UAW members cast ballots as Shawn Fain seeks second term as president

The United Auto Workers is in the midst of a leadership election, with incumbent president Shawn Fain seeking a second four-year term. Fain, who rose to prominence leading 2023 strikes against Ford Motor, General Motors and Stellantis, is challenged by several candidates, notably vice president Rich Boyer, known for past disputes with the incumbent. A federal monitor, New York attorney Neil Barofsky, appointed in 2021 after a corruption scandal, is responsible for counting the votes.

Union members are also electing three vice presidents, a secretary-treasurer and regional directors, with run-off elections planned for any race lacking a clear majority. This election follows the union’s 2021 shift to a direct-member voting system, making it the first of its kind. The outcome is expected to draw close attention from the major automakers that recently settled contracts under Fain’s leadership.