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Most commenters oppose Department of Labor proposal easing union financial disclosures

Most commenters oppose Department of Labor proposal easing union financial disclosures
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William L. Messenger Vice President and Legal Director (2023-Present) | NRTWLD&EF, Inc

The Department of Labor’s Office of Labor Management Standards (OLMS) recently closed the comment period on a proposed rule that would reduce financial disclosure requirements for union officials. According to data from the National Right to Work Foundation, more than 97% of the 299 public comments submitted opposed the proposed change.

The National Right to Work Foundation filed detailed comments urging OLMS to reject the rule. The organization stated: “These sentiments were echoed by hundreds of Americans, including rank-and-file workers, who are furious with the OLMS for proposing to deprive millions of workers of vital information on how union officials spend their dues payments, especially spending on union political and ideological activities. As over 225 of the comments point out, this change would allow over 850 unions, spending over $200 million annually, to hide their activities from detailed financial disclosure accessible to workers and the public.”

Several individuals used their public comments to describe personal experiences involving alleged union misconduct and called for greater accountability in how unions use dues money. For example:

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- A former member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters recounted retaliation after raising concerns about errors in financial reports.

- A former professor described being compelled to pay union dues and support certain candidates.

- Another commenter remembered union leaders using funds for political causes they did not support.

- A former Communications Workers of America member called for stricter oversight.

Organizations such as the National Institute for Labor Relations Research, Institute for the American Worker, Yankee Institute, and Coalition for a Democratic Workplace also submitted critical remarks.

Of seven comments supporting less stringent reporting rules, most came from union officials. The National Education Association was among those favoring changes; during this period it faced criticism related to its efforts around its 2025 handbook. Union leadership at AFL-CIO and AFSCME advocated even further reductions in required disclosures.

The Foundation concluded: “The United States establishes a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. OLMS should reject these union bosses’ personally-motivated requests, and instead listen to the voice of the overwhelming majority calling for this change to be withdrawn.”

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