United States Department of Labor: Synopsis of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959, as amended (LMRDA)

The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959, as amended (LMRDA), grants certain rights to union members and protects their interests by promoting democratic procedures within labor organizations. The LMRDA establishes:

• a Bill of Rights for union members;
• reporting requirements for labor organizations, union officers and employees, employers, labor-relations consultants, and surety companies;
• standards for the regular election of union officers; and
• safeguards for protecting labor organization funds and assets.

The Secretary of Labor enforces certain provisions of the LMRDA and has delegated that authority to the Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) of the Department of Labor.  Other provisions may only be enforced by union members through a private suit in a Federal district court.