The Dep’t of Labor filed suit Jan. 18 in U.S. Dist. Court for the N. Dist. of Texas against the Am. Postal Workers Union Local 732 of Dallas. The suit resulted from an DOL probe of the local’s May 19, 2001 mail ballot officer and delegate election. DOL found that the local denied eligible members the right to vote, in that the local failed to mail ballots to all eligible members, and failed to count all ballots that had been returned by eligible members to the post office prior to the deadline. DOL also found that the local improperly permitted ineligible members to vote in violation of the union constitution and bylaws. The suit seeks new election for 11 officer and 39 delegate positions under DOL supervision. [DOL 1/18/02]
DOL Sues Baltimore Lodge for New Elections
The Dep’t of Labor filed suit Dec. 28 in U.S. Dist. Court for the Dist. of Md. against Int’l Ass’n of Machinists Lodge S-33 in Baltimore. The suit resulted from DOL probe of the lodge’s July 28-29, 2001 and Oct. 25 officers elections. Lodge S-33 allegedly violated Section 401(e) of the Labor-Mgmt. Reporting & Disclosure Act by applying an unreasonable meeting attendance requirement which called for attendance at 50% of the regular membership meetings in the 12 months preceding nominations. The requirement excluded approximately 90% of the members from running for office, was applied retroactively, and was not uniformly applied. Members were also not given sufficient notice that the requirement would be applied. The suit seeks new nominations and a new election under DOL supervision. [DOL 12/28/01]
DOL Seeks New Election for Philadephia Local
The Dep’t of Labor filed suit Dec. 21 in U.S. Dist. Court for the E. Dist. of Pa. against United Auto Workers Local 813 in Philadelphia. The suit resulted from a DOL probe of the local’s May 1, 2001 election. DOL found that the local failed to mail notices of election to members at their last known home addresses. The Suit seeks a new election for all offices under DOL supervision. [DOL 12/21/01]