Guam – Guam Federation of Teachers president Matt Rector is no stranger to controversy and criticism, especially from Carol Somerfleck. She's filed complaints against him in the past, even so far as going up against him in the February election for the union presidency. And it's that very election that's the focus of a federal investigation.

Somerfleck hasn't been shy about her feelings about Rector, and questions why he's kept members in the dark about the U.S. Department of Labor's investigations. "My concern is that Mr. Rector has not informed the members about this Department of Labor issue," she noted. "He has not I've been the membership meeting and he never mentioned it, and I think it's about time he let the members know about what's going on."

According to documents, the U.S. Department of Labor is investigating the February election of officers for the GFT's board of directors. Somerfleck challenged the results earlier this year, filing a complaint with the Guam Federation of Teachers and the American Federation of Teachers. Somerfleck believes the final results, although never published, will show she actually beat rector and that two schools allowed to participate in voting were not counted.

"This is the first indication of some action being taken by the Department of Labor, they are now opening two envelopes - JFK and Ordot-Chalan Pago - which is about over 70 votes," she said.

According to a statement of concern written by Somerfleck, she stated there is no question she received some 56 more votes than Rector. When KUAM News spoke with Rector on Monday afternoon he said he didn't see Somerflecek's statement, but defended, "The election committee said I won, so I take them on their word. I didn't count the votes."

Rector adds he's cooperating with USDOL in its investigation into the complaints. "She protested a long time ago and it's been going on and on and the DOL has asked for extension after extension and we grant that to them, we want to give them time to do their job," he said.

The USDOL has extended their deadline to file suit based on Somerfleck's complaint to November 4, just two days before the current collective bargaining agreement expires. Meanwhile, according to Rector, teachers are invited to a meeting with the Guam Education Board on Wednesday at Inarajan Elementary School at 6:30pm.

Rector is hopeful the GEB will send their negotiating team back to the table so progress made be made before its expiration on November 6.