UAW President Fain Takes Over Stellantis-UAW Operations

In a significant shift within the United Auto Workers (UAW) leadership, President Shawn Fain is set to oversee the union’s Stellantis department. This move reallocates responsibilities previously held by Vice President Rich Boyer. While Boyer will continue to manage the union’s Competitive Shop/Independents, Parts, and Suppliers departments, his oversight of Stellantis will now be under Fain’s direction.

The Detroit Free Press reported this leadership change based on information from multiple anonymous sources familiar with the matter. Despite inquiries, the UAW has not provided any official comment regarding the reorganization within the Stellantis department. It appears that this decision was made independently by President Fain and did not involve a vote or approval from the International Executive Board, the union’s highest governing body.

Rich Boyer, who could not be reached for comment, had previously been in charge of Stellantis operations. The other two UAW Vice Presidents, Mike Booth and Chuck Browning, continue to lead the departments connected to General Motors (GM) and Ford, respectively.

The reasons behind this leadership change remain unclear. However, it is the second such restructuring within the UAW’s top ranks in recent months. Earlier this year, responsibilities previously managed by Secretary-Treasurer Margaret Mock were reassigned. The Women’s Department was transferred to Region 1 Director LaShawn English, and the Technical, Office, & Professional Department went to Region 1A Director Laura Dickerson. At the time, Fain described these changes as part of a reorganization effort.

Amid these internal adjustments, an activist group within the union, Unite All Workers for Democracy, had made accusations against Mock, alleging she refused to approve expenses related to last year’s strike against Detroit’s Big-3 automakers. Mock denied these allegations, emphasizing her duty to protect the union members’ dues.

Shawn Fain, Rich Boyer, and Margaret Mock were all elected as part of a reform-focused slate in the UAW’s first direct election, completed early last year. This election followed an agreement with the federal government after a corruption scandal that resulted in several former UAW officials and auto executives being imprisoned. The reform slate aimed to bring a more activist approach to organizing and bargaining within the UAW.

Source: Detroit Free Press