Independent monitor for UAW on the table

DETROIT — One unusual meeting about corruption within the UAW happened here last week, while another one was canceled at the last minute.

UAW President Rory Gamble and U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider discussed potentially having an "independent monitor" ensure progress is made on efforts to reform the union.

But in a separate matter, a federal appeals court allowed a planned meeting between the CEOs of General Motors and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to be called off. GM's Mary Barra and FCA's Mike Manley had been ordered to talk in person by Wednesday, July 1, in an effort to resolve GM's racketeering lawsuit accusing FCA of bribing union officials.

GM had labeled the earlier ruling by District Judge Paul Borman, who called the suit a "waste of time and resources" during the coronavirus pandemic, "a profound abuse of power."

GM wants Borman removed from the case, which FCA says is meritless. The suit claims FCA paid off UAW negotiators to put GM at a labor-cost disadvantage and help force a merger between the two automakers.

At the meeting between Gamble and Schneider, one topic was the possibility of altering long-standing UAW procedures to have members directly elect officers — a move Schneider has publicly advocated for. Gamble also laid out steps the union has taken in recent months to add more stringent controls over spending and other financial matters.

The two sides said third-party oversight of any future reform efforts was under consideration.

"The Justice Department seeks genuine and sincere reform of the UAW so as to provide the best possible representation for its members," Schneider said in a statement. "I look forward to working toward a mutually agreeable resolution that will protect the interests of the UAW's members and their families."

Gamble, who took over as president after Gary Jones resigned in November, said the sides have the same goal. Jones pleaded guilty to racketeering and embezzlement charges in June and is expected to be sentenced to 47 to 56 months in prison under an agreement with prosecutors that calls for him to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.

"As we turn the page to a stronger, better and cleaner union, we continue to make critical decisions that will protect the sacred dues money of our members," Gamble said. "I look forward to continued discussions in the near future that advance toward closing one dark chapter and opening new, brighter chapters for members of the UAW."

Gamble last week said Jones' predecessor, Dennis Williams, had returned $55,000 in travel expenses that had been deemed "not appropriate" following an internal review. Williams reportedly is implicated in the corruption probe but has not been charged.

The U.S. Attorney's Office billed the discussion as a "productive and helpful first meeting" that marked the start of negotiations over the future of the union. Schneider has said a federal takeover of the UAW under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act remains a possibility if the union cannot implement meaningful change.

Gamble and Schneider are expected to meet again in the coming weeks.