After historic corruption, the United Auto Workers swept out much of its old leadership last year with its first-ever regular election.
Yet, the new leadership finds itself disciplining one of its own after misconduct allegations.
“I think we need to respect our retirees a little bit more than what they’re doing,” said UAW Secretary-Treasurer Margaret Mock.
Mock spoke with Local 4 last October, just before the stand-up strike. At that time, she had a lot of responsibilities, like union finances, the women’s department, and the technical, office, and professional departments covering UAW membership not working on the auto assembly line.
We have confirmed management issues characterized as misconduct, not corruption, led to her discipline.
According to the activist group Unite All Workers for Democracy, who actually backed Mock for election last year, she withheld approval of routine expenditures in exchange for international executive board votes, refused to approve routine strike supply purchases, and improperly denied staff reimbursement requests.
The UAW Board of Directors voted 11-3 this week to strip her assigned portfolio.
The women’s department and the technical, office, and professional departments handed it off to other staff.
In a statement, the UAWD claims: “Secretary-treasurer Mock’s abuses of authority have directly undermined militant, forward-looking initiatives that the UAW membership voted for”
“Clearly, they have reason to be concerned and to take steps,” said Wayne State University Business Professor Dr. Marick Masters.
Masters calls the situation yet another WAW black eye.
“And obviously, this is the kind of situation that the new UAW doesn’t want in its face as it’s trying to organize workers among the 13 nonunion companies,” said Masters.
Local 4 spoke with Mock on the phone Thursday (Feb. 29) afternoon, and she gave us a statement about the situation.
“It saddens me that many do not understand my responsibilities, while it saddens me even further that I get criticized, attacked, and retaliated against because I insist on the policies that are in place being adhered to, I will not waver in enforcing financial policies intended to protect our member’s sacred dues dollars.”
Mock’s complete statement is found below.