Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959, as amended (LMRDA)

Synopsis of Law

The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959, as amended (LMRDA), grants certain rights to union members and protects their interests by promoting democratic procedures within labor organizations. The LMRDA establishes:

  • A Bill of Rights for union members;
  • Reporting requirements for labor organizations, union officers and employees, employers, labor-relations consultants, and surety companies;
  • Standards for the regular election of union officers; and
  • Safeguards for protecting labor organization funds and assets.

The Secretary of Labor enforces certain provisions of the LMRDA and has delegated that authority to the Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) of the Department of Labor. Other provisions may only be enforced by union members through a private suit in a Federal district court.

The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA) Standards of Conduct

Synopsis of Law

The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA) applies to labor organizations which represents employees in most agencies of the executive branch of the Federal Government. The regulations implementing the standards of conduct provisions of the CSRA incorporate many LMRDA provisions, including those related to labor organization reporting requirements.

On June 2, 2006 OLMS published a final rule that requires Federal sector labor organizations to inform members of their democratic rights including, among other things, the right to inspect collective bargaining agreements, to participate in officer elections and other union activities, and to exercise free speech rights without fear of retaliation. Notice must be given by hand delivery, U.S. mail, email, or any combination as long as the method is reasonably calculated to reach all members.

This rule requires labor organizations to inform members of their rights by October 2, 2006. Notice to new members must be given within 90 days of their joining the labor organization. All members must be given notice of their rights in writing once every three years.

Federal sector unions may use the DOL publication Union Member Rights and Officer Responsibilities under the Civil Service Reform Act, available below, as the notice or they may devise their own language to inform members of their rights as long as it accurately states all union-member democratic rights contained in the standards of conduct regulations.

A Federal sector union which maintains a Web site must have a conspicuous link to Union Member Rights and Officer Responsibilities under the Civil Service Reform Act or to the union's own statement of members' rights.

LMRDA and CSRA Questions & Answers

 

Last Updated: 1-05-17