United Auto Workers president Shawn Fain and several other union officials are currently under investigation for possible retaliation and embezzlement within the organization, as reported by a court-appointed watchdog this week.
Neil Barofsky was appointed to oversee corruption within the union in 2021 following a widespread bribery and embezzlement scandal involving the UAW. In May of the same year, the union reached a settlement with the U.S. government that required ongoing monitoring by a watchdog to prevent misconduct.
Barofsky’s latest report indicates that the union has been less cooperative with his monitoring efforts, particularly regarding potential retaliation and embezzlement. The report suggests delays in providing relevant documents necessary for the investigation.
“The Monitor’s assessment is that the Union’s delay of relevant documents is obstructing and interfering with his access to information needed for his investigative work,” stated the report.
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In a statement to The Associated Press, Fain expressed his openness to the investigation process. “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 statement read. “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.”
