They Can Ban Me, They Can Silence Me, But They Can't Kill Union Democracy! A Message to CTU Members - By Joey McDermott

Within any struggle the powerful will target leaders, in hopes of crushing the entire movement. But the spirit of the People can't be tied to one dynamic leader. The People must pursue justice and righteousness. The powerful will seek to silence you, but they can't crush the grievances that lead to resistance. My faith in the power of collective actions provided me with solace and inspiration over the past month.

On December 11, 2023, CTU notified me that I was elected to the House of Delegates. I posted on Facebook, "Just when I thought I was out, I get pulled back in." It was an homage to Michael Corleone's character in The Godfather. The response to the post was love and enthusiasm from former colleagues and fellow CTU members.

Many remember the good I did as their field rep, such as the time we secured parking for members. Many were part of the 1,200 who signed a petition when I was dismissed. Others remember when I ran for VP as part of the REAL caucus. For those who are not happy with our present CORE-CTU leadership, I offer hope. Many feel they have no voice, that our leadership doesn't listen. Their encouragement revitalized my desire to remain involved in our union.

I chose Corleone's words because I've often sworn, "I'm done with the union. " At times, my exposure to CTU's toxic culture was to the detriment of my well-being. Over the years I've been called racist, paternalistic, misogynistic, anti-semitic, pro-cop, a secret republican, pugnacious and other distortions.

It's an unfortunate aspect of being an active union member, but when you criticize the status quo, I expect personal attacks. To put it in modern vernacular, "If you ain't got no haters, you ain't poppin'." When it comes to my relationship with present CTU leadership - I have some haters.

The February House of Delegates meeting passed, the spring delegates training passed, and a few old friends reached out. "Hey Joey, where ya' been? I thought you were elected as a delegate now?"

I told them, "There's a reason you haven't seen me. Despite being elected, the CTU officers banned me from attending."

CTU hired Wes Kennedy, an attorney, to communicate my ban from meetings. Wes told me the Tuesday before the February House meeting. Due to my dismissal in 2018, I'm not allowed to have contact with officers. They claim my attendance, alongside 500 others delegates, would cause officers to have contact with me.

CTU makes this claim, even though I ran for CTU VP in 2022. During the campaign I shared the stage with CTU officers on a dozen occasions. I even posed for a photo with the two other VP candidates after a debate! Now tell me, if I was violating any non-contact requirement, why wasn't this an issue during the election?

This is not about my non-contact with the officers, it's an action to prevent my participation in our union's democratic process. This is a threat to our beloved democratic tradition. A tradition we value dearly at CTU.  A tradition that was once the strongest democratic tradition of any union in this country. They are violating our traditions and our rules in pursuit of power. CTU leadership believes the rules don't apply to them.

I filed a ULP complaint with the NLRB. I love my union and want to serve as a delegate. I have opinions on contract proposals. I, along with my REAL caucus siblings, have ideas to propose to our fellow delegates. I understand Robert's Rules of Order and I have the courage to speak truth to our leadership. I'm hopeful the labor board will win justice for me, but justice is best served when it comes from the power of the People.

I will be honest, their actions frighten me. I've had sleepless nights, anxiety and stress. I'm thankful for my REAL siblings, family and friends who've supported me through this ordeal. Your encouragement and love is greatly appreciated. You've inspired me to keep asking questions and fighting for what is right and just.

CTU leadership's actions raise several questions and I have a feeling I know the answers:

• What's CTU's goal? To silence me. 

• How much will they spend to silence me? At this point it's in the $1,000's.

• Will anyone question their actions? With one caucus domination, I fear not.

• What do they want to happen? It feels like they want to bankrupt me with legal fees. I fear losing my home. I fear they will drain my daughter's college fund for next fall.
  

I have a message to members of CORE, CTU staff, community allies, elected officials and anyone who supports our present leadership. If you love our union, if you value Democracy, if you welcome respectful dissent - please, speak up and say something. The best way to honor our union Democracy, to be social justice warriors, is to say something when you see something.

Consider this, when you:

• voted for CORE, did you think your leaders would use union resources to target a leader from a rival caucus?

• joined the Executive Board did you expect to be silent in the face of injustice - such as this?

• became a labor attorney, did you expect to silence dissenting opinions within union membership?

I'm not always perfect, and I acknowledge I've made mistakes. I've paid a heavy price for being outspoken and I continue to pay. All along, my goal is to promote member voice, member driven unionism and authentic debate within our House of Delegates. If you have a voice, please use it and demand that CTU leadership respect my election as delegate. Right now CTU, and all its might, have me at their mercy.

Today it's me, who will it be tomorrow? What will you do in the face of this?