U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, has raised concerns about United Auto Workers (UAW) President Shawn Fain’s alleged workplace retaliation against other union leaders. Cassidy cited findings from a court-appointed Monitor that detailed actions taken by Fain’s office against Secretary Treasurer Margaret Mock and Vice President Rich Boyer—both of whom were elected by UAW members.
The Monitor found that Mock was removed from her departmental oversight and board positions as retaliation for implementing strict expense policies. Boyer claimed he lost oversight of the Stellantis department after refusing to make staffing changes that would benefit Fain’s fiancé and her sister. Both officers have since been reinstated to their previous roles, but Cassidy stated that the initial actions “cannot be ignored.”
Cassidy is investigating whether member dues were misused in litigation related to these internal disputes and if other UAW members have faced similar retaliation. In a letter to Fain, Cassidy wrote: “Your conduct, and that of several UAW employees and officers under your supervision or in coordination with you, is an abuse of UAW members’ trust. These actions create a serious distraction from UAW’s purpose to improve and protect UAW members’ wages, benefits, work hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.”
He also questioned whether legal costs associated with these matters serve union members’ interests: “I am also concerned that the cost of litigating these matters is a disservice to the American workers who pay dues to the UAW.” Cassidy requested information on total costs incurred in cases involving Mock and Boyer as well as details about any increase in dues or reimbursement plans for those expenses.
The letter asked Fain about workplace retaliation policies within the union—specifically whether such policies apply equally to elected officers—and sought transparency regarding processes for reporting retaliation without fear of reprisal.
Additionally, Cassidy addressed allegations concerning potential conflicts of interest involving Fain’s fiancé and her sister in relation to staffing decisions at Stellantis. He requested documentation on nepotism or conflict-of-interest policies within the union.
Questions were also raised about procedures during appeals hearings after Boyer reported being denied counsel despite constitutional provisions allowing representation.
Cassidy’s inquiry included requests for clarification on how specific terms like “dereliction of duty” are defined within the UAW Constitution when used as grounds for removing elected officials from their roles.
The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee oversees issues including labor protections and workforce development through its subcommittees focused on effective oversight in these areas (https://www.help.senate.gov/).
Senator Cassidy has set a deadline for responses from President Fain by January 30th, 2026.
