Shawn Fain
American labor leader (born 1968) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Shawn Fain (born 1968) is an American labor unionist who has served as president of the United Auto Workers (UAW) since March 2023. An electrician by trade, he worked at a Stellantis automotive parts plant in Kokomo, Indiana. He has been a UAW member for 29 years, and is a member of the reform caucus, Unite All Workers for Democracy (UAWD).[1][2][3][4] Fain was the first UAW president directly elected by the union's members, and was a central figure in the 2023 United Auto Workers strike.
Shawn Fain | |
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15th President of the United Automobile Workers | |
Assumed office March 26, 2023 | |
Preceded by | Ray Curry |
Personal details | |
Born | (1968-10-30) October 30, 1968 (age 55) Kokomo, Indiana, US |
Occupation |
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In 2023, Fain ran for the presidency of the union against incumbent Ray Curry, leading a slate named UAW Members United that focused on opposing corruption, concessions, and tiered pay structures.[5] In the first election in which members of the union directly elected the president, Fain won the election by 477 votes[6] and took office in March.[7]
In office, he advocates a more aggressive negotiating style, more member participation, and for the union to actively support politicians who share the union's agenda.[2][3] Fain's relative labor militancy and bargaining style contributed to the UAW's decision to authorize the 2023 United Auto Workers strike.[8]