UFCW members pay dues to their local union, which kicks a part of this money up to the UFCW International. Members work hard for their paychecks, but is paying UFCW membership dues the wisest use of their money?

The UFCW International and its locals have had over 2,000 unfair labor practice charges filed against them over the last 30 years. That’s roughly five new cases filed each month since 1980 for allegations including coercive actions and retaliation.

UFCW locals have also launched wide-scale strikes over the years, particularly in Southern California. Between 2003-2004, several UFCW locals in SoCal launched a four month strike. The strike affected almost 900 stores in the area, and forced 70,000 workers to forgo their paychecks — or else risk crossing the picket line.

Several union officers have also been indicted for crimes over the years, including embezzling millions of dollars in members’ dues money. Most recently, former president of UFCW Local 1208 was found guilty of embezzling union funds to buy “everything from guns to groceries.” In 2019, multiple union officials at UFCW Local 1D were charged with racketeering. That same year, former president of UFCW Local 1101 pleaded guilty to embezzling thousands of union dollars. A full list of criminal offences can be found here.

Combine that track record with the union’s spending habits, and it’s no wonder the UFCW’s membership is on the decline. The union has lost over 25,000 members since 2016.