8K03 Who Receives the Enforcement Recommendations

The regional office submits the enforcement recommendation and case file simultaneously to RSOL and DPO. It must contain all of the documents in the original case file, including applications. The CO sends a copy of the cover memorandum and the transmittal memorandum to DPO, as well as the completed SCER (compliance evaluations) or Investigative Report (complaint investigations). Upon receipt, DPO is responsible for forwarding a copy of the enforcement recommendation and supporting documents to the national Office of the Solicitor of Labor (NSOL); specifically, the Associate Solicitor, Civil Rights and Labor-Management Division, Office of the Solicitor, U.S. Department of Labor, Room N-2474, 200 Constitution Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210.

If DPO uncovers deficiencies during its preliminary review of an enforcement recommendation, it rejects the enforcement referral and returns it to the appropriate regional office for further action or to correct the deficiencies, or both. Examples of deficiencies that may result in rejection include lack of jurisdiction, no evidence of consultation with RSOL prior to referral and incorrect citation of a violation. DPO concurrently informs NSOL to notify the appropriate RSOL of this action. Furthermore, should RSOL or NSOL, or both, have any concerns regarding the merits of the enforcement referral, the appropriate SOL office will notify the regional office to discuss the issues associated with the referral. If SOL rejects an enforcement referral, it must explain in writing the reasons for the rejection.