Title 29—Labor--Volume 1
PART 458—STANDARDS OF CONDUCT
§ 458.1   General.
The term LMRDA means the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959, as amended (29 U.S.C. 401 et seq. ). Unless otherwise provided in this part or in the CSRA or FSA, any term in any section of the LMRDA which is incorporated into this part by reference, and any term in this part which is also used in the LMRDA, shall have the meaning which that term has under the LMRDA, unless the context in which it is used indicates that such meaning is not applicable. In applying the standards contained in this subpart the Director will be guided by the interpretations and policies followed by the Department of Labor in applying the provisions of the LMRDA and by applicable court decisions.
§ 458.2   Bill of rights of members of labor organizations.
(a)(1) Equal rights. Every member of a labor organization shall have equal rights and privileges within such organization to nominate candidates, to vote in elections or referendums of the labor organization, to attend membership meetings and to participate in the deliberations and voting upon the business of such meetings, subject to reasonable rules and regulations in such organization's constitution and bylaws.
(2) Freedom of speech and assembly. Every member of any labor organization shall have the right to meet and assemble freely with other members; and to express any views, arguments or opinions; and to express at meetings of the labor organization his views upon candidates in an election of the labor organization or upon any business properly before the meeting, subject to the organization's established and reasonable rules pertaining to the conduct of meetings: Provided, That nothing herein shall be construed to impair the right of a labor organization to adopt and enforce reasonable rules as to the responsibility of every member toward the organization as an institution and to his refraining from conduct that would interfere with its performance of its legal or contractual obligations.
(3) Dues, initiation fees, and assessments. Except in the case of a federation of national or international labor organizations, the rates of dues and initiation fees payable by members of any labor organization in effect on the date this section is published shall not be increased, and no general or special assessment shall be levied upon such members, except:
(i) In the case of a local organization, (A) by majority vote by secret ballot of the members in good standing voting at a general or special membership meeting, after reasonable notice of the intention to vote upon such question, or (B) by majority vote of the members in good standing voting in a membership referendum conducted by secret ballot; or
(ii) In the case of a labor organization, other than a local labor organization or a federation of national or international labor organizations, (A) by majority vote of the delegates voting at a regular convention, or at a special convention of such labor organization held upon not less than 30 days written notice to the principal office of each local or constituent labor organization entitled to such notice, or (B) by majority vote of the members in good standing of such labor organization voting in a membership referendum conducted by secret ballot, or (C) by majority vote of the members of the executive board or similar governing body of such labor organization, pursuant to express authority contained in the constitution and bylaws of such labor organization: Provided, That such action on the part of the executive board or similar governing body shall be effective only until the next regular convention of such labor organization.
(4) Protection of the right to sue. No labor organization shall limit the right of any member thereof to institute an action in any court, or in a proceeding before any administrative agency, irrespective of whether or not the labor organization or its officers are named as defendants or respondents in such action or proceedings, or the right of any member of a labor organization to appear as a witness in any judicial, administrative, or legislative proceeding, or to petition any legislature or to communicate with any legislator: Provided, That any such member may be required to exhaust reasonable hearing procedures (but not to exceed a 4-month lapse of time) within such organization, before instituting legal or administrative proceedings against such organizations or any officer thereof.
(5) Safeguards against improper disciplinary action. No member of any labor organization may be fined, suspended, expelled, or otherwise disciplined, except for nonpayment of dues by such organization or by any officer thereof unless such member has been (i) served with written specific charges; (ii) given a reasonable time to prepare his defense; (iii) afforded a full and fair hearing.
(b) Any provision of the constitution and bylaws of any labor organization which is inconsistent with the provisions of this section shall not be a defense to any proceeding instituted against the labor organization under this part or under the CSRA or FSA.
(c) Nothing contained in this section shall limit the rights and remedies of any member of a labor organization under any State or Federal law or before any court or other tribunal, or under the constitution and bylaws of any labor organization.
(d) It shall be the duty of the secretary or corresponding principal officer of each labor organization, in the case of a local labor organization, to forward a copy of each agreement made by such labor organization with an agency, Department or activity to any employee who requests such a copy and whose rights as such employee are directly affected by such agreement, and in the case of a labor organization other than a local labor organization, to forward a copy of any such agreement to each constituent unit which has members directly affected by such agreement; and such officer shall maintain at the principal office of the labor organization of which he is an officer, copies of any such agreement made or received by such labor organization, which copies shall be available for inspection by any member or by any employee whose rights are affected by such agreement. An employee's rights under this paragraph shall be enforceable in the same manner as the rights of a member.
