UAW Leadership Turmoil: Controversy Over VP Boyer’s Removal

In recent developments within the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, a letter from UAW 1178 Shop Chairperson Trey Durant has surfaced online, shedding light on UAW President Shawn Fain’s controversial decision to remove Vice President Rich Boyer from his role overseeing the Stellantis department. The letter, posted on the Facebook page “UAW Real Talk, GM, Ford & FCA,” provides context to the ongoing leadership issues and the rationale behind this significant decision.

On June 14, 2024, a special council meeting was held in Detroit to address the growing concerns within the UAW’s leadership. President Shawn Fain opened the meeting by emphasizing that real leaders must make tough decisions, and removing Vice President Rich Boyer was one such difficult choice. He stressed that his intention was not to criticize Boyer personally but to inform the council of the reasons behind his decision.

Key Issues Leading to Boyer’s Removal –

According to Durant’s letter, Fain cited several critical issues that influenced his decision:

• Profit Sharing Discrepancies: Stellantis supplemental workers did not receive the 2024 profit-sharing bonus, whereas their counterparts at Ford and General Motors (GM) did.
• Unfulfilled Employment Commitments: Stellantis has yet to convert 320 supplemental workers to full-time positions, a commitment still outstanding.
• Production Outsourcing: Stellantis is sending overflow production of Ram trucks to Mexico instead of keeping it within the United States, raising concerns about job security.
• Hiring Practices at Kokomo Plant: The new battery plant in Kokomo, Indiana, hired 143 new employees directly from the street, bypassing senior UAW members. Additionally, senior UAW employees transferring to the battery plant were told they would start with day-one seniority, a condition Fain’s office had not agreed to.
• Communication Breakdown: Fain highlighted a significant communication gap, noting that his office was not informed by Boyer about key issues, including the delayed production at the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois. The plant, slated to receive a new midsize pickup truck by November 2028, would see the agreement expire in May 2028, making it unenforceable.

Council’s Response and Fain’s Assurances –

The council expressed frustration at learning about these issues through the media rather than from Fain’s office. They requested that Fain keep them better informed in the future. Addressing concerns about an ongoing investigation by the UAW monitor, Fain assured the council that there was no corruption linked to him and that his oversight would ultimately benefit the Stellantis department.

Notably, Vice President Rich Boyer was not present at the meeting to defend himself or address the allegations. This absence has left some questions unanswered regarding his perspective on the issues raised by Fain.

Rich Boyer’s Response to Reassignment –

On June 7, 2024, UAW Vice President Rich Boyer sent an email to UAW President Shawn Fain, objecting to his reassignment from the Stellantis department. The email, also posted on the “UAW Real Talk, GM, Ford & FCA” page, revealed Boyer’s strong opposition to the decision and his defense of his actions during his tenure.

In the email, Boyer expressed his dismay at the reassignment, stating, “The statements regarding this action are nothing but a direct attack on my character and an insult to me and my staff.” He refuted Fain’s claims, emphasizing that the notice of reassignment did not accurately reflect Fain’s involvement or the contributions of multiple individuals from Fain’s office during the national negotiations with Stellantis.

Boyer defended his track record, asserting that he has been “entirely transparent” with Fain and his team regarding the challenges faced in dealing with Stellantis. He stated, “I have worked relentlessly to ensure the successful implementation of the new terms of the 2023 collective bargaining agreement.”

He further argued that the accusations against him were unfair, highlighting the extensive participation and awareness of Fain’s staff in the negotiation process. Boyer listed several individuals from Fain’s office, including Kevin Gotinsky, Paul Caucci, and Chris Brooks, who were present and involved in the negotiations. He maintained, “It was my understanding that these individuals conveyed your expectations to us and kept you informed of the ongoing issues during the negotiations, and so did I.”

UAW Vice President Rich Boyer e-mail to UAW President Shawn Fain. (UAW Real Talk, GM, Ford & FCA FB Page).

UAW Vice President Rich Boyer e-mail to UAW President Shawn Fain. (UAW Real Talk, GM, Ford & FCA FB Page).

UAW Vice President Rich Boyer e-mail to UAW President Shawn Fain. (UAW Real Talk, GM, Ford & FCA FB Page).

Boyer also addressed specific issues raised by Fain, such as absenteeism policy changes and profit-sharing discrepancies. He clarified that the absenteeism changes were known to Fain’s staff and were part of the agreed settlement package. On profit sharing, Boyer explained, “In February of this year, I informed you that the Company refused to pay the supplemental employees profit sharing. I went to your office, sought your guidance, and suggested getting the local leadership to write grievances. You advised me to hold off while you and Ben Dictor attempted to resolve the issue.”

Highlighting his achievements, Boyer listed several successes under his leadership, including preventing job cuts, securing product guarantees for various plants, and converting supplemental employees to full-time positions. He also noted, “I have competently and effectively led the Stellantis Department. Our disagreements are not a legitimate basis for my removal.”

Boyer concluded by urging Fain to reconsider the reassignment, emphasizing the negative impact it could have on ongoing negotiations and the perception of unity within the union. “My removal may jeopardize these discussions and cause further delays,” Boyer warned, reinforcing his commitment to the union and its members.

Moving Forward –

As the union navigates these internal conflicts, the broader membership and the public will be watching closely to see how these issues are resolved and how they impact the future of the UAW’s relationship with major automakers like Stellantis.