High Country Times

On April 17, 2025, Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI) requested an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) into alleged misappropriation of funds by 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. The request follows a POLITICO article dated April 8, 2025, which detailed accusations against George Gresham, the president of the union, suggesting misuse of union funds.

Chairman Walberg cited the article in his letter, stating: "On April 8, 2025, POLITICO published an article detailing numerous troubling allegations regarding the expenditure of union funds by George Gresham, President of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East (1199SEIU). The Committee on Education and Workforce (Committee) is concerned about the alleged behavior described in the article, and we request that [OLMS] review the improper financial practices of 1199SEIU and its officials.”

The letter outlines concerns that Gresham allegedly used union funds for personal gains, affecting the integrity of the union's financial practices. Walberg wrote: “According to the article, Mr. Gresham ‘has for years used union money to benefit himself, his family and political allies.’ These allegations raise serious concerns about whether the union’s officers have been treating the union treasury as a personal slush fund rather than upholding their legal duty to manage members’ dues for the members’ exclusive benefit. The Committee shares these concerns and is committed to supporting the enforcement of federal laws protecting union members’ rights.”

In concluding the letter, Walberg asked OLMS to examine the expenditures mentioned in the article: “Accordingly, I request that OLMS review the expenditures and practices described in the POLITICO article. Information from OLMS would assist the Committee in determining whether legislative changes are warranted.”