On the Dash:
- UAW monitor warns the union’s leadership must address retaliation and corruption risks or risk extending federal oversight.
- Secretary-Treasurer Margaret Mock must have her duties restored to reinforce anti-corruption and anti-retaliation measures.
- Despite serious cultural issues, the union has made some progress, including audits, staffing, and improved all-staff communication.
The UAW’s court-appointed monitor issued a stern warning Friday, Nov. 14, saying the union must take meaningful reform seriously or face the risk of corruption and abuse returning. Neil Barofsky, the monitor overseeing the union under a consent decree since 2021, cited a “toxic culture of division and retaliation at the highest levels,” singling out union President Shawn Fain and close allies.
Barofsky’s report, filed in federal court, details both serious challenges and some positive steps the union has made toward reform. The monitor emphasized that failure to act could extend federal oversight beyond its scheduled end in 2027.
Internal surveys show many union members feel “constantly on eggshells,” fearing retaliation for speaking out or siding with Secretary-Treasurer Margaret Mock, who was stripped of duties by Fain. Barofsky said restoring Mock’s authority is essential to establishing credibility for anti-retaliation and anti-corruption measures.
The report also scrutinized Marni Schroeder, the former head of the compliance department, who resigned after being found to have been “co-opted by the President’s Office” in attempts to limit Mock’s oversight. The monitor called her involvement “vindictive” and unfair.
However, despite the challenges, Barofsky acknowledged some progress. The union has completed internal audits, filled key vacancies, improved the auditing process, and held more frequent all-staff meetings. The monitor also noted limited cooperation between Fain’s office and Mock.
Barofsky stressed that more work is needed, including hiring a new compliance director committed to independence and transparency. He cautions that abuse and corruption will inevitably return to the Union if leaders continue to promote division or treat compliance and ethical standards as optional when inconvenient.
