Union discipline

Bill Hogan, once a powerful union leader, had a falling out with Teamster President Jimmy Hoffa and was expelled from the union. Details here, here, here and here. Under union rules Teamsters are barred from speaking with the expelled member. Seems the union got an injunction enforcing the private discipline and now Hogan faces contempt of court for speaking with Teamsters including his son and best friend. Union discipline is a private contractural matter. The union's constitution and by-laws establish the rules. When a member violates the rules, the organization may discipline the violator in private proceedings which do not provide due process or right to legal assistance. Members can be expelled or fined for offenses like conduct detrimental to the union. The union then can go to court to enforce the discipline.