Investigation into United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain and other senior UAW officials is underway as part of an effort to root out corruption in the union. Neil Barofsky, the court-appointed monitor, revealed in his ninth report that he is looking into Fain’s actions and accused the union of a recent lack of cooperation. The report highlights clashes within UAW’s International Executive Board, notably between Fain and secretary-treasurer Margaret Mock.
In February, the board passed a motion supporting Fain and withdrew certain assignments from Mock following allegations of misconduct during her financial oversight responsibilities. Mock denies these charges and claims that the removal of her authority was in retaliation for her refusal to authorize certain expenditures benefiting individuals associated with Fain’s office.
The monitor expanded the investigation to include allegations of retaliation by Fain against a vice president and began probing a regional director for potential embezzlement. However, Barofsky emphasizes that these are still allegations, and Monday’s report does not draw any conclusions about potential charges.
Barofsky notes a shift in UAW’s cooperation with his work once investigations began. While the union has made employees and senior leaders available for interviews, it has not promptly provided requested documents. Barofsky claims that only a fraction of the documents have been made available after months of attempts. If this issue persists, court intervention may be necessary.
In response to the investigation, Fain states that taking the union in a new direction sometimes requires upsetting those who wish to maintain the status quo. He encourages the monitor to investigate any claims brought forward and affirms the UAW leadership’s commitment to serving its members and operating as a democratic union.
Fain became UAW president in 2023, pledging to adopt a confrontational approach in negotiations with automakers and clean up the union. Mock has not yet provided a statement regarding the investigation.
Barofsky was appointed in 2021 following a settlement that prevented a government takeover of the union amid a widespread bribery and embezzlement scandal. Several union officials, including former presidents, pleaded guilty in the corruption probe, which began in 2017.
This recent lack of cooperation is not the first time UAW has been accused of withholding information from its court-appointed monitor. Barofsky’s third report in 2022 accused the union of withholding information about previous misconduct allegations.
