WASHINGTON, D.C. — Americans for Fair Treatment (AFFT) today said recent congressional inquiries into whether American Federation of Teachers resources were used to support a book from which AFT President Randi Weingarten personally received royalties highlight the importance of transparency and accountability in the use of union dues.
This week, House Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg and Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee Chairman Rick Allen requested information from the American Federation of Teachers regarding reports that union funds, personnel, contractors, and other resources may have been used to develop and promote the book while Weingarten retained a portion of the proceeds.
“Teachers deserve clear answers whenever questions arise about how union resources are being used,” said Chip Rogers, CEO of Americans for Fair Treatment. “Whether it’s political spending, administrative costs, executive compensation, or projects that may personally benefit union leadership, workers have a right to know how the money deducted from their paychecks is being spent.”
The congressional inquiry comes as AFFT continues expanding its national Where Do Your Dues Go? initiative, which examines publicly available labor filings to help public-sector employees better understand how union dues are allocated.
“Our position is straightforward,” Rogers said. “Transparency shouldn’t depend on who is asking the questions. Union members deserve accurate information, complete financial disclosure, and accountability from organizations that collect millions of dollars each year from workers.”
AFFT emphasized that the committee’s request seeks documents and information as part of its oversight responsibilities and said workers, taxpayers, and policymakers all benefit when questions about union finances are addressed openly.
“When questions are raised about the use of members’ dues, the appropriate response is transparency,” Rogers added. “The facts should be allowed to speak for themselves.”
Public-sector employees interested in learning more about their constitutional rights, including their right to opt out of union membership and stop paying union dues, can visit AmericansForFairTreatment.org.