Local 154 of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Shipbuilders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers Union

GAO discussed its review of a union local's referral practices, focusing on whether: (1) the local referred unqualified workers to employers; (2) the workers referred by the union had completed apprenticeship programs; and (3) whether employers were forced to accept unqualified workers under their contract with the union. GAO stated that: (1) not all of the workers referred by the union were qualified; (2) some of the union members had completed apprenticeship programs; and (3) employers tested employees to ensure that they were qualified and would release employees who could not pass the tests.