UAW Local 140 in Warren, Michigan, has voted unanimously to approve internal charges against UAW President Shawn Fain, marking a pivotal step in a broader campaign to remove him from office. The vote, held during a special meeting on July 21, saw high member turnout and support from two key union figures, former Secretary-Treasurer Margaret Mock and former Vice President Rich Boyer, both of whom allege retaliation by Fain. Local 140 is now the fourth UAW chapter to approve such charges under Article 30 of the union’s constitution. The allegations include abuse of authority, obstruction of transparency and conflicts of interest. Fain, once widely popular among the rank and file, now faces growing internal scrutiny.
Here’s why it matters:
The move to challenge Shawn Fain’s leadership reflects growing internal tensions within one of the most influential labor unions in the United States. The UAW represents hundreds of thousands of autoworkers whose contracts and negotiations shape not only wages and benefits but also production timelines and corporate strategies across the automotive industry. Allegations of misconduct and retaliation at the top level could undermine member trust, disrupt union cohesion and potentially affect labor relations with major automakers at a critical time for the industry.
Key takeaways:
- Fourth local to file charges
Local 140 joins three other UAW locals—Detroit’s Local 7, Dubuque’s Local 94 and Warren’s Local 1248—in formally approving charges under Article 30 to remove Fain. At least six are required to trigger a trial. - Fain faces allegations of retaliation and misconduct
Charges allege Fain retaliated against Mock and Boyer, bypassed union protocols for appointments, obstructed a federal monitor’s investigation and created conflicts of interest tied to his fiancée’s family. - High-profile attendance:
Both Mock and Boyer were present at the vote as Local 140 members, not in their leadership capacities, and participated in approving the charges against Fain. - Strong member support
The vote passed 80-0 during a special meeting, following a previous procedural error in May. - Potential impact on Stellantis plant operations:
Local 140 represents workers at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant, currently operating with only one shift. Former local president Randall Pearson expressed concern that Fain may retaliate by withholding new product allocation, which could further reduce plant output.
As the Article 30 campaign gains traction, Fain’s leadership faces its most serious internal challenge yet. While a full removal trial has not begun, dissent within the union is growing.