§ 458.3   Application of LMRDA labor organization reporting requirements.
The reporting provisions of parts 402, 403, and 408 of this chapter shall apply to labor organizations subject to the requirements of the CSRA or FSA.
§ 458.4   Informing members of the standards of conduct provisions.
(a) Every labor organization subject to the requirements of the CSRA, the FSA, or the CAA shall inform its members concerning the standards of conduct provisions of the Acts and the regulations in this subchapter. Labor organizations shall provide such notice to members by October 2, 2006 and thereafter to all new members within 90 days of the time they join and to all members at least once every three years. Notice must be provided by hand delivery, U.S. mail or e-mail or a combination of the three as long as the method is reasonably calculated to reach all members. Such notice may be included with the required notice of local union elections. Where a union newspaper is used to provide notice, the notice must be conspicuously placed on the front page of the newspaper, or the front page should have a conspicuous reference to the inside page where the notice appears, so that the inclusion of the notice in a particular issue is readily apparent to each member.
(b) A labor organization may demonstrate compliance with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section by showing that another labor organization provided an appropriate notice to all of its members during the necessary time frame.
(c) Labor organizations may use the Department of Labor publication Union Member Rights and Officer Responsibilities under the Civil Service Reform Act (available on the OLMS Web site at http://www.dol.gov/olms ) or may devise their own language as long as the notice accurately states all of the CSRA standards of conduct provisions as set forth in the fact sheet.
(d) If a labor organization has a Web site, the site must contain a conspicuous link to Union Member Rights and Officer Responsibilities under the Civil Service Reform Act or, alternatively, to the labor organization's own notice prepared in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section.
§ 458.26   Purposes for which a trusteeship may be established.
Trusteeships shall be established and administered by a labor organization over a subordinate body only in accordance with the constitution and bylaws of the organization which has assumed trusteeship over the subordinate body and for the purpose of (a) correcting corruption or financial malpractice, (b) assuring the performance of negotiated agreements or other duties of a representative of employees, (c) restoring democratic procedures, or (d) otherwise carrying out the legitimate objects of such labor organization.
§ 458.27   Prohibited acts relating to subordinate body under trusteeship.
During any period when a subordinate body of a labor organization is in trusteeship, (a) the votes of delegates or other representatives from such body in any convention or election of officers of the labor organization shall not be counted unless the representatives have been chosen by secret ballot in an election in which all the members in good standing of such subordinate body were eligible to participate; and (b) no current receipts or other funds of the subordinate body except the normal per capita tax and assessments payable by subordinate bodies not in trusteeship shall be transferred directly or indirectly to the labor organization which has imposed the trusteeship; Provided, however, That nothing contained in this section shall prevent the distribution of the assets of a labor organization in accordance with its constitution and bylaws upon the bona fide dissolution thereof.
§ 458.28   Presumption of validity.
In any proceeding involving § 458.26, a trusteeship established by a labor organization in conformity with the procedural requirements of its constitution and bylaws and authorized or ratified after a fair hearing either before the executive board or before such other body as may be provided in accordance with its constitution and bylaws shall be presumed valid for a period of 18 months from the date of its establishment and shall not be subject to attack during such period except upon clear and convincing proof that the trusteeship was not established or maintained in good faith for purposes allowable under § 458.26. After the expiration of 18 months the trusteeship shall be presumed invalid in any such proceeding, unless the labor organization shall show by clear and convincing proof that the continuation of the trusteeship is necessary for a purpose allowable under § 458.26.
§ 458.29   Election of officers.
Every labor organization subject to the CSRA or FSA shall conduct periodic elections of officers in a fair and democratic manner. All elections of officers shall be governed by the standards prescribed in sections 401 (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) and (g) of the LMRDA to the extent that such standards are relevant to elections held pursuant to the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 7120 or 22 U.S.C. 4117 .
§ 458.30   Removal of elected officers.
When an elected officer of a local labor organization is charged with serious misconduct and the constitution and bylaws of such organization do not provide an adequate procedure meeting the standards of § 417.2(b) of this chapter for removal of such officer, the labor organization shall follow a procedure which meets those standards.
§ 458.31   Maintenance of fiscal integrity in the conduct of the affairs of labor organizations.
The standards of fiduciary responsibility prescribed in section 501(a) of the LMRDA are incorporated into this subpart by reference and made a part hereof.
§ 458.32   Provision for accounting and financial controls.
