The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW)
The UAW is a labor organization based in Detroit, Michigan
The union president is usually the individual who leads negotiations on behalf of the union. The President of the UAW is Shawn Fain. Union members do not get to vote on who leads negotiations.
UAW LM2 Report 2025
Every year unions are required to file financial reports with the U.S. Department of Labor. These reports show all the money a union collected in a particular year, including the source of the income. Reports also show where the UAW spent the money it collected.
Where does the UAW spend its money?
Found on the Local 26 LM2, Fiscal Year 2024 Report: STATEMENT B - RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS
$129,813,245 Representational Activities – Money spent by the union attempting to organize non-union workers
$33,913,503 Union Employee Benefits – Health, welfare, retirement benefits for employees of the union itself
$7,900,900 Political Activities & Lobbying – Money spent on political lobbying and donating to the union’s selected political candidates
$36,817,468 General Overhead - There is no specific definition of this term. It could include various general costs of operating the union and maintaining its physical assets
$15,583,929 Union Administration - Money that the union spends on internal affairs
$0 Individual Members - Money that the local disburses to its members
UAW NLRB Representation Election Track Record
How has the UAW in Michigan fared in NLRB representation elections in first contract negotiations?
Since January 1990, there have been 818 representation petitions filed with the NLRB
Out of the 818 representation petitions filed, here are the results:
• Won 324 elections (40%)
• Withdrew 258 prior to the vote (32%)
• Lost 225 elections (27%)
• Pending 7 election (Michigan Science Center being one of these)
Unions typically withdraw a petition if they feel they are going to lose an election
Of those 324 wins, the UAW was able to reach a contract on 224 occasions
But out of the 224 contracts signed, employees got more in wages and benefits than what they had prior to unionization just 49 times
That is an overall success rate of 6%.
PTI Research is an independent entity.
UAW Constitution
All unions, including UAW, have an International Constitution that contains the rights and powers of union officials, as well as rules and obligations all members must follow. According to the UAW Constitution:
By becoming a member of the UAW, you authorize the union to act as your exclusive bargaining representative regarding wages, hours, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment. Once recognized, the UAW negotiates on behalf of the bargaining unit as a whole, not individual employees. (Article 7 – Membership; Article 20 – Contracts and Negotiations)
Members are required to pay initiation fees and monthly dues in amounts established by the UAW Constitution and International Convention action. These amounts are not individually negotiated. Failure to remain current on dues may affect a member’s standing, voting rights, and eligibility for certain union benefits, including strike assistance. (Article 16 – Initiation Fees and Dues)
Members are subject to the rules, authority, and governance of the UAW International Union and their Local Union. The UAW Constitution allows the union to bring internal charges against members who violate union rules, fail to follow authorized directives, or engage in conduct deemed harmful to the union. (Articles 31 and 32 – Charges, Trials, and Discipline)
In internal disciplinary proceedings, members are entitled to notice and a hearing, and may be represented during the process. Any legal counsel or outside representation is obtained at the member’s own expense. Penalties may include fines, suspension, or expulsion from union membership. (Articles 31 and 32)
The UAW Constitution grants the International Union authority over strikes and labor actions. When a strike is authorized, members are expected to comply with union directives and participate accordingly. Members who do not follow authorized strike orders may be subject to internal discipline and may lose eligibility for strike and defense fund benefits. (Article 50 – Strikes)
Compensation for UAW leadership and employees is publicly disclosed and constitutionally established. Salaries for the UAW President, International officers, and union staff are set through constitutional provisions and convention action, not by individual members. Members do not negotiate or directly control union leadership compensation in the same way they do not individually set executive pay at their employer. (Articles 11 and 12 – Officers, Elections, and Salaries)