The Department of Labor is right to make union spending transparent
Key takeaways
- Department of Labor has experienced turmoil in the leadership ranks.
- At a time when public trust in major American institutions is declining, transparency matters more than ever.
- In February, the department released a data visualization tool for union reporting forms.
Why this matters: political developments that affect policy direction and public trust.
Scott Applewhite, File) In recent weeks, the U.S. Department of Labor has experienced turmoil in the leadership ranks. But, amidst the controversies, the department has done remarkable work advancing transparency when it comes to how $11 billion per year in union dues are spent — especially on political activities.
At a time when public trust in major American institutions is declining, transparency matters more than ever. Corporations disclose financial information to shareholders, nonprofits file public tax forms, and government agencies release spending reports. Labor unions, which hold significant political power, should not be exempt from meaningful public scrutiny.
In February, the department released a data visualization tool for union reporting forms. The tool provides union members and the public alike with a simple way to see how union dues are spent. Unions already file what is known as an LM-2 form, but these are complicated and overly technical for most union members and the general public to read.