UAW Confirms Jones as Its New President

Members of the United Auto Workers union have confirmed Gary Jones, formerly director of its 17-state Region 5, as their new president. He begins his new role today.

Jones, a certified public accountant, was nominated by the UAW’s leadership in December. His confirmation vote came yesterday during the union’s annual constitutional convention in Detroit. Jones succeeds Dennis Williams, 65, who is retiring after a single four-year term as president.

Jones takes charge of the union as its involvement deepens in a widening federal investigation into the misuse of funds for a worker training center operated by the UAW and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV.

Convention delegates also elected Ray Curry, formerly a regional director from Tennessee, as secretary-treasurer. He succeeds Gary Casteel, who said earlier this year he would not seek another term.

Delegates promoted Rory Gamble, who previously headed the Michigan regional office, to vice president (Ford department). They also reelected vice presidents Cindy Estrada (General Motors) and Terry Dittes (FCA).

The UAW’s executive board appointed Dittes in January to head the FCA department. He replaced Norwood Jewell, who retired at the end of December. Jewell has been implicated in the training center scandal but not charged with wrongdoing.