The UAW has announced that Rory Gamble will remain at the helm of the worker’s union following the departure of Gary Jones last month.
Gamble was previously named interim president following Jones’ sudden leave of absence in November, but the UAW confirmed this week he will continue to lead the union until he plans to retire in 2022.
“This is an honor to complete my career and serve the members of this great union in this capacity,” Gamble said in a prepared statement. “This wasn’t planned and it is a tall order. There are difficult decisions that will need to be made in the coming months for our members. But I promise one thing: When I retire and turn over this office, we will deliver a clean union on solid footing.”
Gamble pictured with Ford CEO Jim Hackett and Gary Jones
Gamble, 64, started out his career as a UAW-represented welder and slowly climbed his way through the union’s ranks before becoming a regional director and then moving into his previous role of vice president. The Detroit native helped to negotiate the recent 2019 national agreement with Ford Motor Company alongside Jones prior to filling in for him as interim president. His successor in the position of vice president has yet to be determined.
Gamble said the union is “in this together as we work through these changes and challenges,” referencing the ongoing corruption investigation, along with changes to the manufacturing landscape that may be brought about by automation and electric vehicles.
GM CEO Mary Barra and UAW boss Gary Jones
Jones has not been charged as part of the FBI’s ongoing probe into the union, though FBI officials raided his Michigan home in the summer seeking evidence. Jones and several other top UAW officials are alleged to have misappropriated union funds, using them for their own personal gains. Authorities allege the funds were used to bankroll golf trips, golf equipment and expensive dinners with high-priced champagne, among other things.
Jones’ tenure with the UAW was brief, having taken up the role in June of 2018 before being ousted in November of this year.
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Comment
Everyone should leave poor Gary alone. It’s obvious this man has been working his fingers to the bone. He deserves all the steak dinners and $500 bottles of wine he charged to UAW.