The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) has conducted an investigation into allegations against Dave Regan, President of SEIU United Health Workers West. Regan is accused of attempting to extort a state council endorsement for a billionaire tax ballot measure, among other charges. The investigation, along with a separate inquiry by SEIU California, found claims of threats, intimidation, and physical assault against female leaders within the union.
Regan, in an interview, denied the accusations and characterized them as retaliation for his support for Proposition 40, a proposed wealth tax on billionaires. Despite his denial, two investigations commissioned by SEIU found evidence supporting these claims, including Huerta’s assertion that Regan suggested investigating governance issues if the council did not endorse the tax measure.
SEIU California leaders filed charges against Dave Regan alleging a pattern of bullying, threats, abuse, harassment, physical violence, and attempted extortion.
The SEIU’s appointed law firm Cohen, Weiss, and Simon interviewed several leaders and members over three months and substantiated incidents of intimidation and assault. For instance, Regan allegedly threatened Tia Orr, SEIU California’s Executive Director, and assaulted Courtni Pugh, a predecessor in the role. Pugh described an incident where Regan kicked open her office door and physically intimidated her.
As a result of the investigations, Regan faces restrictions from SEIU California’s offices to protect female employees. SEIU’s national president has the power to suspend Regan temporarily while an administrative process unfolds.
Several witnesses corroborated the claims of Regan’s intimidation towards female leaders. The report highlighted a situation where Regan allegedly threatened Orr by tapping his watch, implying time was running out for endorsement. Regan denied these claims, though interviews showed that Orr and other women felt threatened and bullied by his actions.
Additional investigations found evidence of bullying against Jessica Bartholow at a fundraiser. Regan allegedly stood over her intimidatingly and screamed insults, resulting in fear. The report also detailed similar encounters with other female leaders within the union.
Bennett Brennand, an SEIU director, described witnessing Pugh in distress after one of Regan’s alleged attacks, claiming she was frozen and traumatized. Multiple former directors stated that Regan frequently used intimidation tactics against them.
Lorena Gonzalez, President of the California Labor Federation, defended Regan, noting the union comprises a majority of women who have continually elected him. Yet, the allegations suggest serious concerns about his leadership behavior.