UAW Controversies

In 2017, the federal government investigated the UAW for corruption. The investigation found that UAW officials were embezzling members’ dues to pay for lavish parties, vacations, and gifts. Two former union presidents and a number of other union officials were found guilty. 

Since this scandal, the UAW has been under the supervision of a court-appointed corruption monitor. This year, the monitor released several reports that revealed a number of disturbing allegations within the union. The reports noted that two members of the UAW’s executive board had been accusing the union’s leadership of retaliation and financial misconduct. The report also accused the union of impeding the monitor’s investigation by “slow walking” requested documents. 

A recent audit of the union found that 40% of UAW staff members would decline to report misconduct over fear of retaliation.