The Unifor Nationwide Government Board (NEB) has charged former president Jerry Dias with allegedly violating the union’s structure and can maintain a listening to earlier than its board to weigh proof, because the long-time union chief stated Wednesday he has entered a residential rehabilitation facility.
Dias retired after 8 ½ years as Unifor president March 11, citing ongoing medical issues. He was already on depart from the union’s high job, having stepped away to cope with well being points Feb. 6.
On March 14, Unifor disclosed an ongoing “impartial exterior investigation” into the previous president for an alleged breach of its structure. On the time, it shared no particulars in regards to the nature of the allegation, however stated the investigation began Jan. 26, with Dias being notified of it Jan. 29.
The NEB met this week to debate the probe and in a press convention March 23 disclosed Dias allegedly accepted cash from a provider of COVID-19 fast take a look at kits that he, or employees underneath his path, had promoted to varied Unifor employers in December 2021 and January 2022.
Lana Payne, Unifor secretary-treasurer, stated this willpower was made on the “steadiness of possibilities” primarily based on the exterior investigation, which Dias opted not to participate in.
“In some unspecified time in the future previous to Jan. 20, 2022, Dias accepted the sum of $50,000 from the provider. On January 20, Dias gave a Unifor worker, what Dias stated was half of these funds — $25,000 — telling the worker that it had come from the provider.”
Payne added the Unifor worker subsequently filed a grievance underneath the union’s code of ethics and delivered the funds to Payne herself.
In an announcement addressed to union members, which didn’t immediately deal with the allegations made towards him, Dias stated it has been “the honour of my life” to serve members and in his time as president he was “all the time guided” by Unifor’s structure.
“Anybody who is aware of me, is aware of that my work with Unifor has been my motive for getting away from bed for almost a decade. The union has been my entire life, born and bred.”
He added worsening well being beginning final fall led him to coping mechanisms.
“It is onerous for me to say this, however my coping mechanism has been ache killers, sleeping capsules and alcohol. These elements have impaired my judgement in latest months, and I owe it to our members to hunt the remedy I would like.”
Dias stated on his doctor’s recommendation he has been unable to take part within the investigation.
On March 23, he advised Automotive Information Canada he can be getting into rehabilitation and making no additional statements.
A union listening to into the alleged breach of Unifor’s structure is anticipated to happen on the NEB’s subsequent common assembly in April, giving Dias the chance to defend himself. Payne stated this timeline might should be reviewed primarily based on Dias’ well being.
Regardless of his retirement, Dias stays a Unifor member, and the union may droop or revoke his membership on account of the listening to.
Presently, Payne added, the investigation has not turned up any proof an identical alleged breach of the structure occurring beforehand.
“We’re coping with it as an remoted incident.”
Payne stated the union was additionally following via on any obligations that might relate to a doable felony case.
“Unifor considers this an inside matter, nevertheless, we’re at present searching for authorized recommendation concerning any authorized obligations arising from these occasions.”