UAW leaders approve flexible union dues

DETROIT -- UAW delegates overwhelmingly supported a modified version of a controversial dues increase from four years ago that will add new triggers that could revert the monthly payments back to previous levels.

The resolution includes the ability to shift the dues based on the balance of the UAW's strike and defense fund, which receives about a third of membership dues and was the basis for the union raising dues in 2014 -- the first time it did so in nearly 50 years.

The triggers are:

• If the UAW's strike and defense fund exceeds $850 million, monthly dues for union members would decline by 25 percent to pre-2014 levels -- from the equivalent of two and a half hours of pay per month to two.
• If the fund dips below $650 million, then dues would increase back to the levels of the past four years.

The UAW's strike and defense fund was at more than more than $721 million to begin this year, according to union documents. That's up from $590 million in 2014.

The resolution was discussed for nearly an hour Tuesday at the . Most delegates were supportive of the resolution. However, a handful of members voiced concerns that included union leaders' abilities to take money out of the account for nonstrike purposes.

Under the UAW's constitution, leaders can use up to $60 million between the union's Constitutional Conventions -- every four years -- for specific purposes or projects such as major organizing drives or other initiatives "intended to increase UAW membership, strengthen the UAW's ability to bargain effectively and/or promote the interests of the membership and working people generally."

UAW President Dennis Williams addressed such concerns by saying withdrawals during the past two four-year periods have not exceeded $43 million.