(OurNationsNews.com) Shawn Fain, the President of the United Auto Workers, is under a federal investigation for allegedly abusing his power. A court appointed watchdog, Neil Barofsky, is heading the investigation. Barofsky alleged that Fain and other UAW leaders are obstructing and interfering with the investigation by not providing documents.
The court documents say that the UAW has “slow-rolled” Barofsky’s access to the files he has requested as part of the investigation. The inquiry has now been expanded to include exploration of an alleged retaliation by Fain against another high-ranking union official.
Fain released a statement, but failed to respond to any of the specific allegations that are behind the federal investigation. The statement said the union is focused on moving in a ‘new direction,’ which can be upsetting for individuals that want to maintain the ‘status quo.’ The statement further encouraged the federal watchdog to investigate any allegations that come before them and expressed confidence that there won’t be any misconduct uncovered from the federal inquiry.
The federal monitor was appointed in 2020 following the conviction of the former President Dennis Williams for embezzling union dues. He was given a sentence of 21 months in prison along with $132,000 restitution and a $10,000 fine. During that DOJ investigation, 15 convictions were secured in relation to misconduct by high-ranking members of the union. An agreement was reached in 2020 to appoint a federal watchdog with a term of six years to investigate any alleged misconduct.
Fain, in his statement, said the union is focused on getting new contracts and growing the size of the union. The statement emphasized the union’s intent to provide economic and social justice.
Following the 2020 agreement, Timothy Waters of the Michigan FBI made a statement regarding the trustworthiness of the union leaders. He said for a union to work properly, the members need to have trust in the leaders. Waters said the 15 convictions prove that the leaders of the union haven’t been deserving of trust for a long time.
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