New York (CNN Business) The president of the United Auto Workers, Gary Jones, will take a leave of absence amid a growing scandal involving the union and its finances.

Jones requested the leave of absence following a vote by the executive board, the UAW said Saturday in a statement . Vice President Rory Gamble, head of the union's Ford department, will serve as interim president starting Sunday.

"The UAW is fighting tooth and nail to ensure our members have a brighter future. I do not want anything to distract from the mission. I want to do what's best for the members of this great union," Jones said in the statement.

Fiat Chrysler. FCAU Jones is stepping aside as federal prosecutors continue a probe into allegations union leaders embezzled funds and accepted bribes, including from at least one automaker,

Jones has not been charged in the scandal, and both he and the UAW have pledged full cooperation with the probe.

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