Investigation into United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain Raises Concerns
United Auto Workers (UAW) President Shawn Fain is currently under investigation by Neil Barofsky, a federal court-appointed watchdog responsible for monitoring the union and eliminating corruption. The investigation is centered around allegations that Fain abused his power as president and obstructed the probe. These actions potentially violate a consent decree established in 2020 between the UAW and the Justice Department, which aimed to prevent a federal takeover of the union.
Barofsky has been attempting to gather information for months to conduct a thorough investigation, but the UAW has been uncooperative, impeding his access to requested documents. According to a court filing, the monitor expanded the investigation to include additional allegations of retaliation by Fain against one of the union’s vice presidents. Additionally, an unrelated investigation was opened into another unnamed UAW International Executive Board member, a regional director, following allegations of potential embezzlement.
The UAW has yet to comment on the matter. The timing of these allegations is significant as the union is currently engaged in a national organizing drive of non-union automakers. It comes after Fain’s successful negotiation of record-setting contracts with General Motors, Ford Motor, and Stellantis last year, which garnered international attention.
The concerns raised by Barofsky began in February when he started investigating current members of the UAW International Executive Board, including Fain, the Secretary-Treasurer, and a Regional Director. The investigation originated from the decision to remove all responsibilities not constitutionally required from Secretary-Treasurer Margaret Mock due to allegations of misconduct related to her financial oversight duties. In response, Mock lodged her own allegations against President Fain, claiming the charges against her were false and that the removal of her authority was a form of retaliation.
According to the court filing, the UAW has been slow in producing requested documents for the investigation. Only approximately 2,600 documents out of a potential pool of 116,000 have been provided, with the majority of those documents produced just days before the filing. Barofsky believes that this delay obstructs his access to crucial information and may constitute a violation of the Consent Decree.
The Consent Decree was established following a lengthy corruption investigation into the UAW, which uncovered embezzlement, bribery, and other charges. The probe resulted in convictions of union leaders and Fiat Chrysler executives, including two former union presidents.
The ongoing investigation into UAW President Shawn Fain raises concerns about potential misconduct and obstruction within the union. The outcome of Barofsky’s investigation will shed light on the allegations and determine if further action is necessary to ensure transparency and accountability within the UAW.
