UAW hikes dues as membership losses drain treasury

For the first time in 27 years, the United Auto Workers has hiked the dues that must be paid by its rank and file members. The move was needed to help boost the union’s budget, which has suffered as a result of sharp membership losses over the last decade.

UAW delegates passed an increase of 25 percent by voice vote Tuesday during their 36th constitutional convention in Detroit. The hike will cost the average union member an extra $14 a month.