In a recent court filing, it has been revealed that United Auto Workers (UAW) President, Shawn Fain, is under investigation by a federal court-appointed watchdog. The monitor, Neil Barofsky, has been assigned the task of monitoring the union and eliminating corruption within its ranks. The investigation aims to determine whether Fain abused his power as the union president.

The court filing also accuses union leaders, including Fain, of obstructing the investigation and interfering with the watchdog's access to information. These actions could potentially violate a consent decree that was reached between the UAW and the U.S. Department of Justice in 2020. The consent decree helped the union avoid a federal takeover.

According to the filing, the monitor had been attempting to gather necessary information for a full investigation, but the UAW has impeded the process by delaying the provision of requested documents. Furthermore, the investigation has expanded to include allegations of retaliation by Fain against one of the union's vice presidents. Additionally, an unrelated investigation into potential embezzlement by another unnamed UAW International Executive Board member, a regional director, has also been initiated following allegations received by the monitor.

The UAW has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding these accusations. It is worth noting that the union is currently engaged in a national organizing drive of nonunion automakers. These allegations come in the wake of Fain's rise to international prominence after the union, under his leadership, secured record-setting contracts with General Motors, Ford Motor, and Stellantis last year.

The court filing indicates that the watchdog's concerns began in February when investigations were launched into current members of the International Executive Board, including the President, Secretary-Treasurer, and a Regional Director. The probe stemmed from the removal of responsibilities assigned to Secretary-Treasurer Margaret Mock, amid allegations of misconduct in her financial oversight role. Mock, in turn, lodged allegations against the Union's President, claiming false charges and retaliatory actions.

The court documents reveal that the UAW has been slow in providing requested documents, with only a small portion, approximately 2,600 out of approximately 116,000 potentially relevant documents, produced after more than three months. The filing asserts that the union's delay in producing relevant documents obstructs and interferes with the watchdog's investigation, potentially violating the Consent Decree.

The Consent Decree was put in place following a lengthy corruption probe into the union, involving charges of embezzlement, bribery, and other illegal activities. This investigation resulted in convictions of both union leaders and Fiat Chrysler executives, including two former union presidents.

As the investigation into Fain's alleged abuse of power unfolds, the outcome and potential impact on the UAW's organizing efforts remain to be seen. The vigilance of the federal watchdog and the ultimate resolution of these allegations will be closely monitored by the automotive industry and union members alike.