Every labor organization shall provide accounting and financial controls necessary to assure the maintenance of fiscal integrity.
§ 458.33   Prohibition of conflicts of interest.
(a) No officer or agent of a labor organization shall, directly or indirectly through his spouse, minor child, or otherwise (1) have or acquire any pecuniary or personal interest which would conflict with his fiduciary obligation to such labor organization, or (2) engage in any business or financial transaction which conflicts with his fiduciary obligation.
(b) Actions prohibited by paragraph (a) of this section include, but are not limited to, buying from, selling, or leasing directly or indirectly to, or otherwise dealing with the labor organization, its affiliates, subsidiaries, or trusts in which the labor organization is interested, or having an interest in a business any part of which consists of such dealings, except bona fide investments of the kind exempted from reporting under section 202(b) of the LMRDA. The receipt of salaries and reimbursed expenses for services actually performed or expenses actually incurred in carrying out the duties of the officer or agent is not prohibited.
§ 458.34   Loans to officers or employees.
No labor organization shall directly or indirectly make any loan to any officer or employee of such organization which results in a total indebtedness on the part of such officer or employee to the labor organization in excess of $2,000.
§ 458.35   Bonding requirements.
Every officer, agent, shop steward, or other representative or employee of any labor organization subject to the CSRA or FSA (other than a labor organization whose property and annual financial receipts do not exceed $5,000 in value), or of a trust in which a labor organization is interested, who handles funds or other property thereof shall be bonded in accordance with the principles of section 502(a) of the LMRDA. In enforcing this requirement the Director will be guided by the interpretations and policies followed by the Department of Labor in applying the provisions of section 502(a) of the LMRDA and by applicable court decisions.
§ 458.36   Prohibitions against certain persons holding office or employment.
The prohibitions against holding office or employment in a labor organization contained in section 504(a) of the LMRDA are incorporated into this subpart by reference and made a part hereof. The prohibitions shall also be applicable to any person who has been convicted of, or who has served any part of a prison term resulting from his conviction of, violating 18 U.S.C. 1001 by making a false statement in any report required to be filed pursuant to this subpart, or who has been determined by the Director after an appropriate proceeding pursuant to §§ 458.66 through 458.92 to have willfully violated § 458.27: Provided, however, That the Director or such other person as he may designate may exempt a person from the prohibition against holding office or employment or may reduce the period of the prohibition where he determines that it would not be contrary to the purposes of the CSRA or the FSA and this section to permit a person barred from holding office or employment to hold such office or employment.
§ 458.37   Prohibition of certain discipline.
No labor organization or any officer, agent, shop steward, or other representative or any employee thereof shall fine, suspend, expel, or otherwise discipline any of its members for exercising any right to which he is entitled under the provisions of the CSRA or FSA or this subchapter.
§ 458.38   Deprivation of rights under the CSRA or FSA by violence or threat of violence.
No labor organization or any officer, agent, shop steward, or other representative or any employee thereof shall use, conspire to use, or threaten to use force or violence to restrain, coerce, or intimidate, or attempt to restrain, coerce, or intimidate any member of a labor organization for the purpose of interfering with or preventing the exercise of any right to which he is entitled under the provisions of the CSRA or FSA or of this subchapter.
§ 458.50   Investigations.
(a) When he believes it necessary in order to determine whether any person has violated or is about to violate any provision of §§ 458.26 through 458.30, the Chief, DOE may cause an investigation to be conducted.
(b) When he believes it necessary in order to determine whether any person has violated or is about to violate any provision of this part (other than §§ 458.2, 458.26 through 458.30 or 458.37), a District Director may conduct an investigation.
(c) The authority to investigate possible violations of this part (other than § 458.2 or 458.37) shall not be contingent upon receipt of a complaint.
§ 458.51   Inspection of records and questioning.
In connection with such investigation the Chief, DOE or a District Director or his representative may inspect such records and question such persons as he may deem necessary to enable him to determine the relevant facts. Every labor organization, its officers, employees, agents, or representatives shall cooperate fully in any investigation and shall testify and produce the records or other documents requested in connection with the investigation. This section shall be enforced in accordance with the procedures in §§ 458.66 through 458.92.
§ 458.52   Report of investigation.
The Chief, DOE may report to interested persons concerning any matter which he deems to be appropriate as a result of an investigation of possible violations of §§ 458.26 through 458.30. The District Director may report to interested persons concerning any matter which he deems to be appropriate as a result of an investigation of possible violations of any provision of this part (other than §§ 458.2, 458.26 through 458.30 and 458.37).
