U.S. Department of Labor

Employment Standards Administration
Office of Labor-Management Standards
Seattle District Office
1111 Third Avenue
Suite 605
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 398-8099 Fax:(206) 398-8090

 

February 1, 2010

Ms. Connie Wigle, Secretary-Treasurer
Letter Carriers, Branch 79
210 Queen Anne Avenue, Suite 201
Seattle, WA 98109-4833

LM File Number: 081-310
Case Number: ||||||||||
Dear Ms. Wigle:

This office has recently completed an audit of Letter Carriers, Branch 79 under the Compliance Audit Program (CAP) to determine your organization’s compliance with the provisions of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA). As discussed during the exit interview with you, on January 22, 2010, the following problems were disclosed during the CAP. The matters listed below are not an exhaustive list of all possible problem areas since the audit conducted was limited in scope.

Reporting Violation

Failure to File Bylaws

The audit disclosed a violation of LMRDA Section 201(a), which requires that a union submit a copy of its revised constitution and bylaws with its LM report when it makes changes to its constitution or bylaws. Branch 79 amended its constitution and bylaws in 2008, but did not file a copy with its LM report for that year. Branch 79 has now filed a copy of its constitution and bylaws.


Other Violation

Inadequate Bonding

The audit revealed a violation of LMRDA Section 502 (Bonding), which requires that union officers and employees be bonded for no less than 10 percent of the total funds those individuals or their predecessors handled during the preceding fiscal year.

The audit revealed that Branch 79’s officers were not bonded for the minimum amount required at the time of the audit. Officers and employees of Branch 79 are currently bonded for $150,000; however, they must be bonded for at least $180,000. Branch 79 should obtain adequate bonding coverage for its officers and employees immediately. Please provide proof of bonding coverage to this office as soon as possible, but not later than February 5, 2010.

I want to extend my personal appreciation to Letter Carriers, Branch 79 for the cooperation and courtesy extended during this compliance audit. I strongly recommend that you make sure this letter and the compliance assistance materials provided to you are passed on to future officers. If we can provide any additional assistance, please do not hesitate to call.

Sincerely,

 

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Supervisory Investigator

cc: Richard Horner, President