Rory Gamble has been named as the new president of the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, The Detroit Free Press reports.
Following the recent resignation of Gary Jones, Gamble had been the acting president of the UAW. On Thursday, he was picked as the permanent replacement by the UAW International Executive Board on a unanimous vote and will fill the rest of Jones’ term ending in 2022.
“This is an honor to complete my career and serve the members of this great union in this capacity,” Gamble said. “This wasn’t planned and it is a tall order. There are difficult decisions that will need to be made in the coming months for our members. But I promise one thing: When I retire and turn over this office, we will deliver a clean union on solid footing.”
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The UAW has been under increased pressure recently after Jones took an unexpected leave of absence in November. In late August, the FBI searched his home and, according to reports, court documents that do not name him have accused the former union president of embezzling union money. Jones has nevertheless not been charged.
Gamble played an important role in recent contract negotiations between the UAW and Ford, General Motors, and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Earlier this week, it was announced that a new deal between the UAW and FCA will go to members for a vote beginning Friday, concluding this year’s bargaining with the Detroit Three.
“Together, our members, local leaders and our board have an opportunity to set the UAW on a course for generations,” Gamble added following his election. “There are many opportunities through new technology; new jobs; new organizing drives and collective bargaining gains to lift up our families, our communities and the middle class. We are in this together as we work through these changes and challenges.”