About the
Federal Monitor
Before you evaluate the findings, understand who made them — and why a federal court placed a watchdog over the UAW in the first place.
Neil Barofsky
- Former federal prosecutor, Southern District of New York
- Former Special Inspector General for TARP (SIGTARP) — oversaw the $700 billion bank bailout
- Author of "Bailout" — a widely praised account of holding Wall Street accountable
- Appointed UAW Independent Monitor by federal court order
- Reports directly to the federal court, not to the UAW or any political party
What a Federal Monitor Can Do
- Investigate any aspect of UAW operations, finances, or governance
- Compel the union to produce documents and records
- Interview UAW officers, staff, and members
- File status reports directly with the federal court
- Recommend remedial action — including disciplinary measures — to the court
- The court can enforce Monitor recommendations with the full power of federal law
How We Got Here
The federal oversight of the UAW did not begin with Shawn Fain — it predates him. Understanding the history matters.
Federal Consent Decree
Following a federal corruption investigation that resulted in criminal convictions of multiple UAW leaders, the UAW entered into a federal consent decree requiring court-appointed oversight of the union.
Monitor Appointed
Neil Barofsky was appointed as the Independent Monitor under the consent decree, charged with overseeing UAW elections, finances, and internal governance.
First Direct Elections
Under Monitor oversight, the UAW held its first-ever direct elections for international officers — a historic reform resulting from the consent decree.
Shawn Fain Elected
Shawn Fain won the UAW presidential election, taking office under the ongoing federal oversight of the Monitor.
Misconduct Investigation Begins
The Monitor's office began investigating complaints and reports of misconduct within Fain's administration, including allegations of retaliation against elected officers.
Sixteenth Status Report Released
The Monitor released his Sixteenth Status Report documenting six findings of misconduct against President Fain, including retaliation, abuse of power, and obstruction of the Monitor's investigation.
Questions UAW Members Are Asking
Who is Neil Barofsky?
Neil Barofsky is a former federal prosecutor and former Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP), where he oversaw the $700 billion bank bailout after the 2008 financial crisis. He is widely respected for his independence and willingness to hold powerful institutions accountable. He was appointed as the UAW's Independent Monitor by a federal court.
What is a Federal Monitor?
A Federal Monitor (also called an Independent Monitor) is an officer appointed by a federal court to oversee an organization that has been found to have systemic problems with corruption, misconduct, or legal violations. The Monitor operates independently of the organization and reports directly to the court. His findings are not political opinions — they are official reports to a federal judge.
Why does the UAW have a Federal Monitor?
The UAW entered into a federal consent decree after a years-long corruption investigation resulted in the criminal conviction of multiple UAW leaders, including two former UAW presidents. As part of the consent decree, the union agreed to federal oversight to ensure democratic reforms and prevent future corruption.
Are these findings the same as criminal charges?
No. The Monitor's findings are civil findings of misconduct documented in official reports to the federal court. They are not criminal charges. However, they carry significant weight because they come from a court-appointed officer with subpoena power and the legal authority to compel cooperation from the union.
Can the Monitor remove Shawn Fain from office?
The Monitor has broad powers under the consent decree, including the ability to recommend remedial action to the federal court. The court has the authority to impose consequences for violations of the consent decree. The Monitor's reports are the official record of compliance — or non-compliance — with the court's oversight requirements.
Where can I read the actual report?
The UAW Federal Monitor Sixteenth Status Report (June 2026) is available for download on this site.
Now Read What He Found
A court-appointed federal watchdog with subpoena power documented six findings of misconduct against Shawn Fain. UAW members deserve to know what he found.