

We are a rank-and-file reform movement for the essential workers of the UFCW, aimed to fight for rank-and-file rights and dignity on the job and in the union. We aim to revitalize rank-and-file labor militancy across the union.

We fight to weed out corruption, support reformers, put union power back in the hands of the members, organize the unorganized, and build our strike power in order to win strong contracts. We fight for reform in our union because we love our union. We will develop common areas of work, a unified strategy and a coordinated leadership. We do not support efforts to decertify or secede from the UFCW or any other union representing essential workers.

We are committed to fair and open elections for our local and international officers, promoting member education, and encouraging rank-and-file participation at all levels. We will support candidates for union office who advance rank-and-file democracy, transparency, and accountability within our union.

Article Three: International Organization 

This organization shall be based on individual members and on local chapters of EWDU. The highest decision-making body of the organization shall be the EWDU Convention. The convention shall occur in-person at least once every two (2) years. All EWDU members are eligible to attend the EWDU convention and have full rights for voting and discussion on all matters before the convention. Decisions at the EWDU Convention will be approved by a simple majority (50 percent plus 1) unless otherwise specified in the bylaws. 

Prior to the first EWDU Convention planned for 2027, the International Organizing Committee shall be an interim, volunteer-based committee with appointments by nomination and approval by majority vote of the IOC. There shall be no limits on the number of seats of the interim IOC. 

Each EWDU Convention shall elect an International Organizing Committee to serve as the governing body of EWDU between conventions.

Article 4: The International Organizing Committee

The International Organizing Committee shall consist of fifteen (15) seats, including four (4) co-chairs who shall have the authority to delegate roles to the IOC. All four (4) co-chairs will be elected at the Convention.

The IOC shall be responsible for implementing EWDU policies and programs adopted by EWDU Conventions. The IOC may adopt and implement operational policies necessary for the administration of EWDU, such policies shall be consistent with the decisions of the EWDU Conventions. 

The IOC shall be elected by approval voting. UFCW presidents and secretary-treasurers are not eligible for the IOC. Paid staff shall not make up more than five (5) members of the IOC. Shop stewards, SPURs, or vice presidents not serving as a union representative will not be considered staff. 

The IOC shall provide leadership for the organization. The IOC shall meet at least four (4) times a year, including at least once (1) in person. A simple majority (50 percent plus 1) of the IOC must be present to constitute a quorum. The IOC may appoint replacements to fill vacancies. The IOC may, by majority vote, invite non-voting observers.

The IOC shall be responsible for:

• building both local EWDU chapters and national networks of EWDU members;

• coordinating campaigns and other programs to defend the rights of UFCW members and promote member organizing aligned with our mission;

• planning the EWDU Convention;

• reviewing, approving, and onboarding new members;

• coordinating efforts with Essential Workers for Democracy, EWDU’s sister 501(c)3 educational non-profit;

• promoting fundraising, including member dues;

• hiring staff;

• managing the organization’s finances.

Whenever possible, the IOC Co-chairs shall serve as spokespersons for EWDU as a whole. The IOC co-chairs may delegate additional spokespeople, set agendas, and make decisions regarding the implementation of the organization’s policies. The co-chairs shall have full access to all financial records, books, receipts, and other material needed to verify the organization’s financials. The co-chairs shall also meet as a Financial Subcommittee, along with the Staff Director of our sister 501c(3) organization, the Essential Workers for Democracy, to make recommendations to the IOC on finances, staff and fund raising.

The IOC shall be accountable to EWDU members for all uses of EWDU finances. A financial report shall be prepared by the IOC for the Convention. Any member of the IOC in violation of these responsibilities shall be subject to removal. Charges for the discipline or removal of an IOC member must be brought by a co-chair and must be approved by a (⅔) vote of the IOC.

Article Five: Member Rights & Responsibilities

EWDU is an activist organization and as such relies on our members to take an active part in EWDU and in our union. All individual members of EWDU must pay dues, or have been approved for a dues waiver.  This includes distribution of EWDU literature, recruitment of members and participation in EWDU activities and in our union. EWDU seeks to recruit organic leaders from the workplace into activism within the union and within the caucus.

Members shall seek to build a strong, democratic union from the bottom up. They shall not utilize EWDU to promote external organizations or agendas, unless approved by the IOC. 

Members shall treat others with respect and dignity. Members agree to a standard of accountability. Members shall assume good faith. Members shall refrain from personal attacks and physical, sexual, and/or verbal abuse or harassment. Any member in violation of these responsibilities shall be subject to mediation, suspension, and/or removal from the organization, as appropriate.

All UFCW members are eligible to become members of EWDU, including UFCW members who are without a first contract. However, the organization reserves the right to exclude those who are opposed to EWDU or its principles, as outlined in the “Essential Worker Bill of Rights.” Decisions on exclusion and member discipline will be voted upon by the IOC. 

Article Six: Political Independence

EWDU shall remain independent of any particular political organization. Individuals are by no means restricted from following their own particular political ideology, but they shall respect EWDU’s non-partisan nature.

Article Seven: Amendments

The EWDU bylaws may be amended only by EWDU Convention action. A two-thirds (⅔) vote shall be required to amend these bylaws. Suggested amendments shall be submitted by EWDU members in good standing to the EWDU via email at least sixty (60) days* prior to the convening of the next EWDU Convention. A two-thirds (⅔) vote of the IOC is required for a proposal submitted fewer than sixty days before the convention. Any submitted amendment shall require the endorsement of seven (7) EWDU members to be considered. A subcommittee of the EWDU will organize them according to the Article and Sections they wish to amend. Suggested amendments will be presented to the EWDU membership for vote.

Article Eight: Dissolution

In the event of dissolution of the corporation, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)3, 501(c)4 or 501(c)5 of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose. 

Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by a Court of competent jurisdiction of the county in which the principal office of the corporation is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.