Union Leader Accused of Bullying Faces Lawsuit Over Ballot Initiative Tactics

Union boss Dave Regan is facing accusations of using ballot initiatives as a tool to pressure individuals and organizations into compliance. A new lawsuit filed by a group of community health clinics alleges that Regan, president of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) – United Healthcare Workers (UHW) West, attempted to "extort" them through Proposition 44, a ballot initiative that would mandate community health clinics spend at least 90% of their budgets on actual healthcare.

According to the lawsuit, Regan sought to unionize 25,000 workers and threatened the clinics with a destructive ballot initiative if they did not agree to his terms. When negotiations faltered, the complaint states, Regan proceeded with the initiative. The lawsuit contends that the 90% threshold stipulated in Proposition 44 would effectively lead to the closure of most community health clinics in California.

This is not the first time Regan has been accused of bullying behavior. The lawsuit details similar past instances where Regan allegedly used the threat of ballot initiatives to intimidate various parties, including other unions and companies. Earlier in September, colleagues within the SEIU filed complaints accusing Regan of attempting to coerce labor leaders into supporting Proposition 40, a proposed "billionaire tax" he is championing. These complaints included allegations of Regan intimidating labor officials, threatening them with federal investigations, and physically assaulting one individual.

An independent investigation reportedly concluded that many of these allegations were substantiated. Regan has denied these claims, asserting that his accusers are attempting to undermine the "billionaire tax" initiative. However, the accusers include labor leaders with significant credibility. David Huerta, for instance, was arrested the previous year during a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Some union leaders have expressed reservations about Proposition 40, citing concerns that a wealth tax on top earners could prompt tech entrepreneurs to leave California, potentially leading to a long-term financial loss for the state. They also note that Regan's own union stands to benefit directly from Proposition 40, as a significant portion of the collected revenue is earmarked for healthcare spending. The lawsuit suggests that Regan struggles to tolerate differing viewpoints, a characteristic that has led to his alleged aggressive tactics.

Regan's history includes previous accusations of aggressive behavior. In 2016, he was accused of assaulting a process server at his home; his lawyer denied the allegations, claiming the server had intimidated Regan. No charges were filed. In 2018, Assembly member Richard Bloom reported Regan to the state Assembly Rules Committee, alleging Regan had shoved him outside a restaurant. A witness stated Regan did not make physical contact, and no charges were filed.

Regan, who trained in New York and gained experience in the Rust Belt, has been a prominent figure in California politics, frequently utilizing the state's ballot initiative process. The lawsuit argues that he has weaponized these initiatives to expand his union's political influence, regardless of the potential consequences.

The community health clinics' lawsuit contends that Regan's tactics have left ordinary Californians feeling powerless against a powerful union bureaucracy. The article draws a parallel between a "Big Tech oligarchy" and a "Big Labor oligarchy," suggesting Regan's use of Proposition 40 is a power play among union elites. The sentiment is echoed by other union leaders who reportedly resent being dictated to by Regan. The article concludes that the serious allegations against Regan could jeopardize Proposition 40, urging voters to reject any initiative relying on such alleged tactics.