LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Union members are calling for accountability after a recent audit revealed alleged financial irregularities within a local Ford UAW chapter in Louisville.
An audit conducted by the UAW International Union found years of financial errors and raised questions about leadership decisions at Local 862.
“What’s done in the dark will come to the light every single time,” an employee said anonymously after reviewing the audit’s findings.
The 13-page audit examined financial records spanning from November 2022 through October 2025.
“It makes you lose faith in your leadership,” the employee added.
According to the audit, the local union lacked adequate financial controls. While union officers earned high salaries, the review flagged questionable spending, IRS and tax-related issues, and weak checks and balances.
The audit states that individuals who were improperly paid union funds must repay the money, with reimbursement amounts ranging from about $40 to nearly $40,000.
Another union member, who also spoke anonymously, said the findings are concerning.
“We already have a problem in the union with not enough people going out and voting for their people,” the member said. “But this is both a cause and an effect of people not letting their voice be heard.”
Investigators also identified miscellaneous overpayments and unauthorized travel expenses, including upgraded airline seats and hotel rooms for some employees. In addition, family members of several top officials were paid for services such as painting and cleaning, despite a lack of documentation detailing the work performed and no evidence of approving votes.
One union member declined to speak on camera but said leadership had been transparent with members. According to that member, leaders informed members about the audit in October and allowed time for questions.
Local 862 President Todd Dunn declined to comment, and representatives from the UAW International Union have not responded to requests for comment.
“I just want accountability,” the employee said. “I don’t think there was any maliciousness to this, but there was greed involved.”
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