The Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) enforces provisions of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA) as well as the Civil Service Reform Act (CSRA), statutes that promote labor union democracy and financial integrity.  These statutes also promote transparency through their reporting requirements for labor unions, union officials, employers, and labor relations consultants. 

Below is a listing of some of the various types of civil and criminal investigations OLMS conducts:

 

SUBJECTS OF OLMS INVESTIGATIONS

Civil investigations conducted by OLMS relate to:

  • Union officer elections (please review Union Officer Elections: A Complainant’s Guide).
  • Union financial audits
  • Filing of reports by unions, union officers and employees, employers, consultants and others
  • Trusteeships over subordinate unions by a parent body
  • Prohibitions against persons convicted of certain felonies holding union office or employment in certain positions
  • Determinations as to whether an organization is a labor organization
  • Obtaining copies of collective bargaining agreements for members or the right to inspect the agreements

 

 

Criminal investigations conducted by OLMS relate to:

  • Embezzlement or theft of union funds, property, or assets
  • Recordkeeping and reporting violations such as false statements, false reports, and destruction of records
  • The use or threatened use of force or violence in order to interfere with or prevent members from exercising their LMRDA rights
  • Extortionate picketing
  • Prohibitions against persons convicted of certain felonies holding union office or employment in certain positions
  • Unlawful acts relating to trusteeships, loans to officers, and payment of fines
  • Union election fraud where there has been ballot tampering or other illegal acts committed in order to influence the outcome of the election

In order to file a complaint with OLMS regarding any of these issues, please contact the nearest OLMS field office.  OLMS field offices can provide guidance on how to file a complaint, including guidance regarding any additional steps you may need to take before filing a complaint and your ability to file an anonymous complaint.  You also can email OLMS-Public@dol.gov or call 202-693-0143 with your complaint or questions.

 

 

Last Updated: 3-06-24