A federal watchdog overseeing the United Auto Workers is investigating new allegations against President Shawn Fain.
It includes claims that he demanded benefits for his domestic partner and her sister.
According to a court filing by monitor Neil Barofsky, the allegations have emerged amid a broader conflict over access to UAW’s internal documents.
Barofsky argues the documents are necessary to ensure compliance with a 2020 civil settlement.
This settlement concluded a lengthy criminal investigation into corruption within the union.
It led to the imprisonment of more than a dozen top officials, including two former presidents.
The filing reveals a probe into whether the removal of UAW Vice President Rich Boyer as Stellantis’s top negotiator was in retaliation.
Fain removed Boyer for allegedly refusing to comply with demands benefiting Fain’s domestic partner and her sister.
Boyer claimed these actions would have constituted financial misconduct.
According to the UAW website, Fain, 55, is currently engaged.
He accused Boyer of failing in his duties related to enforcing the Stellantis contract.
Fain argued that it resulted in a perceived loss among union members.
The allegations against Fain are part of a series of serious but unverified claims under investigation.
Elected as a reform candidate in 2023, Fain pledged to eradicate corruption within the union.
He led the UAW to significant contract wins after a six-week strike against General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis later that year.
Known for his confrontational approach, Fain has publicly criticized automotive executives and used social media to rally union members.
The UAW has been under federal scrutiny following a sprawling Justice Department investigation.
It uncovered kickback schemes, embezzlement, and other illicit activities within the union’s leadership.
The resulting civil settlement mandated six years of independent oversight and required the UAW to pay $1.5 million to resolve tax issues.
Barofsky’s investigations have also targeted other union officials, including Secretary-Treasurer Margaret Mock.
He was accused of abusing her power and improperly denying legitimate requests.
Mock, who alleged retaliation for her refusal to authorize improper expenditures, declined to comment.
A regional director is under investigation for allegedly embezzling funds and misappropriating union property.
