Union Members: Where Do Your Dues Go?

Washington, D.C., November 16, 2010 — Union bosses claim to represent workers’ best interests, but their spending reports tell a different story. As union workers struggle to make their paychecks cover household costs, their union dues are being funneled to Washington. Most union members aren’t aware where their money is going. Unions take dues directly from their members’ paychecks. In 28 states, workers cannot even say no. But the truth is that their money is being squandered in D.C. on bloated salaries, expensive construction, and sleazy politicking.

A new short video created by CEI Labor Policy Counsel Vincent Vernuccio takes a closer look at the financial reports of major unions. The numbers in the reports reveal where union bosses’ true priorities lie.

As Vernuccio points out, many union officials have salaries well into the six figures.“The NEA has over 400 employees making over $100,000 a year,” Vernuccio says. “And the Laborer’s Union has 16 employees making over $250,000.”

“Most of the top labor organizations in the country spend more on politics and administration than they do on representation. The NEA’s D.C. headquarters is worth over $110 million and the AFL-CIO’s building is valued at over $90 million. Union boss salaries and lavish D.C. headquarters demonstrate a stark contrast between their lifestyles and the standard of living of their members.”

Watch “Union Members: Where Does Your Money Go?” here.