Jerry Dias, the former president of the UNIFOR union, is accused by the organization of violating its code of ethics when he internally promoted rapid test kits from a supplier from which he accepted funds.
On March 14, the union announced that its president was under investigation for violating UNIFOR’s constitution. The organization did not then specify the nature of the charges. On Tuesday, Lana Payne, the union’s secretary-treasurer, said Dias — who announced his retirement on March 11 — violated Article 4.
According to the secretary-treasurer, Jerry Dias accepted $50,000 from a supplier of rapid test kits. The union did not reveal the identity of the supplier. According to the independent investigator, the president gave half of the amount to a UNIFOR employee on January 20. This employee then filed a complaint with the union and gave the sum of money to Lana Payne, the secretary-treasurer.
The secretary-treasurer, who was alongside Renaud Gagné, Quebec director of the union, during the press conference specified that the question would be handled internally, but that the executive council also sought the opinion of lawyers. external.
Examination of charges
Jerry Dias will be able to explain himself at a hearing before the National Executive Board in the coming months. The ex-president will then have the opportunity to present evidence and information regarding the prosecution. “If the actions are confirmed at the time of the hearing, this would constitute a betrayal and a breach of trust,” announced Renaud Gagné.
Although he is no longer the president of the union, Jerry Dias is still a member for the time being. Internally, the secretary-treasurer specified that it is on this membership that the Executive Council could act if necessary.
This story is supported by the Local Journalism Initiative, funded by the Government of Canada.