House Republicans ramp up labor union investigations ahead of midterms

House Republicans are intensifying investigations into several US labor unions, following claims from conservative thinktanks that unions are misusing member dues for political spending. This comes as the unions in question are alleged to be using dues to support Democratic causes, despite federal restrictions against such direct funding of political action committees (PACs).

The inquiry is being led by the House's education and workforce committee, with the focus on six unions: the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), United Auto Workers, United Steelworkers, Smart Transportation Division (Smart-TD), Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), and the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division (BMWED). The accusations stem from reports from two right-leaning non-profits, the American Accountability Foundation (AAF) and the Freedom Foundation.

The AAF and Freedom Foundation allege that these unions have been using dues to fund political causes, which is prohibited. For example, the AAF claims that the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) supported a lawsuit by the United Auto Workers (UAW) to stop the Trump administration's attempt to end collective bargaining. The BLET is also accused of criticizing Project 2025, a group that aims to weaken labor unions and collective bargaining rights.

The American Accountability Foundation's president, Tom Jones, stated that the unions being investigated are essentially "glorified political arms of the Democrat Party." He further criticized the unions for prioritizing their political allies over their members. In response, the United Steelworkers expressed their commitment to cooperating with the committee's investigation, emphasizing their adherence to transparency and regular financial reporting to the Department of Labor.

A spokesperson for the AFT also addressed the allegations, calling the Freedom Foundation's report a "partisan attack." They denied any wrongdoing, stating that their allegations have been refuted and that the book project was undertaken lawfully and ethically. The Freedom Foundation and the House Republicans investigating committee did not provide any comments in response to the requests.

The House investigations follow reports of the Trump administration surveilling labor unions in Minnesota during a mass anti-immigration enforcement operation. Union finances are typically strictly controlled, with strict disclosure requirements on how money is spent. The conservative groups used the information from these regulations to craft their reports.

Though most union members typically vote Democrat due to the party's support for the labor movement, the AFT and other unions are legally allowed to spend money on political actions. Union members can also voluntarily donate to labor unions’ PACs. A 2024 Gallup poll found that 62% of Americans believe the Democratic party best serves the interests of union members, compared to 27% who feel the same about the Republican party.

Historically, labor unions have backed Democratic candidates since the 1935 National Labor Relations Act. However, Republican presidents before Ronald Reagan refrained from hostile stances towards unions, while Reagan's administration began to emphasize "right to work" laws and pro-business stances, leading to a shift in union support.

Under President Trump, the Republican party further distanced itself from labor unions, rescinding collective bargaining rights for federal workers and making cuts to agencies enforcing labor laws.