Corruption Allegations Against 1199 SEIU Leader George Gresham Go Uninvestigated by Democrats

A revealing investigation by Politico uncovers that 1199 SEIU leader George Gresham has utilized the union as his personal “piggy bank” for his own gain, as well as for the benefit of his family and allies—this information comes to light amid a fiercely contested election for the powerful health-care workers union.

His opponents allege that the ailing Gresham (who earns a $300,000 salary) has committed several financial misappropriations, including:

• $60,000 to fund his daughter’s room, board, and travel for accompanying him on business trips as his caregiver.

• More than $300,000 on a “get out the vote” concert series that coincided with Gresham family reunions.

• $17,000 for a hotel stay near Montefiore Medical Center during his dialysis treatments.

• $86,000 for flights to South Africa in 2014 and 2018.

• A no-show union job that has paid a Gresham ally over $1 million since 2009.

Gresham’s supporters at the top of 1199 argue that everything is above board, while dissenters aiming to remove him in this month’s election point to the “pattern of financial misappropriation” as their rationale for their challenge—though records indicate that such abuses date back two decades, implying that these issues were not too concerning until they served the interests of the challengers.

With 450,000 members spanning four states and DC, 1199 stands as the largest health-care union in the nation, wielding significant influence in New York politics.

This considerable power may deter NY Attorney General Tish James from investigating, but it does not prevent the Trump administration from launching an inquiry—regardless of who ultimately prevails.