Old Ironworker Remedy- In the Pine Thicket
Last month MFD reported on the two members of Ironworkers Local 387, Bishop and Ingram who are suing their International Union for abusing union disciplinary procedure as a way to stifle free speech.
This US District Court document, Carl E. Bishop and Oscar Ingram vs. International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Ironworkers Civil Action No. 03-344, presents the factual evidence of Bishop an Ingram's journey to justice. The evidence for the most part tells of the blatant arrogance of Ironworkers officials, toward union members.
The transcript dated February 25, 2002 shows the union leaders depicting members as "an unruly mob verging on violence", their blatant disregard for the plaintiffs' natural and procedural rights in their kangaroo trial, and resorting to good old fashioned threats of going out to settle things "in the pine thicket".
Recently, NLPC reported that on April 10th, 2003, the General Executive Board of the International Association of Ironworkers dropped the huge fines they had imposed on Ingram and Bishop.
Although it is only a partial victory for the two union reformers the outcome of the trial, which may have far reaching implications for union reform, is still unknown.
The decisions of United States District Judge Gladys Kessler could free the two Ironworkers from their imposed burdens and provide a precedent for all union members seeking freedom of speech without persecution.