UAW President Fain Accused To Seeking Benefits For Fiancée

United Auto Workers (UAW) President Shawn Fain is under investigation for allegedly seeking benefits for his fiancée and her sister. This investigation is part of a broader probe by an independent monitor overseeing the union, according to a recent court filing.

Allegations Against Fain – 

The investigation, led by monitor Neil Barofsky, centers on claims that Fain ordered a UAW Vice President to take actions benefiting his fiancée, Keesha McConaghie, and her sister. McConaghie works as a financial analyst at the UAW-Chrysler National Training Center. Vice President Rich Boyer, who was stripped of some of his duties, including oversight of the Stellantis Department, claimed he faced retaliation for refusing to take these actions.

Monitor’s Motion for Document Access –

Barofsky’s motion, filed in the U.S. District Court in Detroit, requests immediate access to union records, which the UAW has not fully provided. The motion states, “Despite the monitor’s repeated requests, the union has not provided such access to union documents for these investigations, insisting that the union must engage in what has become a lengthy pre-production review and asserting that it will withhold or redact documents as it deems necessary to protect privilege and confidentiality … by taking that position, the union has effectively stalled the monitor’s work.”

The UAW spokesperson responded by saying the union welcomes the oversight and has cooperated with the federal monitor, emphasizing the importance of rooting out corruption to allow members to reclaim their union.

Broader Context of the Investigation –

This investigation follows earlier probes involving Fain and Secretary-Treasurer Margaret Mock, who were scrutinized after a leadership shake-up. Mock faced criticism for not fulfilling several financial requests from Fain’s office and other leaders, allegations she denies. The investigation also examines why Boyer had duties removed and whether a senior union official embezzled UAW funds using a corporate credit card for personal purchases.

UAW’s Position and Next Steps –

The UAW maintains that the benefits in question are part of routine negotiations with Detroit automakers, noting that employees at the National Training Center have not received raises in several years. The union continues to cooperate with the federal monitor while focusing on building power for workers.

Source: Detroit Free Press