§ 458.53   Filing of complaints.
A complaint alleging violations of this part may be filed with any district office, or any other office of the Office of Labor-Management Standards.
§ 458.54   Complaints alleging violations of § 458.2, Bill of rights of members of labor organization, or § 458.37, prohibition of certain discipline.
Any member of a labor organization whose rights under the provisions of § 458.2 or § 458.37 are alleged to have been infringed or violated, may file a complaint in accordance with § 458.53: Provided, however, That such member may be required to exhaust reasonable hearing procedures (but not to exceed a 4-month lapse of time) within such organization.
§ 458.55   Content of complaint.
(a) The complaint shall contain appropriate identifying information and a clear and concise statement of the facts constituting the alleged violation.
(b) The complainant shall submit with his complaint a statement setting forth the procedures, if any, invoked to remedy the alleged violation, including the dates when such procedures were invoked and copies of any written ruling or decision which he has received.
§ 458.56   Service on respondent.
Upon the filing of a complaint, a copy of the complaint shall be served upon the respondent, and a written statement of such service shall be furnished to the District Director.
§ 458.57   Additional information and report.
Upon the filing of a complaint pursuant to §§ 458.54 through 458.56, the District Director shall obtain such additional information as he deems necessary, including the positions of the parties and any offers of settlement.
§ 458.58   Dismissal of complaint.
If the District Director determines that a reasonable basis for the complaint has not been established, or that an offer of settlement satisfactory to the complainant has been made, he may dismiss the complaint. If he dismisses the complaint, he shall furnish the complainant with a written statement of the grounds for dismissal, sending a copy of the statement to the respondent.
§ 458.59   Review of dismissal.
The complainant may obtain a review of a dismissal by filing a request for review with the Director within fifteen (15) days of service of the notice of dismissal. A copy of such request shall be served on the District Director and the respondent, and a statement of service shall be filed with the Director. The request for review shall contain a complete statement of the facts and reasons upon which a request is based.
§ 458.60   Actionable complaint.
If it appears to the District Director that there is a reasonable basis for the complaint, and that no offer of settlement satisfactory to the complainant has been made, he shall refer the matter to the Chief Administrative Law Judge, U.S. Department of Labor, for the issuance of a notice of hearing as set forth in § 458.69.
§ 458.61   Transfer and consolidation of cases.
In any matter arising pursuant to the regulations in this subchapter, whenever it appears necessary in order to effectuate the purposes of the CSRA or FSA or to avoid unnecessary costs or delay, the District Director may consolidate cases within his own area or may transfer such cases to any other area, for the purpose of consolidation with any proceedings which may have been instituted in, or transferred to, such area.
§ 458.62   Hearing procedures.
The proceedings following issuance of the notice of hearing shall be as provided in §§ 458.69 through 458.92 of this part.
§ 458.63   Complaints alleging violations of § 458.29, election of officers.
(a) A member of a labor organization may file a complaint alleging violations of § 458.29 within 1 calendar month after he has (1) exhausted the remedies available under the constitution and bylaws of the labor organization and of any parent body, or (2) invoked such available remedies without obtaining a final decision within 3 calendar months of such invocation.
(b) The complaint shall contain a clear and concise statement of the facts constituting the alleged violation(s), the remedies which have been invoked under the constitution and bylaws of the labor organization and when such remedies were invoked.
(c) The complainant shall submit with his complaint a copy of any ruling or decision he has received in connection with the subject matter of his complaint.
§ 458.64   Investigations; dismissal of complaint.
(a) If it is determined after preliminary inquiry that a complaint is deficient in any of the following respects, the District Director shall conduct no investigation:
(1) The complainant is not a member of the labor organization which conducted the election being challenged;
(2) The labor organization is not subject to the CSRA or FSA;
(3) The election was not a regular periodic election of officers;
(4) The allegations, if true, do not constitute a violation or violations of § 458.29;
(5) The complainant has not complied with the requirements of § 458.63(a).
(b) If investigation discloses (1) that there has been no violation or (2) that a violation has occurred but could not have affected the outcome or (3) that a violation has occurred but has been remedied, the Chief, DOE shall issue a determination dismissing the complaint and stating the reasons for his action.
(c) A determination dismissing the complaint may be reviewed by the Director, but only on the basis of deciding whether the Chief, DOE's decision was arbitrary and capricious. The request for review must be made within fifteen (15) days after service of notice of dismissal.
§ 458.65   Procedures following actionable complaint.
