UAW and Detroit Federal Prosecutor to Work on Reforming Corruption-Plagued Union

Matthew Schneider: "This meeting is a first step." (Photoi: Justice Department)

Detroit U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider and UAW President Rory Gamble announced Monday plans to meet June 30 in Detroit to begin negotiations to reform the union that has been plagued by corruption at the highest levels. 

"Both men seek to work together to restore the trust and confidence of the UAW’s membership in the union’s ability to represent them and their interests," said a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office. "This meeting is the first step in a joint effort by U.S. Attorney Schneider and President Gamble to put into place mechanisms and protections to eliminate corruption and to ensure that it does not return." 

“I look forward to working with President Gamble to achieve what I hope will be a joint effort to resolve some of the serious issues that the UAW has faced over the past several years,” said  Schneider in a statement. “The UAW’s membership deserves our concerted push to bring about significant and important reforms.” 

President Gamble also issued a statement:

“Today’s joint announcement of our upcoming meeting is another step toward building on the many reforms we have already enacted. I look forward to discussing with U.S. Attorney Schneider the many reforms we have already put in place and furthering our efforts on other ongoing reforms for the UAW and our members. I firmly believe we both have the same goal."

Roy Gamble: "We both have the same goal." (Photo: UAW)

A number of UAW officials have been convicted of stealing union money and taking kickbacks.

Gary Jones, the disgraced past United Auto Workers president, pleaded guilty this month to conspiring with other high-level union officials to embezzle over $1 million of union dues. Some money went toward lavish expenses, including more than $13,000 on cigars for high-level officials.

The Justice Department oversaw the Teamsters for 25 years, starting in 1989 after decades of Mafia influence, which included freely borrowing money from the union pension fund.