Temporary Administration Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions: Temporary Administration 

July 9, 2026
 

Because there are pending charges, there are some questions we cannot answer in detail at this time. We are committed to sharing as much information as we can without compromising the integrity of the process or the rights of the members involved. This FAQ will be updated as additional information can be released.
 

What happened? 

In August 2025, Kaleida Health notified CWA Local 1168 that Kaleida would be conducting an internal review of all union time. During that review, Kaleida identified issues that they believed required further investigation. Those findings led to additional review by the Local and charges filed against a Local officer and special director.

On June 22, 2026, eight members of the Local's Executive Board requested that the National Union place Local 1168 into temporary administration. After reviewing that request, the CWA National Executive Board voted to place the Local into temporary administration.

The temporary administrator retained an independent accounting firm to conduct two comprehensive reviews: a full review of the Local’s financial record, and an audit of payroll records for all current and former executive board members and special directors. 

Temporary Administration

What is temporary administration? 
Temporary administration means that the business of the Local is temporarily being managed by the National Union in order to continue serving members. During this period, the Local's bylaws are suspended, elected officers no longer exercise the authority of their offices, and the Temporary Administrator is responsible for ensuring the Local continues representing members and conducting its day-to-day operations.

Temporary administration is not intended to be punitive or find guilt against any individual in the Local. It is intended to stabilize the Local while issues are investigated and resolved.

How was it determined who would remain working through the temporary administration? 
Member representation must continue during the temporary administration. These assignments may change as the temporary administration continues. Decisions about staffing were based on:

1. The operational needs of the Local;
2. The nature of pending charges; and
3. The interviews that were conducted with each board member. 

Why are some elected representatives who have pending charges allowed to stay while others were removed?  
The Temporary Administrator considered whether or not an individual was facing charges of misuse of union time when making decisions about returning them to work.

How does temporary administration impact the upcoming local election?
Federal law and the CWA constitution strictly regulate when and why a trusteeship may be imposed. Once the reasons for the temporary administration are addressed, nominations and elections will be conducted per the CWA constitution.

Who is paying for the audit/temporary administration?
All expenses associated with the temporary administration of the Local are paid out of the Local treasury. This includes expenses necessary to continue operating the Local, such as the independent accounting review and other costs required to complete the temporary administration.
 

Charges

What are the charges? How much money is involved?
Every member charged is entitled to due process and a fair hearing. As the charges are pending, we cannot publicly discuss the evidence or specific allegations before the trial process is completed.

Will the audits be publicly available?
We will be providing members a report on the results of the audit as soon as possible while abiding by legal obligations and maintaining the rights of individuals involved in the pending charges.

How is a trial conducted?
The CWA Constitution establishes the process whenever charges are filed against a member. In general, a prosecutor reviews the charges, a Trial Panel hears the evidence if a trial proceeds, and the Trial Panel determines the outcome.

The Constitution does not specifically address whether Local trials are open or closed. We have consulted our legal counsel and will provide an update once we receive an answer.

How were the prosecutors selected?
Prosecutors were selected in accordance with the CWA Constitution from members who are not parties to the proceedings. Before temporary administration began, the Executive Board unanimously identified members they believed could serve impartially in the role of prosecutor. 

The prosecutor's role is not to determine guilt or innocence. Their responsibility is to review the charges and determine whether there is sufficient basis for the matter to proceed to trial, and then to assist the accuser with the presentation of the charges, assuming there is a basis for a trial.