Published
July 12, 2024
The United Auto Workers (UAW) was once a powerhouse, representing 1.5 million workers.
Today, however, its membership has dwindled to less than 400,000. Of those, you may be surprised to learn that only about 150,000 UAW members still build cars—less than half.
The others?
Many of today’s UAW rank-in file work in non-manufacturing roles across a wide range of areas, including casinos, movie theaters, government sectors, healthcare, and even among graduate students and academic workers.
By the numbers
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400,000
UAW's current membership
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150,000
UAW members still building cars
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-75%
Decline in UAW membership from peak
While this broader representation might seem like a strength, it also means the union’s priorities are scattered. This can cause conflicting interests and take attention away from the unique needs of autoworkers.
The big question
Just who is today's UAW looking out for? With such a significant decline in membership, can the UAW still effectively represent autoworkers, or will their concerns take a back seat?
Union Fact Sheet: Promises Vs Reality
About the authors
Glenn Spencer
Spencer oversees the Chamber’s work on immigration, retirement security, traditional labor relations, human trafficking, wage hour and worker safety issues, EEOC matters, and state labor and employment law.
