MUR 5386: Union contributions; contributions in the name of another

The Commission has entered into a conciliation agreement with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) District Lodges 141, 141-M and 142, Local Lodge 1487, IAMAW’s PAC (MNPL) and the PAC’s treasurer. In the agreement, the respondents admit to violating the Federal Election Campaign Act (the Act) by using union treasury funds to reimburse union member contributions to IAMAW’s PAC. This conciliation agreement prohibits future misconduct by the respondents and requires them to pay a $151,000 in civil penalty.

Background

The Act prohibits unions from making contributions or expenditures from their general treasury funds in connection with any election of any candidate for federal office. Additionally, under the Act, it is illegal to reimburse any person for their contributions to any federal political committee. Therefore, a union may not reimburse its members, directly or indirectly, for any contributions they make to a political committee. 2 U.S.C. §§441b and 441f.

Between 2000 and 2003, IAMAW District Lodges 141, 141-M and 142 and Local Lodge 1487 held at least 20 conventions and conferences at which delegates voted, according to longstanding practice, to donate their registration fees to IAMAW’s PAC, MNPL. The union used its treasury funds to reimburse many of the delegates’ registration fees. Additionally, IAMAW officers and MNPL representatives at each district and local lodge were aware that registration fees were being contributed to MNPL.

Conciliation agreement

The IAMAW respondents admitted in their conciliation agreement to using union treasury funds to reimburse union member contributions to the IAMAW’s PAC. The respondents agreed to pay a joint civil penalty of $151,000 and to cease and desist from further such violations of the Act.

Additional information

For additional information on this case, please visit the Commission’s Public Records Office or consult the Enforcement Query System on the FEC’s website and enter case number 5386.