PHILIPSBURG--An injunction has been filed seeking to nullify the election of the new executive board of the Workers Institute for Organized Labour Association (WIFOL), with attorney Cor Merx telling The Daily Herald on Monday that the election procedure allegedly did not comply with the association’s bylaws.
Merx said the application was filed late last week and seeks to have a judge determine whether the proper procedures were followed and to nullify the decisions made through the process. He said a hearing date was still pending.
According to Merx, “on two or three points the board did not follow the procedure according to the by-laws.”
News of the injunction comes as seasoned trade unionist and educator Claire Elshot called for the annulment of the WIFOL’s new board, alleging that its installation amounted to an illegal leadership takeover and raising questions about the election procedures and the interruption of a financial audit.
The court challenge also follows a congress held at the WIFOL building on Thursday, September 17, during which Joanice David Richardson was elected president, replacing Theophilus Thompson. Elton Jones and Ashma Berkel were also elected as board members. The new executive board is to decide who will serve as secretary and treasurer under WIFOL’s constitution and may convene another congress to expand the board.
The September 17 congress was convened by 10 ordinary members to address the association’s affairs and management, including its financial statements, board vacancies and the appointment of board members.
