A federal investigation targeting United Auto Workers corruption likely will stretch into next year, but U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider said Thursday he wants to start reforming the union by late December.
Schneider spoke with The Detroit News hours after his team filed criminal charges against retired UAW President Dennis Williams. The 67-year-old former labor leader, who is expected to plead guilty, was charged with conspiracy to embezzle union funds, a five-year felony.
The conviction of a second former UAW president could be used to pressure the union to agree to terms with the Justice Department on prolonged federal oversight aimed at eliminating corruption within the union. Among the reforms under discussion are a government push to allow members to directly elect the union’s top leadership as well as installing an independent monitor to implement structural changes.