Labor: That's an Election?

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The United Steelworkers of America, a bellwether of U.S. unionism and an organization with a powerful effect on the nation's economy, is not, it appears, even competent to hold an election for president. Nearly a month has passed since balloting in the contest between Incumbent David J. McDonald, 62, and Challenger I. W. Abel, 56, the union's longtime secretary-treasurer. There is still no clear winner—only cries of fraud and vote theft. More than 100 of the Steelworkers' 3,203 locals reported more votes cast in the election than there were members listed on the union's official membership rolls. No fewer than 150 protests of voting violations have been filed so far by union members.

Last week, from the union's Pittsburgh headquarters, came word that the unofficial count of the vote was complete. It showed that Abel led McDonald by some 6,228 votes out of some 620,000 cast. But that didn't mean it was all over—not by a long shot. Under the Steelworkers' constitution, a local's entire vote is thrown out if fraud is discovered. And voting-violation charges must be heard before the election results are certified.

To complicate matters, both men claimed victory. Abel said that he was "sure" he had won the election. McDonald, who has been president since 1953, said that "a majority of the votes actually cast" were his. About all that was certain was that it would be weeks before an official winner was declared —and that his certification and title would be clouded.