Auto Company Training Center Probe Expands

The investigation into auto industry training centers has widened into corruption connected to the UAW training centers funded by GM, Ford, and Chrysler. The Detroit News reports that subpeona’s are targeting the centers of GM and Ford after corruption charges have been filed in connection with the Fiat Chrysler-UAW training center. The News reports that investigators are looking at 69 year old Joe Ashton, a retired UAW vice-president who is now on the GM Board of Directors, and Cindy Estrada, who now runs the UAW GM department. The federal investigation centers on whether UAW connected officials got money or benefits through these tax-exempt non-profits, and whether the benefits corrupted the bargaining process. Ford says it’s cooperating with the investigations, and says it’s confident in the training center leadership team.
Neither Ashton nor Estrada are charged with any crimes.