Ex-Union Leader Stern Denies FBI Corruption Probe

Washington, D.C., United States (AHN) – Former Service Employees International Union (SEIU) boss Andrew Stern on Wednesday denied that he is being investigated by the FBI for corruption.

The union e-mailed Stern’s statement saying he doesn’t think he is being investigated reportedly for SEIU’s purchase of thousands of copies of his book “A Country That Works” and his approval of the salary of Alejandro Stephens, a California SEIU leader suspected of not performing any work.

SEIU spokeswoman Michelle Ringuette also said Wednesday that the FBI or any investigative agency has not contacted the union. Ringuette said the Los Angeles Times’ report of an investigation is false.

Two SEIU officials who requested not to be identified have claimed that FBI and Labor Department agents had questioned them about Stern’s book and Stephens’ salary.

Stern led the 2.2-million strong SEIU for 14 years until April, when he resigned to spend more time on other projects.

---