It’s been quite the year for the United Auto Workers (UAW) union. There was a nationwide strike against one of America’s largest car manufacturers, and that came on the heels of an FBI raid on the home of union president Gary Jones, apparently in connection with an ongoing federal corruption probe. Now, according to various outlets, Jones is stepping aside in the wake of the investigation – albeit on paid leave.

The Washington Post reports: “Gary Jones, the president of the United Auto Workers union, is stepping aside to take paid leave amid a federal corruption investigation. The UAW announced the move Saturday, saying Rory Gamble, the union’s vice president, will take Jones’s place in the meantime. Federal authorities have been conducting what has been a year-long investigation on corruption connected to the union. In August, federal agents searched Jones’s home, as well as that of former UAW president Dennis Williams, according to news reports…The federal investigation has been widening. Vance Pearson, the head of a 17-state region for the UAW, was placed on leave in October after being charged with embezzling union money, wire fraud and money laundering. Investigators said Pearson conspired with other union officials to conceal personal expenses that were paid for with union money at UAW conferences.”

In terms of Jones’ paid leave status, The Detroit News explains: “Jones did not resign as president of the union, his attorney, Bruce Maffeo, told The Detroit News. Jones is taking paid leave from a post that pays more than $200,000.”

The UAW – already suffering from a precipitous drop in membership over recent years – seems to have many challenges ahead of it heading into 2020. Stay tuned to the blog for updates on this front.