UAW Terminated Official Over Threatening Post

The UAW fired staffer Raymond L. Jensen Jr. following an investigation into an AI-generated image shared on Facebook.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Unions

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing a heavy stone plinth and flagpole in a plaza, representing institutional enforcement of union conduct. — The United Auto Workers terminated international staffer Raymond L. Jensen Jr. following an investigation into a threatening social media post regarding union election standards. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The United Auto Workers terminated Raymond L. Jensen Jr. from his international staff position after he posted an AI-generated image containing a threat against Will Lehman. The action follows mounting pressure from union members demanding his removal from the payroll.

Why it matters

The disciplinary action serves to enforce union election rules regarding intimidation and threats. By removing Jensen, the UAW addressed internal concerns from the membership about the conduct of its international staff during the election cycle.

Raymond L. Jensen Jr. earned an annual salary of $202,000 in his UAW role. He has been stripped of his union membership for two years and is permanently barred from holding union office.

The players

Raymond L. Jensen Jr.

He is a former UAW international staff member who was terminated following an investigation into his social media conduct.

Will Lehman.

He is a UAW member who confronted leadership and was the subject of a threatening post shared by Jensen.

UAW Monitor

This independent oversight body is responsible for enforcing election rules and investigating misconduct within the United Auto Workers.

Shawn Fain

He serves as the president of the United Auto Workers and was confronted by Will Lehman during a debate.

The details

The UAW Human Resources Department confirmed the termination to attorneys for Will Lehman. An investigation by the UAW Monitor determined that the July 16 social media post violated election standards prohibiting threats and intimidation.

July 16: Jensen posted a threatening AI-generated image on Facebook.
July 30: Will Lehman confronted UAW president Shawn Fain at a debate.
August 4: The UAW Monitor stripped Jensen of membership and barred him from office.
October 6, 2026: The termination of Jensen was reported.

Political Context

The removal follows a violation of UAW election rules regarding threats and intimidation, setting a precedent for staff accountability. Opposition voices have pushed for greater transparency and stricter adherence to these conduct standards to ensure fair union elections.

The removal of Jensen underscores the strict enforcement of election conduct rules within the union's hierarchy. Members can expect these standards to remain in effect to prevent intimidation tactics during future leadership debates and voting periods.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing role of independent monitors in policing internal union affairs and social media conduct. It serves as a reminder that staff members remain subject to rigorous ethical standards during contentious election cycles.