Overview
- On Friday, investigative reports by Cohen, Weiss & Simon and Barboza & Associates that were obtained by multiple outlets partially or fully substantiated claims that SEIU-UHW president Dave Regan sought to coerce SEIU California leaders into endorsing Proposition 40 by threatening to trigger a federal probe.
- The probes substantiated separate allegations that Regan physically assaulted a former executive in 2009 and that he physically intimidated a state council staffer at a March event by looming over her and yelling.
- SEIU California has responded by barring Regan from some union offices, instituting safety protocols to protect women staffers and filing charges with SEIU International that could lead to an evidentiary hearing and internal discipline.
- Regan denies the assault finding, says he used strong language with colleagues but calls the reports politically motivated, and he remains president of SEIU-UHW while the union process moves forward.
- The revelations deepen a split in labor over Proposition 40, a one-time 5% tax on billionaires, and could shape endorsements, member trust and the campaign as the ballot fight continues this fall.