(a) If the Chief, DOE concludes that there is probable cause to believe that a violation has occurred which may have affected the outcome and which has not been remedied, he shall proceed in accordance with §§ 458.66 through 458.92.
(b) The challenged election shall be presumed valid pending a final decision thereon as hereinafter provided in §§ 458.66 through 458.92, and in the interim the affairs of the organization shall be conducted by the officers elected or in such other manner as its constitution and bylaws may provide.
(c) When the Chief, DOE supervises an election pursuant to an order of the Administrative Review Board issued under § 458.70 or § 458.91, he shall certify to the Administrative Review Board the names of the persons elected. The Administrative Review Board shall thereupon issue an order declaring such persons to be the officers of the labor organization.
§ 458.66   Procedures for institution of enforcement proceedings.
(a) Whenever it appears to the Chief, DOE that a violation of any provision of §§ 458.26 through 458.30 has occurred and has not been remedied, he shall immediately notify any appropriate person and labor organization. Within fifteen (15) days following receipt of such notification, any such person or labor organization may request a conference with the Chief, DOE or his representative concerning such alleged violation.
(b) Whenever it appears to a District Director that a violation of this part (other than § 458.2, §§ 458.26-458.30, or § 458.37) has occurred and has not been remedied, he shall immediately notify any appropriate person and labor organization. Within fifteen (15) days following receipt of such notification, any such person or labor organization may request a conference with the District Director or his representative concerning such alleged violation.
(c) At any conference held pursuant to this section, the Chief, DOE or District Director may enter into an agreement providing for appropriate remedial action. If no person or labor organization requests such a conference, or upon failure to reach agreement following any such conference, the Chief, DOE or District Director shall institute enforcement proceedings by filing a complaint with the Chief Administrative Law Judge, U.S. Department of Labor, and shall cause a copy of the complaint to be served on each respondent named therein. If an agreement is reached and the Chief, DOE or District Director concludes that there has not been compliance with all the terms of the agreement, he may refer the matter to the Director for appropriate enforcement action or file a complaint with the Chief Administrative Law Judge.
§ 458.67   Standards complaint; initiation of proceedings.
A complaint filed under § 458.66 shall constitute the institution of a formal enforcement proceeding in the name of the Chief, DOE or District Director, who shall be the only complaining party in the proceeding and shall, where he believes it appropriate, refrain from disclosing the identity of any person who called the violation to his attention (except in proceedings involving violations of § 458.29, Election of officers). The complaint shall include the following:
(a) The name and identity of each respondent.
(b) A clear and concise statement of the facts alleged to constitute violations of the CSRA or FSA or of this part.
(c) A statement of the relief requested.
(d) In any complaint filed by the Chief, DOE on the basis of a complaint received from a member of a labor organization pursuant to § 458.63, a statement setting forth the procedures, if any, followed to invoke available remedies, including the dates when such procedures were invoked, and the substance of any ruling or decision received by the complaining member from the labor organization or any parent body.
§ 458.68   Answer.
(a) Within twenty (20) days from the service of the complaint the respondent shall file an answer thereto with the Chief Administrative Law Judge and shall serve a copy on all parties. The answer shall be signed by the respondent or his attorney or other agent or representative.
(b) The answer (1) shall contain a statement of the facts which constitute the grounds of defense, and shall specifically admit, explain, or deny each of the allegations of the complaint unless the respondent is without knowledge, in which case the answer shall so state; or (2) shall state that the respondent admits all of the allegations in the complaint. Failure to file an answer to or plead specifically to any allegation in the complaint shall constitute an admission of such allegation.
§ 458.69   Notice of hearing.
The Chief Administrative Law Judge shall issue and cause to be served upon each of the parties a notice of hearing. The notice of hearing shall include the following:
(a) The name and identity of each party and the case number.
(b) A statement of the authority and jurisdiction under which the hearing is to be held.
(c) A statement of the time and place of the hearing which shall be not less than fifteen (15) days after service of the notice of hearing.
§ 458.70   Administrative Law Judge.
Each enforcement proceeding instituted pursuant to this part shall be conducted before an Administrative Law Judge designated by the Chief Administrative Law Judge for the Department of Labor except, however, that when the Administrative Law Judge approves a stipulated agreement for appropriate remedial action, he shall prepare his recommended decision and order adopting that agreement and transfer the case to the Administrative Review Board. The Administrative Review Board may order the remedial action set forth in the stipulated agreement or take such other action as it deems appropriate.
§ 458.71   Procedure upon admission of facts.
