The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards announced on March 17 the launch of a data visualization tool designed to help union members understand how their dues are spent.
According to the department, this new tool is the most significant update to Form LM-2 disclosure since filings began being posted online over 20 years ago. The tool transforms information from the lengthy Form LM-2 into interactive graphs, charts, searchable tables, and multi-year comparisons that display union spending in areas such as salaries, representational activities, and political contributions and lobbying.
The release of this data visualization tool follows the department’s launch of an open data portal at data.dol.gov. Both initiatives aim to increase transparency and efficiency for users accessing workforce-related data. The updates also align with the Federal Data Strategy established during President Trump’s first administration. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer said, "Union members work hard to earn their paychecks and contribute their union dues – they shouldn’t have to work hard to understand how those dues are being spent. This update is just one of many changes the Department of Labor is making to serve the American worker more efficiently and effectively under President Trump’s leadership."
Under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act, certain unions must annually file Form LM-2 reporting assets, liabilities, receipts, and disbursements. This process promotes transparency and helps ensure that union members are informed about their unions’ financial conditions. Office of Labor-Management Standards Director Elisabeth Messenger said, "When union members can clearly see how their dues are being spent, they may notice irregularities that could indicate union officers or employees may be misspending the members’ hard-earned dues. We encourage any union member that sees anything out of the ordinary with their union’s finances to contact the Office of Labor-Management Standards."
OLMS administers provisions intended to promote democracy and financial integrity in private sector labor unions as well as transparency for labor unions, employers, and labor relations consultants.
On August 24, 2022, the Department of Labor announced $3.4 million Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations grants administered by the department’s Women’s Bureau and Employment and Training Administration. Phoenix, Arizona has been awarded $542,358 through the Fresh Start Women’s Foundation according to the Department of Labor.
For more information about OLMS or reporting procedures regarding labor-management fraud or other criminal activity within unions or related organizations, contact details are available as listed on the official roster page.
