Some of the indicated misappropriations involved Freeman's directing of questionable payments to the businesses of both his spouse and her mother, among others. Additionally, some of the transactions which are being investigated involve payments which Freeman had allegedly directed to himself.
The Los Angeles Times, which originally broke this story in August, outlines the results of an internal probe which has been conducted by Service Employees International Union (SEIU). LA Times reports: "The SEIU's inquiry included hearings conducted by former California Supreme Court Justice Joseph Grodin. His report to (SEIU President, Andy Stern) stated that Freeman had engaged in a pattern of financial malpractice and self-dealing."
Union President Andy Stern was quick to take decisive action in response to the results of this probe. It is reported that it was Stern who had appointed Freeman to his now vacated post. Stern left no doubt as to his position on the matter and his dedication to the union membership.
In the LA Times, Stern is quoted as stating; "Today's decision sends a clear message across our union. Our members do some of the toughest jobs anywhere, and we will not tolerate any actions violating their trust or putting their interests at risk." Freeman is now the target of a federal criminal investigation, and The House Labor Committee has opened up an inquiry of it's own.
It could easily be said that these are not good times to be a member of the working class. However, I would hasten to add that these are not good times to be screwing with the working class or our money, either.
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