23-05-2018, 02:00 PM
Absolutely Dave.
The WIA Constitution clearly spells out the due process to be followed in the expulsion of a member.
The process initially involves confidentiality, which was not followed.
By publishing a copy of the initial letter sent to him from the WIA Secretary dated 14/05/2018, he has brought the matter out into the open himself (and the implications on his reputation) as well as infringing the rights of the WIA - the end of the initial letter is unequivocal:
“This document is private and intended solely for the use of the person to whom it addressed. It may contain material which is privileged or confidential. This document should not be copied or distributed without prior written approval.”
The WIA on the other hand has acted appropriately in simply announcing in its press release of 16 May 2018, “……. to consider expulsion proceedings against one or more members in terms of clause 5.7 of the WIA Constitution…….”
What I find interesting about the whole issue of due process, is that now we know that the potential expellees are the leaders of the RASA organisation. That organisation has published on its website, its own Rules of Association for Disciplinary Action (sections 19 to 24) which are similar to those of the WIA.
If the RASA wants to be seen as a viable alternative to the WIA then they would surely require any disciplinary action on their behalf, to follow similar due process and not be aired publically for all to see and comment upon.
Also one of their stated policies is: "Proper copyright and reference laws or standards should be observed when posting". Clearly this has not been followed in this case.
Cheers
Peter VK3QI
The WIA Constitution clearly spells out the due process to be followed in the expulsion of a member.
The process initially involves confidentiality, which was not followed.
By publishing a copy of the initial letter sent to him from the WIA Secretary dated 14/05/2018, he has brought the matter out into the open himself (and the implications on his reputation) as well as infringing the rights of the WIA - the end of the initial letter is unequivocal:
“This document is private and intended solely for the use of the person to whom it addressed. It may contain material which is privileged or confidential. This document should not be copied or distributed without prior written approval.”
The WIA on the other hand has acted appropriately in simply announcing in its press release of 16 May 2018, “……. to consider expulsion proceedings against one or more members in terms of clause 5.7 of the WIA Constitution…….”
What I find interesting about the whole issue of due process, is that now we know that the potential expellees are the leaders of the RASA organisation. That organisation has published on its website, its own Rules of Association for Disciplinary Action (sections 19 to 24) which are similar to those of the WIA.
If the RASA wants to be seen as a viable alternative to the WIA then they would surely require any disciplinary action on their behalf, to follow similar due process and not be aired publically for all to see and comment upon.
Also one of their stated policies is: "Proper copyright and reference laws or standards should be observed when posting". Clearly this has not been followed in this case.
Cheers
Peter VK3QI