The admission of all the material allegations of fact in the complaint shall constitute a waiver of hearing. Upon such admission, the Administrative Law Judge without further hearing shall prepare his recommended decision and order in which he shall adopt as his proposed findings of fact the material facts alleged in the complaint.
§ 458.72   Motions and requests.
(a) Motions and requests made prior to the hearing shall be filed with the Chief Administrative Law Judge. The moving party shall serve a copy of all motions and requests on all other parties. Motions during the course of the hearing may be stated orally or filed in writing and shall be made part of the record. Each motion shall state the particular order, ruling, or action desired, and the grounds therefor. The Administrative Law Judge is authorized to rule upon all motions made prior to the filing of his report.
(b) A party may request the attendance of witnesses and/or the production of documents at a hearing held pursuant to this part, by written application before the hearing or orally during the hearing. Copies of an application filed before the opening of the hearing shall be served on the other parties, who may file written objections to the request within seven (7) days after such service. The Administrative Law Judge after consideration of any objections, shall grant the request provided the specified testimony and/or documents appear to be necessary to the matters under investigation. If the Administrative Law Judge denies the request he shall set forth the basis for his ruling. Upon the failure of any party or officer or employee of any party to comply with such a request which has been granted by the Administrative Law Judge, the Administrative Law Judge and the Administrative Review Board may disregard all related evidence offered by the party failing to comply with the request or take such other action as may be appropriate.
(c) Employees who have been determined to be necessary as witnesses at a hearing shall be granted official time only for such participation as occurs during their regular work hours and when they would otherwise be in a work or paid leave status. Participation as witnesses includes the time necessary to travel to and from the site of a hearing, and the time spent giving testimony and waiting to give testimony, when such time falls during regular work hours.
§ 458.73   Prehearing conferences.
(a) Upon his own motion or the motion of the parties, the Administrative Law Judge may direct the parties or their counsel to meet with him for a conference to consider:
(1) Simplification of the issues;
(2) Necessity or desirability of amendments to pleadings for purposes of clarification, simplification, or limitations;
(3) Stipulations, admissions of fact, and contents and authenticity of documents;
(4) Limitation of the number of expert witnesses; and
(5) Such other matters as may tend to expedite the disposition of the proceeding.
(b) The record shall show the matters disposed of by order and by agreement in such prehearing conferences. The subsequent course of the proceeding shall be controlled by such action.
§ 458.74   Conduct of hearing.
Hearings shall be conducted by an Administrative Law Judge and shall be open to the public unless otherwise ordered by the Administrative Law Judge.
§ 458.75   Intervention.
Any person desiring to intervene in a hearing shall file a motion in writing in accordance with the procedures set forth in § 458.72 or, if made at the hearing, may move orally on the record, stating the grounds upon which such person claims an interest. Such a motion shall be filed with the Administrative Law Judge who shall rule upon such motion.
§ 458.76   Duties and powers of the Administrative Law Judge.
It shall be the duty of the Administrative Law Judge to inquire fully into the facts as they relate to the matter before him and to prepare, serve and submit his recommended decision and order pursuant to § 458.88. Upon assignment to him and before transfer of the case to the Administrative Review Board, the Administrative Law Judge shall have the authority to:
(a) Grant requests for appearance of witnesses or production of ducuments;
(b) Rule upon offers of proof and receive relevant evidence;
(c) Take or cause depositions to be taken whenever the ends of justice would be served thereby;
(d) Limit lines of questioning or testimony which are immaterial, irrelevant, or unduly repetitious;
(e) Regulate the course of the hearing and if appropriate, exclude from the hearing persons who engage in misconduct and strike all related testimony of witnesses refusing to answer any questions ruled to be proper;
(f) Hold conferences for the settlement or simplification of the issues by consent of the parties or upon his own motion;
(g) Dispose of procedural requests, motions, or similar matters which shall be made part of the record of the proceeding, including motions to amend pleadings; also to recommend dismissal of cases or portions thereof, and to order hearings reopened prior to issuance of his recommended decision and order;
(h) Examine and cross-examine witnesses and introduce into the record documentary or other evidence;
(i) Request the parties at any time during the hearing to state their respective positions concerning any issue in the case or theory in support thereof;
(j) Continue, at his discretion, the hearing from day-to-day, or adjourn it to a later date or to a different place, by announcement thereof at the hearing or by other appropriate notice;
(k) Take official notice of any material fact not appearing in evidence in the record, which is among the traditional matters of judicial notice and also concerning which the Department of Labor by reason of its functions is presumed to be expert: Provided, That the parties shall be given adequate notice, at the hearing or by reference in the Administrative Law Judge's recommended decision and order, of the matters so noticed, and shall be given adequate opportunity to show the contrary;
(l) Correct or approve proposed corrections of the official transcript when deemed necessary; and
(m) Take any other action necessary under the foregoing and not prohibited by these regulations.
