Glenn Spencer Glenn Spencer
Senior Vice President, Employment Policy Division, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Published

July 12, 2024

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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

  • 400,000
    UAW's current membership
  • 150,000
    UAW members still building cars
  • -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. 

a group of people holding signs

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

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.

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