Audit of the Department of Labor Relations (October 30, 2024)
October 30, 2024 · Department of Labor Relations · Read the full official report on mass.gov ↗
Published October 30, 2024 Audit covers July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2022 Under Diana DiZoglio · 2023–present
source
“DLR did not meet all of its case stage timeline goals.”
Read the plain-English breakdown
This is a state performance audit of the Massachusetts Department of Labor Relations, covering July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2022.
“I am pleased to provide to you the results of the enclosed performance audit of the Department of Labor Relations.”
Auditors checked whether the agency handled cases on time, filed required annual reports, and made sure employees completed cybersecurity training.
“The purpose of our audit was to determine the following:”
Delays in labor cases can leave workplace disputes unresolved longer, which can affect public services and public-sector workplaces.
“If DLR does not process cases in a timely manner, labor issues impacting the public sector may be prolonged, potentially resulting in a less stable, productive, and cooperative work environment.”
If you rely on state or local public services, slower labor dispute handling can matter because unresolved labor issues may affect public-sector workplaces that serve residents.
“We serve public sector employers, employees, and unions.”
The agency passed the annual-report and cybersecurity-training checks, but failed some case-timeline checks: 9 of 23 tested goals were not met.
“Our testing revealed that DLR did not meet 9 (39%) out of 23 of its case stage timeline goals.”
The auditor recommended better monitoring procedures and more consistent case data, and DLR said it was implementing a new case management system.
“The new system will provide staff with real-time information regarding the cases assigned to them and compliance with time targets.”
This audit is significant because DLR handles public-sector labor disputes, and the report says timeliness problems can prolong those disputes.
“DLR processes several different types of cases and sets case stage timeline goals for each type.”
DLR means Department of Labor Relations. ULP means unfair labor practice, which can include claims like retaliation, refusal to bargain in good faith, or a union not properly representing a worker.
“According to DLR’s fiscal year 2022 annual report, most of DLR’s cases are unfair labor practice (ULP) cases.”
What the Auditor checked
- Did not comply Did DLR meet its case stage timeline goals for closed cases in accordance with the DLR Case Processing Goals document?
- Complied Did DLR submit its annual reports to the Legislature as required by Section 9U of Chapter 23 of the General Laws?
- Complied Did DLR ensure that its employees completed cybersecurity awareness training in accordance with Sections 6.2.3 and 6.2.4 of the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security’s (EOTSS’s) Information Security Risk Management Standard IS.010?
What the Auditor found
Why it matters: Labor issues affecting the public sector may be prolonged, potentially resulting in a less stable, productive, and cooperative work environment.
Standard: DLR Case Processing Goals document ( DLR Case Processing Goals )
2 recommendations
- DLR should ensure that its policies and procedures outline how to effectively monitor case stage timeline goals and provide solutions to expedite cases that do not meet case state timeline goals.
- DLR should introduce universal formatting to its case management database to ensure data consistency, which will help DLR meet its case stage timeline goals, even during periods of high employee turnover.
Agency response & Auditor reply
Agency: "DLR has been working with [the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security] over the past two years to design and implement a new legal case management system that will allow real-time monitoring of case processing targets."
Auditor: "Based on its response, DLR is taking measures to address our concerns in this area."
More audits of this entity
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- Audit of the Department of Labor RelationsState Agency / Office · May 15, 2019
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