United Auto Workers (UAW) President Shawn Fain is currently facing an investigation by court-appointed watchdog Neil Barofsky to address corruption within the union following a bribery and embezzlement scandal. Barofsky’s recent report to Judge David M. Lawson revealed that Fain, along with other senior UAW officials, is under scrutiny. The report highlighted a lack of cooperation from the union with the monitor’s duties, which escalated after investigations into these individuals began earlier this year.
The tensions within the UAW’s International Executive Board have been evident in recent months, particularly between Fain and secretary-treasurer Margaret Mock. In February, the board supported Fain by revoking field assignments from Mock that were deemed unnecessary and implementing policy changes due to allegations of financial misconduct on her part. Mock denied the accusations and claimed that the removal of her authority was in retaliation for her refusal to authorize certain expenditures benefiting individuals in Fain’s office.
As the monitor delved deeper into the conflicting claims, additional allegations of retaliation by Fain against a union vice president surfaced. Separate from this probe, the monitor also began investigating a regional director for potential embezzlement following allegations. Despite these claims, Barofsky emphasized that they remain allegations, and no conclusions have been drawn regarding possible charges.
However, the monitor expressed concerns about the lack of cooperation from UAW, noting delays in providing relevant documents essential for the investigation. Barofsky highlighted that only a fraction of the requested documents have been made available after multiple attempts, raising concerns about obstructing his investigative work. If the delays persist, court intervention may be necessary to ensure access to crucial information.
In response to the investigation, Fain stated that leading the union in a new direction often requires challenging the status quo, emphasizing the commitment of UAW leadership to serving the membership and upholding democratic values. Fain, who assumed the presidency in 2023, pledged to adopt a more assertive approach in negotiations with major automakers and prioritize reform within the union.
On the other hand, Mock has disavowed the union’s current stance of non-cooperation, affirming her directive for full staff cooperation. The absence of a statement from Mock following Barofsky’s report suggests ongoing tensions within the union regarding the investigation.
Barofsky’s appointment in 2021 stemmed from a settlement to prevent a government takeover of the union after the bribery and embezzlement scandal. The union faced allegations of withholding information on past misconduct in previous reports, indicating a pattern of uncooperativeness with court-appointed monitors.
The ongoing investigation into UAW officials underscores the challenges of addressing corruption within the union and the importance of transparency in upholding accountability and integrity. As the probe continues, the outcomes will likely shape the future of UAW leadership and its commitment to serving its members effectively.
