DOL Launches Data Visualization Tool for Union Spending

DOL News Releases

Published March 17th, 2026

Detected March 18th, 2026

Summary

The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Labor-Management Standards has launched a new data visualization tool for union reporting forms (LM-2). This tool aims to provide union members with clearer insights into how their dues are spent, enhancing transparency in union finances.

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What changed

The U.S. Department of Labor, through its Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS), has launched a new data visualization tool for union financial reporting forms (LM-2). This tool, described as the most significant update to LM-2 disclosure in over 20 years, transforms hundreds of pages of dense financial data into interactive graphs, charts, and searchable tables. It allows union members to easily see how their dues are allocated across various categories such as salaries, representational activities, political contributions, and lobbying efforts.

This initiative is part of a broader effort by the DOL to increase transparency and efficiency in accessing workforce data. While the tool itself does not impose new compliance obligations on unions, it enhances the ability of union members and the public to scrutinize union spending as required under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act. Regulated entities (unions filing LM-2 forms) should be aware that their reported data will now be more accessible and understandable to their members and the public, potentially leading to increased scrutiny of financial practices.

What to do next

Review the new DOL data visualization tool for Form LM-2 data.
Inform union leadership and members about the enhanced transparency of union spending data.

Source document (simplified)

News Release

US Department of Labor launches data visualization tool for union reporting forms, providing valuable insight on union spending

Most significant update to Form LM-2 disclosure in over 20 years WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards today announced the launch of a data visualization tool designed to provide union members with a simple, straightforward way to see how their union dues are spent.

The new data visualization tool – the most significant update to Form LM-2 disclosure since OLMS started posting filings online over 20 years ago – takes information reported by unions on the Form LM-2, which can run hundreds of pages, and displays it in interactive graphs, charts, searchable tables, and multi-year comparisons that show how unions spend dues in areas like salaries, representational activities, and political contributions and lobbying.

The data visualization tool release follows the department’s launch of a modern open data portal at data.dol.gov that is providing more transparency and efficiency for users to access data related to the American workforce. Both updates help bring the department into alignment with the Federal Data Strategy established during President Trump’s first administration.

LM-2 forms (left) often consist of hundreds of pages of dense text, which can be difficult to read and analyze. The new tool (right) enables search and presents the information in ways that are easier to understand.

“Union members work hard to earn their paychecks and contribute their union dues – they shouldn’t have to work hard to understand how those dues are being spent,” said Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer. “This update is just one of many changes the Department of Labor is making to serve the American worker more efficiently and effectively under President Trump’s leadership.”

Under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act, certain unions are required to annually file Form LM-2 reporting their assets, liabilities, receipts, and disbursements. This reporting promotes transparency and helps ensure union members are better informed about their union’s financial conditions and operations. The data visualization tool, which is integrated into the online public disclosure room, provides better access to that information, enabling members to more meaningfully and effectively participate in the democratic governance of their union. The reporting also deters fraud and embezzlement, and aids union members and OLMS in detecting when fraud or embezzlement is happening.

The new tool provides visual representations of multiyear comparisons – a process that previously would have required users to download multiple files and search for individual data points within them.

“When union members can clearly see how their dues are being spent, they may notice irregularities that could indicate union officers or employees may be misspending the members’ hard-earned dues,” said Office of Labor-Management Standards Director Elisabeth Messenger. “We encourage any union member that sees anything out of the ordinary with their union’s finances to contact the Office of Labor-Management Standards.”

OLMS administers and enforces provisions of the LMRDA, which promotes union democracy and financial integrity in private sector labor unions, transparency for labor unions and their officials, as well as transparency for employers and labor relations consultants.

Report labor-management fraud and other criminal activity by email to OLMS-Public@dol.gov, to the OLMS National Office at 202-693-0143, or to your local OLMS field office.

Agency Office of Labor-Management Standards Date March 17, 2026 Release Number 26-116-NAT Media Contact: Grant Vaught Phone Number 202-693-4672 Email vaught.grant.e@dol.gov Media Contact: Christine Feroli Phone Number 202-693-4664 Email feroli.christine.e@dol.gov Share This
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