Six United Automotive Workers (UAW) bosses, all convicted of corruption, were freed from federal prison early after serving just a fraction of their sentences.
According to a report by The Detroit News, six UAW leaders in total were given early release out of the 18 who were convicted for taking bribes, embezzlement, and breaking labor laws. UAW President Gary Jones, President Dennis Williams, Director Vance Pearson, Assistant Mike Grimes, Vice President Joe Ashton, VP Norwood Jewell, and former Fiat Chrysler NV vice president Alphons Iacobelli were all given early release.
For example, Jones was sentenced to 28 months in prison after he was charged with conspiracy to embezzle union funds and conspiracy to defraud the U.S. Jones had previously abruptly stepped down from his position back in 2019 amid investigations. He reportedly tapped into UAW funds for personal use, using as much as $1.5 million for things like vacations and golf clubs. He was released on June 1st, 2022 after qualifying for home confinement, and only served eight months and 25 days of his sentence, and has since retreated to a home in Texas valued at over $1 million while wearing a GPS tether.
Ray Jensen, an employee of the GM Tonawanda plant in New York, spoke with The Detroit News about his feelings regarding the early releases. “We worked so hard to get rid of the corruption and they basically got off scot-free,” he said. “I’m at a loss for words. It’s like reliving it all over again. You stole our money and then you’re just home free… you got to go home and, in the meanwhile, we’re still fighting the battle.”
Indeed, the UAW is still in the throes of rooting out corruption. In a statement, UAW spokesperson Sandra Engle said that the “UAW remains committed to the process of rebuilding trust, creating robust reforms and transforming the culture of our union. We have proven that with a myriad of already implemented changes to policies and the creation of processes that ensure accountability. The report is lengthy and documents a sometimes-difficult process, but it ends on a note that we are on the right path.”
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Comments
“Rooting out corruption”? Or, finding better ways to conceal it?
Another UAW payoff.
Somewhere the Reuther brothers are shaking their heads in disbelief. For all the good the UAW had accomplished it has devolved into systemic corruption. Jones still has a million dollar house? Have any of these bums made comparable restitution? Their prison terms should have been lengthened, not shortened. Meanwhile, Godspeed to the protesting independent truckers. They do not have an easy job, dodging idiot drivers all day long.
Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. My father hated the fact that his union was folded into the Teamsters long ago. The unions provided a vital service to their members (remember Benson, Henry Ford’s thug?). Perhaps not so much anymore? I have worked in union and non-union plants, and found there to be parity. It all depends on the corporate mindset. In the old days, you were just a pair of hands. Today, it is recognized that your brain is just as important.
Our government officials are the biggest crime syndicate on the planet they all protect their loyal subjects so I’m not surprised with this outcome
Since the beginning of the UAW, they have always been known for honest leadership and unquestioned integrity. The interests of the rank and file members have always been the main focus of UAW bosses.
UAW membership numbers have been skyrocketing since the 1970’s and workers in the new auto plants have been clamoring for UAW representation, as evidenced by the results of recent worker vote at VW and Nissan.
The UAW has not got us long time GM retirees a raise in our pensions, over 15 years for me! GM and the UAW are very GREEDY with their PROFITS!!!
I am sure there are many other retirees who feel the same way. It angers me to hear about the top executives getting enormous bonuses. It seems to me all of our hard work doesn’t deserve compensation. With the inflation rate out of control I’m sure there are many retirees who could use a boost in their pensions. How about it UAW and GM??? HELP US OUT !!
I totally can’t believe Those slimy dishonest UAW top officials are already being released from prison early. Makes absolutely no sense. they “are” criminals and they abused their power, and pooped on loyal, honest, hardworking members that trusted our UAW!! Jerks and thieves like Vance Pearson deserve finish out their time. Actually they should serve more time under hard labor.Although I should have from his arogant manner, known he was not a fit leader I didn’t know the despicable theif he was( is) Now hes been given a reprieve. The UAW International has a forever stain. Cannot believe these unscrupulous low lifes so walking the streets free this soon. Disgusting!!!🦨🤥🖕😖😈🤬
Jan – slight correction: Ford’s “enforcer” was Harry Bennet. Benson was Benson Ford, a family member.