Recording Shows UAW Federal Monitor Pressured Union President Over Israel

Representative Rashida Tlaib has called for the resignation of Neil Barofsky, the federal monitor overseeing the United Autoworkers (UAW), following the release of a recording. The recording, obtained and authenticated by Drop Site, reportedly shows Barofsky pressuring UAW President Shawn Fain in December 2023 over the union's call for a ceasefire in Gaza. Barofsky allegedly claimed the UAW's statement, which referenced past union stances against fascism and apartheid, "crossed a line that is an unfortunate one" by implicitly comparing Israel to Nazis, a claim he previously denied making.

"My problem with this is they’re killing tens of thousands of innocent fucking civilians in this process, and it’s complete bullshit," Fain stated in the recording.

The recording contradicts Barofsky's earlier assertions about his interactions with Fain and what Fain said during their conversation. Tlaib stated that Barofsky's "personal support for genocide is irreparably interfering with his duties and he should resign." This incident follows Barofsky's investigation into Fain's dismissal of union leaders, which began shortly after their disagreement on Israel and Gaza.