The union board met this week to go over the probe and in a push convention Wednesday disclosed Dias allegedly recognized income from a supplier of COVID-19 rapid examination kits that he, or workers underneath his course, experienced promoted to many Unifor companies in December 2021 and January 2022.
Lana Payne, Unifor secretary-treasurer, mentioned this perseverance was manufactured on the “balance of probabilities” centered on the external investigation, which Dias opted not to acquire part in.
“At some level prior to Jan. 20, 2022, Dias acknowledged the sum of $50,000 from the supplier. On January 20, Dias gave a Unifor personnel, what Dias mentioned was 50 % of those funds — $25,000 — telling the personnel that it experienced occur from the provider.”
Payne included the Unifor worker subsequently filed a complaint underneath the union’s code of ethics and shipped the resources to Payne herself.
In a statement resolved to union associates, which did not instantly handle the allegations designed in opposition to him, Dias explained it has been “the honour of my life” to serve members and in his time as president he was “always guided” by Unifor’s constitution.
“Anyone who appreciates me, knows that my work with Unifor has been my motive for obtaining out of mattress for practically a 10 years. The union has been my complete daily life, born and bred.”
He additional worsening well being starting off last tumble led him to coping mechanisms.
“It’s challenging for me to say this, but my coping system has been ache killers, sleeping tablets and liquor. These things have impaired my judgement in the latest months, and I owe it to our customers to seek the procedure I will need.”
Dias stated on his physician’s tips he has been unable to participate in the investigation.
On Thursday he instructed Automotive News Canada he would be getting into rehabilitation and generating no further more statements.
A union hearing into the alleged breach of Unifor’s structure is envisioned to choose put at the NEB’s upcoming typical meeting in April, supplying Dias the possibility to protect himself. Payne stated this timeline may want to be reviewed centered on Dias’ health and fitness.
Irrespective of his retirement, Dias stays a Unifor member, and the union could suspend or revoke his membership as a final result of the listening to.
At this time, Payne added, the investigation has not turned up any evidence a related alleged breach of the structure taking place beforehand.
“We’re dealing with it as an isolated incident.”
Payne claimed the union was also following by way of on any obligations that could relate to a probable felony scenario.
“Unifor considers this an inside subject, even so, we are presently searching for authorized advice relating to any legal obligations arising from these situations.”