Four months ago, news broke that a couple UAW leaders allegedly worked with Fiat Chrysler officials to siphon money–millions, in fact–out of one of the union’s training funds. This money was then used at the whim of the those involved, “buying everything from luxury vehicles to $35,000 Mont Blanc ink pens.” The bigger goal by Fiat Chrysler execs, according to prosecutors, was to keep UAW officials “fat, dumb and happy” so as not to interfere with the company’s mission. One has to wonder if Ford and GM leadership were hoping to accomplish the same thing. Turns out, the FBI has reason to believe this scandal extends to the rest of Detroit’s Big Three. Time will tell. Meanwhile, the union must pick new leadership. This week, local union leaders from around the country will meet to choose a slate of new UAW officers, who will then campaign until the official vote in June.
