Harold Schaitberger, the longtime president of the country’s largest firefighter union (IAFF), has been accused by the union’s treasurer of embezzling more $1 million from the union pension fund. Schaitberger is also known for being a spokesperson and advisor to Joe Biden’s campaign.
Early this month, the former president of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1208, was sentenced to 14 months in prison, and ordered to pay full restitution for conspiracy, for embezzling around $213,000 from the union, which represents about 3,600 Smithfield employees in the Carolinas.
In New York, the president of the Law Enforcement Employees Benevolent Association (LEEBA), was charged with defrauding the LEEBA annuity fund of more than $500,000 following his arrest. Separately, the union’s treasurer was charged with obstruction and making false statements in the case. Both of these charges come as a result of a joint probe into the union by the FBI, the IRS, the U.S. Labor Department and the City Comptroller’s Office.
Lastly, federal prosecutors met with UAW leaders to negotiate a deal that might help the union avoid government oversight after years of corruption.
