Statement of Michelle Ringuette, SEIU, on Media Reports Based on Two Anonymous Union Officials Claiming Andy Stern is Under Investigation by the FBI

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Service Employees International Union

Sep 28, 2010, 03:52 ET

WASHINGTON, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "Today, there are media reports based on the allegations of two anonymous 'union officials' that claim that Andy Stern is under investigation by the FBI in relation to Alejandro Stephens and the publication of A Country That Works.

"To our knowledge, this is flat out false.

"SEIU was aware that there was a federal investigation of Alejandro Stephens, and SEIU fully cooperated with that investigation. We have heard nothing about that investigation for over a year. Neither SEIU nor Andy Stern has been contacted by government authorities about an investigation of Andy Stern with respect to any matter, including Alejandro Stephens or A Country That Works. Nor has SEIU or Andy Stern had the slightest indication that any such investigation has occurred.

"SEIU has had our own issues with Stephens. We believe Stephens violated the terms of his separation agreement with our union and since August 2008, we have aggressively been seeking through arbitration repayment of all monies paid to him for a consulting contract he failed to fulfill.

"We've seen not the slightest indication that there has ever been a federal inquiry into the publication of Andy Stern's book. SEIU's General Counsel and the International Executive Board of the union carefully examined and approved every aspect of the transaction related to the book. Andy Stern never received any royalties from any sales of the book.

"There is a crisis for working people in this country, and SEIU members have long given voice to the traditionally powerless. Our members call out injustices, hold corporations accountable, and provide working people a vehicle to powerfully transform their lives. This has made the union a favorite target of corporate interests as well as disgruntled former union officials.

"SEIU will always cooperate fully with any federal investigation into alleged misconduct as we always have. But we have to wonder why these anonymous allegations are being raised at this time, and what the motivation of the 'union officials' may be. We dismiss these unsubstantiated allegations as a nuisance at a time when 25 million Americans are looking for work, and we will not be distracted from fighting for a more fair economy."

With 2.2 million members in Canada, the United States and Puerto Rico, SEIU is the fastest-growing union in North America. Focused on uniting workers in healthcare, public services and property services, SEIU members are winning better wages, healthcare and more secure jobs for our communities, while uniting their strength with their counterparts around the world to help ensure that workers -- not just corporations and CEOs -- benefit from today's global economy.

www.seiu.org

SOURCE Service Employees International Union