The Department of Justice is investigating allegations that United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain improperly benefited his fiancée and retaliated against a senior union member who objected. The probe is being conducted via a grand jury, according to internal union documents.
The investigation into UAW President Shawn Fain raises questions about his leadership and potential misconduct, impacting the union's upcoming elections and its ongoing oversight following a past corruption scandal.
The Department of Justice has initiated a grand jury investigation into allegations surrounding United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain, according to internal union documents reviewed by Reuters. The probe reportedly focuses on claims that Fain took actions to improperly benefit his fiancée and retaliated against a senior union member, Rich Boyer, who objected to these actions.
Lead counsel for the federal monitor overseeing the UAW, Neil Barofsky, informed both Fain and Boyer of the grand jury investigation last month. The monitor’s office had previously issued a report detailing findings of retaliation and improper use of authority by Fain, but deferred disciplinary action pending further review, citing the ongoing federal probe.
Fain has denied the monitor's findings, characterizing the allegations as "bogus" and politically motivated. He suggested the monitor has a personal grudge against him due to the UAW's stance on the conflict in Gaza. Fain stated that his lawyers are exploring legal options to address the situation.
Boyer is one of several candidates running against Fain for a second four-year term as UAW president in an upcoming election. It remains unclear how the federal investigation will impact Fain's candidacy.
The UAW has been under federal oversight since a 2020 settlement resolving a corruption scandal that involved numerous union officials and resulted in prison sentences for two former presidents.