§ 458.77   Rights of parties.
Any party shall have the right to appear at such hearing in person, by counsel, or by other representative, to examine and cross-examine witnesses, and to introduce into the record documentary or other relevant evidence, except that the participation of any party shall be limited to the extent prescribed by the Administrative Law Judge. Two (2) copies of documentary evidence shall be submitted and a copy furnished to each of the other parties. Stipulations of fact may be introduced in evidence with respect to any issue.
§ 458.78   Rules of evidence.
The technical rules of evidence do not apply. Any evidence may be received, except that an Administrative Law Judge may exclude any evidence or offer of proof which is immaterial, irrelevant, unduly repetitious, or customarily privileged. Every party shall have a right to present his case by oral and documentary evidence and to submit rebuttal evidence.
§ 458.79   Burden of proof.
In a hearing concerning an alleged violation of § 458.2 (Bill of rights of members of labor organizations) or § 458.37 (Prohibition of certain discipline), the complainant shall have the burden of proving the allegations of the complaint by a preponderance of the evidence. In a hearing concerning an alleged violation of §§ 458.26-458.30, the Chief, DOE shall have the burden of proving the allegations of the complaint by a preponderance of the evidence. In a hearing concerning an alleged violation of other standards of conduct matters, the District Director shall have the burden of proving the allegations of the complaint by a preponderance of the evidence.
§ 458.80   Unavailability of Administrative Law Judges.
In the event the Administrative Law Judge designated to conduct the hearing becomes unavailable, the Chief Administrative Law Judge shall designate another Administrative Law Judge for the purpose of further hearing or issuance of a recommended decision and order on the record as made, or both.
§ 458.81   Objection to conduct of hearing.
(a) Any objection with respect to the conduct of the hearing, including any objection to the introduction of evidence, may be stated orally or in writing accompanied by a short statement of the grounds for such objection and included in the record. No such objection shall be deemed waived by further participation in the hearing. Such objection shall not stay the conduct of the hearing.
(b) Automatic exceptions will be allowed to all adverse rulings. Rulings by the Administrative Law Judge shall not be appealed prior to the transfer of the case to the Administrative Review Board, but shall be considered by the Administrative Review Board only upon the filing of exceptions to the Administrative Law Judge's recommended decision and order in accordance with § 458.88.
§ 458.82   Motions after a hearing.
All motions made after the transfer of the case to the Administrative Review Board, except motions to correct the record under § 458.76(l), shall be made in writing to the Administrative Review Board. The moving party shall serve a copy of all motion papers on all other parties. A statement of service shall accompany the motion. Answers, if any, must be served on all parties and the original thereof, together with a statement of service, shall be filed with the Administrative Review Board after the hearing, within seven (7) days after service of the moving papers unless it is otherwise directed.
§ 458.83   Waiver of objections.
Any objection not duly urged before an Administrative Law Judge shall be deemed waived.
§ 458.84   Oral argument at the hearing.
Any party shall be entitled, upon request, to a reasonable period prior to the close of the hearing for oral argument, which shall be included in the official transcript of the hearing.
§ 458.85   Transcript.
An official reporter shall make the only official transcript of such proceedings. Copies of the official transcript will be provided to the parties, in accordance with the provisions of part 70 of this title, or they may be examined in the district office in whose geographic jurisdiction the hearing has been held.
§ 458.86   Filing of brief.
Any party desiring to submit a brief to the Administrative Law Judge shall file the original within ten (10) days after the close of the hearing: Provided, however, That prior to the close of the hearing and for good cause, the Administrative Law Judge may grant a reasonable extension of time. Copies of such brief shall be served on all of the parties to the proceeding. Requests for additional time in which to file a brief under authority of this section made after the hearing shall be made in writing to the Administrative Law Judge and copies thereof served on the other parties. A statement of such service shall be furnished. A request for extension of time shall be received not later than three (3) days before the date such briefs are due. In the absence of the Administrative Law Judge such requests shall be ruled upon by the Chief Administrative Law Judge. No reply brief may be filed except by permission of the Administrative Law Judge.
§ 458.87   Proposed findings and conclusions.
