Within weeks of his election, UAW President Shawn Fain promised a revolution in communication as the union prepared to enter contract negotiations with the Detroit 3. As those talks have ramped up over the past month, that pledge has been put to the test.
Fain has promised a members-first approach to bargaining with increased communication and improved transparency as core tenants of the strategy.
Already, the union leader has shined a spotlight on the bargaining process, illuminating what are usually closed-door proceedings by publicizing the UAW's demands and dramatically trashing one automaker's proposals on a social media livestream. His vice presidents and bargaining teams also have posted regular video updates and photos of the process.
Aside from informing the membership, Fain is attempting to rebuild trust among the rank and file after the corruption scandal that sent two former presidents and other high-ranking officials on both sides of the bargaining table to federal prison.