US. Department of Labor Employment Standards Administration
Office of Labor-Management Standards
New Orleans District Office
600 S. Maestri Place
Room 604
New Orleans, LA 701 30
(504)589-6174 Fax: (504)589-7174
May 20, 2008
Ms. Sandra Kemp, President
Communication Workers AFL-CIO
Local 3404
2101 North Highway 190
Suite 202-204
Covington, LA 70433
LM File Number 011-706
Case Number: -
Dear Ms. Kemp:
This office has recently completed an audit of Communication Workers of America,
Local 3404 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,
Richard Mecom, and Frank Bivona on Friday, May 16,2008, the following problem was
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 Violations
The audit disclosed a violation of LMRDA Section 201(b), which requires labor
organizations to file annual financial reports accurately disclosing their financial
condition and operations. The Labor Organization Annual Report (Form LM-3) filed by
Local 3404 for fiscal year ending September 30,2007, was deficient in the following
areas:
1. Disbursements to Officers and Employees
Local 3404 failed to accurately report disbursements for officers and employees.
Disbursements reported on the Form LM-3 Items 45 and 46 should be net
amounts, not gross. Local 3404 failed to account for deductions in the reported
salary amount, therefore inflating the amount of disbursements to officers and
employees. As stated in the LM-3 instructions for Item 45, the total reported on
Line 11 of Item 24 should be entered. Line 11 of Item 24 represents net
disbursements to officers. Similarly, the instructions for Item 46 indicate that
disbursements to employees (less deductions for FICA, withheld taxes, etc.)
should be entered.
2. Purchase of Fixed Assets
Local 3404 inaccurately reported the amount of fixed assets purchased during the
audited fiscal year. As stated in the LM-3 instructions for Item 52, the total
disbursements for investments and fixed assets purchased by your organization
should be entered. Item 52 of the Form LM-3 should report only those assets
actually purchased during the reporting period. Item 29, (Column B) should
include the total of all fixed assets belonging to Local 3404 at the end of the
reporting period.
I am not requiring that Local 3404 file an amended LM report for 2007 to correct the deficient items, but Local 3404 has agreed to properly report the deficient items on all future reports it files with OLMS.
I want to extend my personal appreciation to Communication Workers of America, Local 3404 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,
Investigator
cc: Richard Mecom, Treasurer
Frank Bivona, Vice-President