Downriver Today

The president of the United Auto Workers and a federal prosecutor are slated to meet this month to talk about reforming the union.

Among the subjects that could be approached at length between UAW head Rory Gamble and Matthew Schneider, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, is the possibility of the union falling under government control after a wide-ranging corruption probe.

The probe was a blemish on the UAW’s reputation as it netted ten officials, plus a late official’s spouse, since it launched nearly three years ago. Former President Gary Jones was among those who entered guilty pleas.

The Detroit News reported that Jones, 63, admitted to helping steal more than $1 million from rank-and-file workers as part of a racketeering scheme. Jones, who now lives in Texas, could serve nearly half a decade in federal prison if found guilty.

He is cooperating with government prosecutors in the hopes of earning a lighter sentence.

Jones’ short stint as the leader of one of the nation's largest and most powerful unions was pockmarked by his alleged criminal conduct, despite his claims of instituting reforms.

Brian Schneck, president of UAW Local 259 in Hicksville, New York, told The Detroit News that the organization will have to permanently live with Jones’ actions.

Patch Detroit reported that Gamble and Schneider will meet on June 30 to begin negotiations on reforming the UAW. It is purportedly a goal for the union to regain the trust and confidence of its membership.

“The UAW's membership deserves our concerted push to bring about significant and important reforms,” the prosecutor told Patch.

The UAW consists of a 400,000-strong membership that elects its leadership by voting for delegates who attend a convention every four years.

Aside from 150,000 automotive industry workers, the union is made up of casino workers, university graduate assistants and people in other unspecified sectors, according to Patch Detroit.