Your Dues at Work: The Facts

Let’s talk about union dues — and clear up some confusion.

Some members have asked if our Local decides how much dues we pay. The answer is no.
The dues formula is set by the USW International Constitution and applies to every Local across North America.

 How dues are calculated

• 1.45% of your gross wages (before taxes)
• Plus $0.02 for every hour you work
• Members pay no more than 2.8× their average hourly rate (this protects folks who work lots of overtime)

 Where your dues go (out of every $1):

• 44¢ → Local 13214: daily operations, meetings, steward training, contract prep, member programs
• 44¢ → International Union: bargaining power, strike & defense, legal support, safety, industry experts
• 7¢ → Strike & Defense Fund: protects members in case of strike or lockout
• 1¢ → Education: training, skills, leadership development
• 3¢ → Organizing: helping more workers join the USW
• 1¢ → Political & Legislative Action: making sure workers’ voices are heard

Important clarification on politics
Your dues cannot be used to contribute to political parties or candidates.
Federal law (Taft-Hartley Act) prohibits unions from making direct political contributions with members’ mandatory dues.
Political activity that does happen is funded through separate, voluntary contributions — never through your required dues.

The bottom line
Local 13214 does not set the dues rate.
The base dues formula can only be changed at a USW Constitutional Convention by elected delegates from all Locals.

Your dues are an investment in collective power — giving us the resources to win stronger contracts, defend members, and build a better future for all of us.