Within fifteen (15) days following the close of the hearing, the parties may submit proposed findings and conclusions to the Administrative Law Judge, together with supporting reasons therefor, which shall become part of the record.
§ 458.88   Submission of the Administrative Law Judge's recommended decision and order to the Administrative Review Board; exceptions.
(a) After the close of the hearing, and the receipt of briefs, or findings and conclusions, if any, the Administrative Law Judge shall prepare his recommended decision and order expeditiously. The recommended decision and order shall contain findings of fact, conclusions, and the reasons or basis therefor including credibility determinations, and recommendations as to the disposition of the case including the remedial action to be taken.
(b) The Administrative Law Judge shall cause his recommended decision and order to be served promptly on all parties to the proceeding. Thereafter, the Administrative Law Judge shall transfer the case to the Administrative Review Board including his recommended decision and order and the record. The record shall include the complaint, the notice of hearing, motions, rulings, orders, official transcript of the hearing, stipulations, objections, depositions, exhibits, documentary evidence and any briefs or other documents submitted by the parties.
(c) Exceptions to the Administrative Law Judge's recommended decision and order may be filed by any party with the Administrative Review Board within fifteen (15) days after service of the recommended decision and order, in accordance with 29 CFR part 26. The Administrative Review Board may for good cause shown extend the time for filing such exceptions. Requests for additional time in which to file exceptions shall be in writing, and copies thereof shall be served on the other parties. Requests for extension of time must be received no later than three (3) days before the date the exceptions are due. Copies of such exceptions and any supporting briefs shall be served on all other parties, and a statement of such service shall be furnished to the Administrative Review Board.
§ 458.89   Contents of exceptions to Administrative Law Judge's recommended decision and order.
(a) Exceptions to an Administrative Law Judge's recommended decision and order shall:
(1) Set forth specifically the questions upon which exceptions are taken;
(2) Identify that part of the Administrative Law Judge's recommended decision and order to which objection is made;
(3) Designate by precise citation of page the portions of the record relied on, state the grounds for the exceptions and include the citation of authorities unless set forth in a supporting brief.
(b) Any exception to a ruling, finding, conclusion, or recommendation which is not specifically urged shall be deemed to have been waived. Any exception which fails to comply with the foregoing requirements may be disregarded.
§ 458.90   Briefs in support of exceptions.
(a) Any brief in support of exceptions shall be filed in accordance with 29 CFR part 26, contain only matters included within the scope of the exceptions, and contain, in the order indicated, the following:
(1) A concise statement of the case containing all that is material to the consideration of the questions presented;
(2) A specification of the questions involved and to be argued;
(3) The argument, presenting clearly the points of fact and law relied on in support of the position taken on each question, with specific page reference to the transcript and the legal or other material relied on.
(b) Answering briefs to the exceptions may be filed with the Administrative Review Board within ten (10) days after service of the exceptions.
§ 458.91   Action by the Administrative Review Board.
(a) After consideration of the Administrative Law Judge's recommended decision and order, the record, and any exceptions filed, the Administrative Review Board shall issue its decision affirming or reversing the Administrative Law Judge, in whole, or in part, or making such other disposition of the matter as it deems appropriate: Provided, however, That unless exceptions are filed which are timely and in accordance with § 458.89, the Administrative Review Board may, at its discretion, adopt without discussion the recommended decision and order of the Administrative Law Judge, as contained in his recommended decision and order, shall, upon appropriate notice to the parties, automatically become the decision of the Administrative Review Board.
(b) Upon finding a violation of the CSRA, FSA or this part, the Administrative Review Board may order respondent to cease and desist from such violative conduct and may require the respondent to take such affirmative action as it deems appropriate to effectuate the policies of the CSRA or FSA.
(c) Upon finding no violation of the CSRA, FSA or this part, the Administrative Review Board shall dismiss the complaint.
§ 458.92   Compliance with decisions and orders of the Administrative Review Board.
When remedial action is ordered, the respondent shall report to the Director, within a specified period, that the required remedial action has been effected. When the Director finds that the required remedial action has not been effected, he shall refer the matter for appropriate action to the Federal Labor Relations Authority (in the case of labor organizations covered by the CSRA), the Foreign Service Labor Relations Board (in the case of labor organizations covered by the FSA), or the Board of Directors of the Office of Compliance (in the case of labor organizations covered by the Congressional Accountability Act).
§ 458.93   Stay of remedial action.
In cases involving violations of this part, the Administrative Review Board may direct, subject to such conditions at it deems appropriate, that the remedial action ordered by stayed.