The union’s board of directors met this week to review the investigation and disclosed Wednesday that Dias allegedly got money from a supplier of COVID-19 fast test kits that he, or personnel under his direction, pushed to various Unifor employers in December 2021 and January 2022.
Unifor secretary-treasurer Lana Payne stated that this judgement was taken on the “balance of probabilities” based on the findings of the external investigation, which Dias declined to participate in.
“Dias accepted $50,000 from the provider prior to January 20, 2022. On January 20, Dias presented a Unifor employee with what Dias claimed was half of those monies — $25,000 — informing the employee that the cash originated with the supplier.”
According to Payne, the Unifor employee then filed a complaint under the union’s code of conduct and personally gave the monies to Payne.
In a statement to union members, Dias stated that serving members has been “the honour of my life” and that during his tenure as president, he was “always governed” by Unifor’s constitution.
“Anyone who knows me knows that for nearly a decade, my work with Unifor has been my reason for getting out of bed. My entire life has been devoted to the union.”
He stated that his health began to deteriorate last fall, prompting him to develop coping techniques.
“It’s difficult for me to admit this, but I’ve relied on painkillers, sleeping pills, and booze as a coping technique. These factors have impair my judgement over the last few months, and I owe it to our members to obtain the necessary treatment.”
Dias stated that he was unable to assist in the investigation due to his physician’s advise.
He informed Automotive News Canada on Thursday that he would be attending rehabilitation and would make no further statements.
A union hearing into the alleged violation of Unifor’s constitution is scheduled for the NEB’s next regular meeting in April, at which Dias will have the opportunity to defend himself. Payne indicated that this timeframe may need to be adjusted in light of Dias’ health.
Dias remains a Unifor member despite his retirement, and the union may suspend or withdraw his membership as a result of the hearing.
Currently, Payne continued, the investigation has uncovered no indication of a similar alleged constitutional violation occurring in the past.
“We’re treating it as a one-off.”
Payne added that the union was also adhering to any duties relating to a potential criminal case.
“While Unifor views this as an internal problem, we are currently obtaining legal counsel regarding any legal duties that may arise as a result of these occurrences.”