Union Obligations Outlined

New final rules from the Labor Department spell out the responsibilities of federal unions to their members regarding their rights under federal labor law. Those rights include, among others, the rights to: nominate candidates for union office and run for office; vote in elections or referenda; attend membership meetings and vote upon the business of union meetings; meet and assemble freely with other members, and express views, arguments and opinions; participate in setting rates of dues, fees, and assessments; file a lawsuit; receive notice and a fair hearing before being disciplined; and inspect or obtain copies of collective bargaining agreements. The regs, in the June 2 Federal Register, deal with notice to be sent directly to members as well as to be posted on union websites.