DETROIT, Mich.—United Auto Workers President Gary Jones resigned abruptly Nov. 20, a few hours after the union began procedures to oust him and Region 5, Director Vance Pearson. The UAW International Executive Board charged the two with directing “the submission of false, misleading, and inaccurate expense records.” “I think it’s a big step toward restoring the integrity of the organization,” Local 600 President Bernie Ricke told the Detroit Free Press. “I have confidence in the board that it’s going to move forward to restore the trust of our members.” Jones, who took office in June 2018, had taken a leave of absence earlier this month after he was implicated in a federal corruption probe. Pearson has been indicted on charges of embezzling union funds. “Gary made the decision to retire before learning of the charges filed earlier today and did so in order to allow the union to focus on its core mission to improve the lives of its members and families,” Jones’ lawyer, J. Bruce Maffeo, said in a statement. “This is a somber day, but our UAW Constitution has provided the necessary tools to deal with these charges,” acting President Rory Gamble said in a statement. Read now
