Shawn Fain has challengers in UAW president race. Can anyone beat him?
At least four United Auto Workers members—Brian Keller, Will Lehman, Tricia Geiger, and Greg Mooney—are challenging incumbent president Shawn Fain in the upcoming UAW election, citing the need for reform and addressing threats like AI-driven job losses. Fain, backed by his 'Stand Up Slate' team, defends his leadership, which secured historic contracts in 2023 but faces scrutiny over corruption allegations and external pressures like trade policies and contract negotiations set for 2028.
The United Auto Workers (UAW) is set for a contentious presidential election this summer, with at least four challengers vying to unseat incumbent Shawn Fain. The contenders include Brian Keller, a Michigan Stellantis worker and vocal critic of Fain, Will Lehman, a Pennsylvania-based Mack Trucks employee pushing for a union overhaul, Tricia Geiger, an Ohio-based international servicing representative advocating for reform, and Greg Mooney, who works at General Dynamics Land Systems and emphasizes preparing for AI-driven job losses. Fain, who leads the union’s 'Stand Up Slate' campaign alongside 12 officer and regional director candidates, highlights his achievements, including historic contracts ratified in 2023 with General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis. However, he acknowledges ongoing challenges, such as work-life balance, job security, and the rapid advancement of AI and automation. His campaign argues for continuing the momentum of recent gains while addressing these evolving threats. The election follows years of scrutiny over the UAW’s governance, with court-appointed monitor Neil Barofsky citing issues like retaliation, transparency failures, and dysfunction within the union’s leadership. Fain and other officials have faced criticism in Barofsky’s reports, adding pressure to the race. External challenges, including the Trump administration’s shifting trade and labor policies, the union’s stalled efforts to organize non-union factories, and upcoming contract negotiations in early 2028, further complicate the election. Candidates for president, secretary-treasurer, vice president, and regional director positions must navigate a rigorous vetting process, including approval at the UAW’s Constitutional Convention in Detroit next month. Ballots are expected to be mailed to members in late August, with votes due by early October. Current Secretary-Treasurer Margaret Mock, who previously ran with Fain, has confirmed her reelection bid, though tensions between her and Fain have reportedly strained their relationship. The race underscores the UAW’s efforts to rebuild trust after past corruption scandals while adapting to industry disruptions like AI. Fain’s challengers argue the union must accelerate reforms to address member concerns and secure its future in a rapidly changing automotive landscape.
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