Worker Centers have been in play for a while. Unions use them as a way to circumvent federal rules placed on labor unions. These centers, often funded by unions themselves, primarily work to rally troops for organizing purposes. In more recent years, they’ve been used as quasi-unions, actually developing representative relationships and bargaining on behalf of employees. However, a recent letter from the House Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions has asked the Department of Labor recognize these worker centers for what they are and, in turn, regulate them in accordance with the law. The letter makes three specific requests:
Establish an updated test to determine whether a worker center should be classified as a labor organization under the LMRDA; Initiate investigations and enforcement against worker centers that are subject to reporting requirements under the LMRDA but do not file reports; and Require increased clarity and transparency in the reports of worker centers that appear to be serving as improper go-betweens for international unions and non-reporting entities.
The pressure is officially on Alex Acosta and the DOL. We’ll stay tuned to see how he responds.
