The UAW is facing one of the toughest times in its existence, as executives have been convicted of misusing union funds. Earlier this month, UAW President Gary Jones took a leave of absence and left Rory Gamble as acting president. Jones said that he didn’t want the ongoing federal investigation to interfere with what the union was doing.
Reports now indicate that Jones has stepped down as of Wednesday as union leadership was seeking to remove him from office over allegations misusing union funds. Jones’ attorney has stated that he had decided to resign before he learned that the union executive board would vote to file internal charges against him and another union official who is facing federal charges.
Jones’ attorney issued a statement that said that Jones had decided to retire to allow the union to focus on its core mission. At this time, Jones hasn’t had any federal charges filed in conjunction with the wide-ranging probe into allegations of bribery and misuse of union funds. Ten other union officials have been charged, and others are awaiting trial.
Federal officials raided Jones’ home in August as part of the investigation into union officials. Union officials had unanimously voted to remove former UAW President Gary Jones and approve internal charges that accused Jones of submitting false, misleading, and inaccurate expense reports. Acting President Rory Jones said that it was a “somber day” but that the UAW constitution provided the tools to deal with the charges.
Gamble has also promised that the union will continue to implement ethics reforms and greater financial controls to prevent these types of charges from ever happening again. The UAW executive board has also elected to file charges against Vance Pearson, said to be a close ally of Jones. Pearson had been on leave since indictment in September. Union officials are seeking to remove Pearson from office and expel him from the union.
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Source: CNN
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And if you believe that…….