We, the undersigned, prefer charges against Harriette Dennett,
President, United Office and Professional Workers of America, Local
35, for violation of the Constitution of the National Union under
the following Articles:
ARTICLE II, Section 3. “No person whose interests are deemed to lie
with the employer as against the employees shall be eligible for
membership.”
ARTICLE II, Section 5, Obligations of Members. “... to bear true
allegiance to, and keep inviolate the principles of the union; ...
and to promote the interests of our members in harmony with the
best interests of our country.”
ARTICLE VI, Section 9, Obligations of Local Union Officers. “...
to perform all your duties as required by the laws of the Union
and the instruction of the membership ... and that you will do
everything in your power to forward the interests of the organized
labor movement.”
We have certain evidence clearly revealing that Harriette Dennett
has made regular reports to the Federal Bureau of Investigation
over a long period of time for which she has received payment. We
are convinced that no honest trade unionist would have connections
with any police body, especially the FBI, and still serve the best
interests of the Union.
Let as examine the role of the FBI. Organized labor recognizes
that law enforcing agencies are absolutely necessary in the
protection of public and private property, prevention of crime,
and safeguarding our welfare. However, various police bodies, both
Federal and local, have always allied themselves with the employers
in economic struggles. In strikes, the U. S. Army and National
Guard have smashed picket lines and arrested union leaders, and, in
conjunction with the courts, have framed them, had them imprisoned,
deported, and even executed.
The FBI especially, acting as the undercover arm of these police
forces, while it has done a commendable job in the apprehension of
criminals, has constantly used its prestige and power in aiding
employers and local police agencies in their efforts to weaken
and destroy unions by hunting down progressive and militant trade
unionists and having them blacklisted from their jobs.
In the Bridges Case, witnesses were either paid or intimidated
by the FBI to testify falsely. They did not hesitate to use
wiretapping, dictographing, and other devices, although illegal. At
the present time, John Santos, long-time leader of the Transport
Workers Union, is undergoing an ordeal very similar to that of
Bridges. Strenuous efforts are being made to deport him because he
has earned the enmity of powerful transit and utility corporations.
He is charged with being an alien “red.” And, once again, the FBI
is playing a key role in this hearing by rounding up questionable
anti-labor characters to testify against him.
According to the La Follette Civil Liberties Committee, the
Pinkerton Detective Agency was found to have 300 operatives
enrolled in unions as members, _of whom at least 100 were union
officials_--of them 14 presidents of locals, one national
vice-president, 14 trustees, and 20 local union secretaries.
We are at present witnessing an attack upon a union in our own city
as a result of the combination of discredited labor leaders, the
un-American Canwell Committee and the Seattle P-I and its FBI agent
and strike-breaker, Fred Niendorff.
Today, Labor is faced with and all-out offensive of the
profit-greedy NAM. They are determined to bring wages down while
continuing to raise the cost of living. This attack on the
peoples’ living standards is most serious to the thousands of
greatly underpaid white-collar workers.
To accomplish this union-busting program, the most vicious
antilabor legislation, such as the Taft-Hartley law has been
passed, and the Un-American Activities Committee, the little
Dies Committees and numerous other government agencies--all in
conjunction with the FBI--are engaged in a witch-hunt against labor.
Let us recall that it was not until trade unions were made impotent
in Germany that Hitler dared to embark on the road to concentration
and extermination camps.
The National CIO has condemned the Department of Justice for
conducting a “gumshoe” probe of CIO political expenditures.
President Philip Murray has reported “furtive operations and
dramatic unearthing of clues by the FBI ... which can have only the
objective of harassing and intimidation.”
Anyone working with the FBI or with any of the above-named
antilabor committees or against the best interests of the union
must clearly be labeled an enemy of labor and removed from
membership in any labor organization to which he may belong.
Therefore, in pursuance of the procedure established by Section
I, ARTICLE XV, which states that any elective or appointive
officers of a local union may be removed from office subject to
provisions of this Article for any violation of this Constitution
“or because of the commission of an act impairing the usefulness of
the organization,” we are presenting these charges, and demanding
the expulsion of Harriette Dennett from UOPWA 35. We call upon
our Union to immediately set up a trial committee to investigate
these charges and report back its findings to a special membership
meeting to be called for action by the membership.
uopwa 35 cio
Mr. TAVENNER. And I would like also to introduce in evidence at this
time the expulsion notice that was given you, and ask that it be marked
“Dennett Exhibit No. 11.”
Mr. MOULDER. As requested by counsel, without objection, it is so
ordered.
(The document above referred to, marked “Dennett Exhibit No. 11,” is
filed herewith).