A labor leader behind a California ballot measure to tax billionaires has denied allegations of physical assault and intimidation, following the release of an investigative report commissioned by SEIU California.
Regan denies misconduct as report alleges harassment SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West president Dave Regan on Friday denied allegations of physically assaulting a female union leader and intimidating other women, calling the claims part of a “smear” campaign against him. The accusations surfaced in an investigative report commissioned by SEIU California and obtained by the Associated Press, which included interviews with current and former SEIU members. The report also alleged that Regan threatened and intimidated other female labor leaders into supporting Proposition 40, a one-time 5% tax on billionaires’ assets to fund healthcare for low-income residents.
Regan acknowledged using curse words with union leaders but denied the physical assault allegation. “I will own up to and take responsibility for anything that I've said and anything that I've done,” he said at a news conference. “But I absolutely am not going to stand by and ... be expected to accept flat out lies.” The report was completed in June, according to SEIU-UHW, which alleged opponents of the measure worked to make it public to undermine the initiative’s chances of passing in November.
Proposition 40 faces opposition from state leaders The ballot measure, Proposition 40, has sparked divisions within the Democratic Party and labor unions. While Regan’s union supports the measure, SEIU California has not taken a position. Opponents, including Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra, have expressed concerns that the tax could push wealthy taxpayers to relocate and destabilize state finances. Newsom, who supports a national billionaire tax, criticized Regan’s proposal as harmful to California’s economy. “The Governor supports a national tax on billionaires and is proud to stand with teachers, firefighters, reproductive health care providers,” a spokesperson for Newsom said.
SEIU-UHW accuses opponents of weaponizing report SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West issued a statement calling the timing of the report’s release suspicious, suggesting opponents of Proposition 40 sought to damage the initiative. “The billionaires are trying to play us all, but we're not falling for it,” the union said. “We want our members to have the facts and make their own decisions.” The union also criticized Newsom for opposing the measure, alleging his stance was influenced by efforts to gain favor with wealthy donors ahead of a potential presidential campaign.
Investigations confirm allegations against Regan Separate investigations commissioned by SEIU and SEIU California, conducted by outside law firms, found the allegations against Regan credible. The probes also reported that Regan threatened and intimidated other female labor leaders. Regan, who has led SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West since 2006, has been a prominent advocate for Proposition 40, framing it as a necessary step to address funding gaps for healthcare services. Opponents argue the tax could have unintended consequences, including driving high-net-worth individuals out of the state.
The controversy surrounding Regan and Proposition 40 underscores broader debates over tax policy, labor leadership, and the role of wealth in California’s political landscape.