The Unifor Nationwide Govt 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 go away from the union’s high job, having stepped away to cope with well being points Feb. 6.
On March 14, Unifor disclosed an ongoing “unbiased 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 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 course, had promoted to numerous Unifor employers in December 2021 and January 2022.
Lana Payne, Unifor secretary-treasurer, stated this willpower was made on the “steadiness of chances” primarily based on the exterior investigation, which Dias opted not to participate in.
“Sooner or later 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 criticism 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 handle the allegations made in opposition to him, Dias stated 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 motive 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 onerous for me to say this, however my coping mechanism has been ache killers, sleeping tablets and alcohol. These elements have impaired my judgement in latest months, and I owe it to our members to hunt the therapy 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 could 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.
At the moment, 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 stated the union was additionally following by means of on any obligations that would relate to a attainable prison case.
“Unifor considers this an inside matter, nonetheless, we’re at the moment searching for authorized recommendation relating to any authorized obligations arising from these occasions.”