United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain is under probe by Neil Barofsky, a federal court-appointed monitor responsible for overseeing the union and eliminating corruption.
The investigation, detailed in a recent court filing, aims to determine whether Fain abused his power as union president.
Barofsky also alleges union leaders, including Fain, have obstructed the investigation and interfered with access to necessary information.
These actions may violate a 2020 consent decree between the UAW and the US Department of Justice established to avoid a federal takeover of the union.
According to the filing, the monitor has faced months of resistance from the union in obtaining the documents required for a comprehensive investigation.
The union’s delays have hindered the monitor’s access to the requested information.
The investigation has recently expanded to include allegations of retaliation by Fain against one of the union’s vice presidents.
An unnamed UAW International Executive Board member and a regional director have also launched a separate probe into potential embezzlement.
Fain responded to the investigation with a statement emphasizing the union’s commitment to change.
He said: “Taking our union in a new direction means sometimes you have to rock the boat, and that upsets some people who want to keep the status quo.
“We encourage the Monitor to investigate whatever claims are brought to their office, because we know what they’ll find: a UAW leadership committed to serving the membership and running a democratic union.”
The UAW is currently engaged in a national organizing drive targeting nonunion automakers.
Need Career Advice? Get employment skills advice at all levels of your career
The investigation comes after Fain led the union to secure record-setting contracts with General Motors, Ford Motor, and Stellantis last year.
“Taking our union in a new direction means sometimes you have to rock the boat, and that upsets some people who want to keep the status quo”
The court filing indicates Barofsky’s concerns began in February.
This was when the monitor started investigating current UAW International Executive Board members.
These include the President, Secretary-Treasurer, and a Regional Director.
This probe was initiated after union leaders removed non-constitutional responsibilities from Secretary-Treasurer Margaret Mock following misconduct allegations.
Mock countered with allegations against Fain, claiming the charges against her were false and that her removal was retaliatory.
The filing reveals despite an initial document request, the union has only produced a small fraction of the relevant documents.
This is delaying the investigation and potentially violating the consent decree established after a years-long corruption probe.
