New research from the Center for Union Facts (CUF) shows that during the Obama years, from 2010 to 2017, labor unions sent more than $1.3 billion in member dues to liberal advocacy groups—without prior member approval.
The Center for Union Facts released a new report on the most comprehensive analysis of union advocacy spending ever done.
The Democratic Governors Association, Clinton Foundation, and Planned Parenthood featured prominently, even though 40 percent of union household members vote Republican in any given election cycle.
Under federal labor law, union officials can spend dues money on political advocacy without first obtaining opt-in permission from their members. The Employee Rights Act (ERA), which is now co-sponsored by more than 180 senators and House members, would protect employees’ paychecks by requiring union leadership to obtain prior approval before spending member dues on political advocacy—liberal or conservative. Roughly 80 percent of Americans—including those in union households—support paycheck protection and other ERA reforms.
Below is a statement of mine, as CUF communications director:
“For decades, union officials have exploited working Americans to advance a left-wing political agenda—without their affirmative consent. Union leadership provides a reliable ATM for the Democratic Party and liberal special interest groups across the country, whether employees agree or not. Union members are right to support the Employee Rights Act, which would protect their paychecks and hold union officials accountable.”
