UAW president taking leave amid corruption investigation

United Auto Workers (UAW) President Gary Jones is taking a paid leave of absence in middle of a federal investigation of corruption in the union.

The UAW stated Jones requested the leave, which is effective Sunday.

The federal government has been searching whether fraud and misuse of funds at the UAW took place for over two years.

Jones has not been charged. But in the latest court filing, federal prosecutors accused that seven top UAW officials conspired since 2010 to embezzle funds through schemes such as filing false vouchers for conference expenses.

In a statement, Jones stated he’s stepping aside so the union can concentrate on negotiating better contracts for its employees.

UAW Vice President Rory Gamble will serve as acting president. In recent times he negotiated the union’s tentative agreement with Ford Motor.