FEC v. Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union No. 9 et al. seeks enforcement of conciliation agreement

On May 17, 2024, the Commission filed suit in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union No. 9 and its separate segregated fund, Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union No. 9 Political Action Committee (PAC), alleging they failed to comply with the terms of their conciliation agreement in Matter Under Review (MUR) 7028.

Background

In that agreement, the union and its PAC admitted they violated the Federal Election Campaign Act and Commission regulations “by soliciting and accepting contributions for the PAC without obtaining the appropriate written authorizations demonstrating the voluntary nature of the contributions, by operating a reverse check-off system, and by using such funds to make federal contributions and expenditures.” They also agreed to pay a joint civil penalty, refund contributions withheld from the complainant’s pay between 2012 and 2017, and take other remedial actions. Additionally, the Union agreed to cease and desist from violations of 52 U.S.C. § 30118(b)(3)(A)-(C) and 11 CFR 114.5(a)(2)-(5) and the PAC agreed to cease and desist from violations of 52 U.S.C. § 30118(b)(3)(A) and 11 CFR 114.5(a)(2)-(5).

The Commission seeks a declaration from the court that defendants have violated one or more of the requirements set forth in the conciliation agreement and other appropriate relief.

Resources

• Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union No. 9 et al.; FEC v. (24-1450) litigation page