The Unifor nationwide board 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 mentioned 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 go away from the union’s high job, having stepped away to take care of 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 concerning the nature of the allegation, however mentioned the investigation began Jan. 26, with Dias being notified of it Jan. 29.
The union board met this week to debate the probe and in a press convention Wednesday disclosed Dias allegedly accepted cash from a provider of COVID-19 speedy check kits that he, or employees beneath his course, had promoted to numerous Unifor employers in December 2021 and January 2022.
Lana Payne, Unifor secretary-treasurer, mentioned this dedication was made on the “stability of chances” 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 mentioned 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 criticism beneath the union’s code of ethics and delivered the funds to Payne herself.
In an announcement addressed to union members, which didn’t straight handle the allegations made in opposition to him, Dias mentioned it has been “the honour of my life” to serve members and in his time as president he was “at all times guided” by Unifor’s structure.
“Anybody who is aware of me, is aware of that my work with Unifor has been my purpose for getting away from bed for almost a decade. The union has been my complete life, born and bred.”
He added worsening well being beginning final fall led him to coping mechanisms.
“It is laborious for me to say this, however my coping mechanism has been ache killers, sleeping drugs and alcohol. These components have impaired my judgement in latest months, and I owe it to our members to hunt the remedy I want.”
Dias mentioned on his doctor’s recommendation he has been unable to take part within the investigation.
On Thursday he advised Automotive Information Canada he can be coming into rehabilitation and making no additional statements.
A union listening to into the alleged breach of Unifor’s structure is predicted to happen on the NEB’s subsequent common assembly in April, giving Dias the chance to defend himself. Payne mentioned this timeline might should be reviewed primarily based on Dias’ well being.
Regardless of his retirement, Dias stays a Unifor member, and the union might droop or revoke his membership on account of the listening to.
At present, Payne added, the investigation has not turned up any proof an analogous alleged breach of the structure occurring beforehand.
“We’re coping with it as an remoted incident.”
Payne mentioned the union was additionally following via on any obligations that might relate to a attainable felony case.
“Unifor considers this an inside matter, nevertheless, we’re at the moment searching for authorized recommendation concerning any authorized obligations arising from these occasions.”