“There’s a painful sense of loss that we feel today: loss of
trust, lost opportunities for our schools, and the lost, hard-earned dues that
teachers here in Washington paid into the union to protect their rights.
“This case involved more than just the ethical failures of a few
unscrupulous officials. There was also a failure of accountability, an absence
of oversight, and a lack of concern for the well-being of union members.
“It’s also an affront to the vast majority of union
leaders—who are hard-working, decent and dedicated to their members.
“Last week, the Department issued final rules that will improve
the financial transparency and accountability of labor unions. Today’s
action demonstrates there are serious consequences for violating the bond of
trust between unions and their members. And the Department’s new financial
transparency rules will ensure that sacred trust is fully
protected.”
