🚨 Lead Story

Federal Investigators Seek Financial Records Tied to Chicago FOP President

Federal investigators have subpoenaed the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police for extensive financial and governance records related to Chicago FOP President John Catanzara.

According to the Chicago Tribune, the subpoena was issued as part of a federal grand-jury investigation and sought records dating back to October 2020, including expense vouchers, reimbursement forms, receipts, pay stubs, tax records, meeting records and communications involving Catanzara. A law-enforcement source told the newspaper the investigation remained active and that no charges had been filed.

Catanzara said he believes the investigation stems from animosity within the union and disputed any suggestion of wrongdoing.

Why it matters

When federal investigators seek years of financial and governance records from a union, the workers funding that organization deserve transparency about how their money is being handled and what investigators are examining.

Union dues belong to workers before they ever reach a union bank account.

⚠️ Inside the Union

SEIU Investigations Back Serious Allegations Against California Union Leader

Two investigations commissioned by SEIU organizations found support for multiple allegations involving Dave Regan, president of SEIU United Healthcare Workers West.

The investigations examined allegations that Regan threatened and intimidated women within the labor movement and improperly pressured union leaders over an endorsement of California’s Proposition 40. One outside investigation found support for a claim that Regan suggested the state council could face scrutiny over “governance issues” if it did not support the measure.

Regan has denied the allegations, called the investigations politically motivated and remains in his position while SEIU’s internal disciplinary process continues.

Why it matters

Workers should be able to expect disagreements inside their union — including fights over political endorsements — to be handled without threats or intimidation.

And when allegations this serious are investigated by the union itself, rank-and-file members deserve to know what investigators found, how leadership responds and what happens next.

🗳️ Worker Choice

Duval Teachers United Falls Short of Florida Membership Threshold

Duval Teachers United failed to reach the membership level required under Florida law to avoid a recertification election.

The union reported membership of 57.3% among teachers, 52.3% among paraprofessionals and 44.2% among office employees — all below the 60% threshold.

That means employees represented by the union will now face a recertification process. Under the current law, at least 50% of eligible employees in each bargaining unit must participate in the election.

Union leaders have criticized the requirements and said the process takes time and resources away from representation.

Why it matters

A union’s ability to represent workers ultimately depends on those workers.

Whatever an employee thinks about the union or Florida’s law, the upcoming election puts a fundamental question directly before the people whose paychecks and workplaces are affected.

Do workers still want this organization representing them?

They deserve clear information — and a meaningful voice in the answer.

⚖️ In the Courts

Federal Unions Sue to Stop USDA Reorganization

Four unions representing federal employees filed a lawsuit seeking to stop a planned reorganization of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The unions, including NTEU, argue the plan would close offices and force some employees to choose between relocating and leaving their jobs. They have asked a federal court to pause portions of the reorganization while the lawsuit proceeds and argue USDA lacks required congressional approval for the changes.

Why it matters

Litigation has become another major arena for union power.

When unions use legal action to challenge consequential government workplace decisions, members should know what their organization is fighting, why it is fighting and how that fight affects the employees it represents.

👀 Worth Watching

150 Doctors Walk Off the Job. About 150 unionized Allina Health physicians began a four-day strike in Minnesota after roughly three years of negotiations without a first contract. Allina said it had plans in place to maintain patient care.

Nearly 2,000 Nurses Authorize a Strike. Boston Medical Center nurses voted overwhelmingly to authorize a three-day strike amid negotiations over wages, staffing and workplace conditions. More than 90% of participating union members voted in favor.

800+ Workers Still Locked Out. Negotiations resumed between BP and United Steelworkers Local 7-1 after more than 800 union workers at the Whiting, Indiana, refinery had been locked out since March.

Opening Night Canceled. A San Francisco Opera Orchestra strike forced cancellation of the Opera’s September 12 season opener and its free Opera in the Park performance the following day.

📊 By the Numbers

• 60% — Membership level Duval Teachers United needed to avoid a recertification election.
• 44.2% — Membership reported in DTU’s lowest-performing bargaining unit.
• Nearly 2,000 — Boston Medical Center nurses represented in the unit that authorized a strike.
• 150 — Allina doctors who began a four-day strike.
• 800+ — BP refinery workers who have been locked out since March.

The Bottom Line

Federal scrutiny of union finances. Serious allegations inside one of the country’s largest labor organizations. Workers getting another say over who represents them. Lawsuits, strikes and prolonged labor disputes affecting thousands of employees.

The details are different, but the underlying questions are the same:

Who is accountable? Where is the money going? How is union power being used? And do workers have a real say?

Those are the questions the Union Accountability Center will keep asking.

Because workers deserve more than representation.

They deserve transparency, accountability and choice.

Have a tip? Know of possible union fraud, retaliation, intimidation or misuse of worker funds?
Submit a tip to the AFFT Union Accountability Center.