This past May, at our first ever UWUA Leadership Conference, I had the pleasure of hosting a financial training session that left me both inspired and energized. What struck me most was seeing so many new faces among our local officers. A majority of attendees were serving in these roles for the first time — a clear reflection of the leadership growth happening across our locals. The enthusiasm and engagement were palpable, and it reminded me how vital it is to support and guide the next generation of union financial leaders.
As I reflected on the training and the conversations that followed, a few key points stood out — principles I believe are worth repeating, no matter how experienced you may be in your role.
Financial responsibility: every cent counts
First and foremost, we must remember that the funds we manage come from our membership. Every dollar is a member’s hard-earned contribution, and we carry a fiduciary and a moral obligation to steward it with the utmost care. Being mindful of this responsibility means not only watching the dollars but also maintaining meticulous records, establishing sound internal controls, and making every financial decision with transparency and integrity. As treasurers, secretaries, and officers, our stewardship must reflect the trust placed in us by our members.
Compliance matters: regulatory, bylaw, and constitutional
Our financial obligations extend beyond the local union. Each local has its own bylaws, and all must comply with the UWUA constitution. On top of that, we are bound by federal regulations, primarily under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA), enforced by the Department of Labor. The LMRDA ensures the protection of union funds, safeguards democracy within our organizations, and requires timely, accurate reporting. Failure to maintain proper records or file reports can result in fines, penalties, and in extreme cases, criminal liability. Compliance is not optional—it is an essential responsibility of union leadership.
Best practices: controls and transparency
Good financial practices go hand-in-hand with compliance. At the conference, we emphasized the importance of internal controls — procedures that ensure operational efficiency, safeguard assets, and provide reliable financial reporting. These controls fall into three categories: preventive, detective, and corrective.
A strong control environment begins with leadership. Officers set the “tone at the top” through clear communication, ethical behavior, and diligent oversight. Staff follow internal control policies, record transactions accurately, reconcile accounts promptly, and ensure system security. Effective internal controls also include separation of duties, where no one individual has sole control over a financial transaction, reducing the risk of errors or fraud. For smaller locals, mitigating procedures — such as trustee audits or the involvement of an external accountant — are critical.
Additionally, best practices include maintaining budgets, periodically comparing actual revenue and expenses to projections, reviewing accounting policies, and ensuring adequate insurance coverage for union assets. Transparency is crucial, not only for internal governance but also to maintain the confidence of our members and regulatory bodies.
Post-training engagement: encouraging momentum
One of the most gratifying outcomes of the May session was the follow-up engagement. I was amazed by how many of you reached out afterward with questions, clarifications, and requests for guidance. This level of engagement is refreshing and encouraging. It demonstrates that our financial officers are not only committed but also actively seeking to strengthen their knowledge and skills.
Remember, being a treasurer or financial officer is more than a job — it is a vital service to our union. Whether it’s safeguarding union assets, ensuring compliance with federal laws, implementing robust internal controls, or maintaining transparent records, the work you do strengthens the entire UWUA.
As we move forward, let’s carry the energy and enthusiasm from the Leadership Conference into our everyday financial practices. Take care with every transaction, maintain thorough records, uphold compliance standards, and never hesitate to ask questions. Our members trust us with this responsibility, and by approaching it with diligence and integrity, we will continue to honor that trust.
Together, we are not only managing finances — we are building a stronger, more accountable, and transparent union for the future. Please reach out to the National office if your local would like to participate in financial training.