International Union of Operating Engineers
Who are the IUOE?
Before participating in an NLRB election, employees should become informed about the union they are being asked to support. The outcome can affect wages, benefits, work rules, scheduling, communication with management, and other workplace issues for years to come.
History
The Operating Engineers union, formally known as the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), began in the late 1800s as workers who operated heavy equipment—like cranes, bulldozers, and other machinery—organized to improve wages, safety, and working conditions. Over time, the union grew across the United States and Canada, representing thousands of workers in construction and related industries.
A 2026 forensic report alleges significant fraud within the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) pension systems, with estimated losses, including "engorgement float" potentially ranging from $197 billion to $292 billion over a 22-year period. The allegations involve the systemic theft of death benefits, with specific claims indicating $7.6 billion to $22.8 billion in stolen assets affecting 60,000–100,000 members.
To learn more about the IUOE International's entrenched history involving organized crime and corruption, check out the latest highlights from InfluenceWatch.org.
Membership Trends
As of 2025, the IUOE Nationally has 413,007 members. IUOE is a mature, established building "trades unions" so growth tends to be incremental and tied to industry cycles rather than explosive organizing gains. IUOE Local 18 out of Cleveland, OH. Federal filings with the Office of Labor Management Standards (OLMS) demonstrate that IUOE Local 18 has 16,361 dues-paying members in 2025. The IUOE Int'l Membership and IUOE Local 18 Membership annual financial reports include the Office of Labor Management Standards.
Rules
The IUOE Constitution and Bylaws are important documents that outline the guidelines for how a union operates. The IUOE Constitution is 134 pages. Pay particular attention to ART. XXIV – SUBDIVISION 7 DUES, REMITTANCES, ARREARAGES, CHARGES, REINSTATEMENT AND TRIALS Starting on page 88. IUOE Local 18 Bylaws demonstrate another 66 pages of rules and regulation for its union members.
Financials
Take the time to research the union’s financial condition, priorities, leadership, and track record to help you make a more informed decision before casting a secret ballot vote. Review the IUOE Int'l Financial Report, and IUOE Local 18 Financial Report to explore how much they collect and how they spend hard-earned dues to the union.
Track Record
Operating Engineers are no stranger to strikes. Since 2000, IUOE has called 159 Work Stoppages, ordering 63,027 members to walk out the door. The average IUOE strike last for 65 days out. How long could you afford to be on a IUOE strike?
Since 2000, IUOE Local 18 has been named in 108 petitions for election with the NLRB. IUOE Local 18 has been involved with 65 Elections, of which IUOE Local 18 only won the right to represent workers on 30. IUOE Local 18 has failed to win representation on 67% of the petitions filed with the NLRB. And, 13 of 16 RD petitions filed by employees were successful to kick out and decertify IUOE Local 18 as their exclusive representative.
Formal Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charges against the IBT have been filed by their own members for things such as the union:
- Refusing to process grievances of provide union representation when required.
- Threatening employees for filing ULP charges.
- Refusing to negotiate in good faith.
- Failing to represent employees in a fair and timely manner.
Since 2000, The Operating Engineers have had more than 7,500 charges filed against them. IUOE Local 18 has been named in 235 of these cases alone.
