Labor accepts digital signatures from union filers

The Labor Department has set up a voluntary program that lets unions file annual reports online using digital signatures. The department’s Labor-Management Standards Office will accept reports that bear the digital signatures of two union officials. Labor unions must file one of three sets of forms annually depending on their receipts, mainly dues from members. “Allowing union officers to sign and submit their reports using digital signatures is an important step in automating the filing process,” deputy assistant Labor secretary Don Todd said.Labor is using under the General Services Administration’s Access Certificates for Electronic Services program to provide digital certificates to union officials. The certificates cost $45 each. All union official who sign reports must have a certificate, good for two years, to participate in the online filing program. Certificates are renewable for two additional years at no cost.