Update issued March 14
To: NEB, All Unifor Members, Local Union Presidents, Recording Secretaries and Staff
We write to update you on the following.
Earlier today, we received media inquiries regarding the issue below.
On January 26, 2022 Unifor National Secretary-Treasurer Lana Payne received a written complaint that, now former, Unifor National President Jerry Dias engaged in an alleged breach of the Unifor Constitution.
Following review of the complaint, Payne promptly initiated an independent external investigation. On January 29, 2022, Dias was notified of the investigation, which is ongoing.
On February 6, 2022, Jerry Dias went on medical leave and subsequently notified the National Executive Board of his immediate retirement on March 11, citing health issues.
In order to ensure the integrity of the ongoing investigation and to maintain confidentiality in accordance with the Unifor Constitution, specifics of the complaint will not be divulged at this time.
Unifor’s National Executive Board will meet on March 21, 2022 to discuss the matter. The union will have no further public comment prior to receipt of the investigative report, expected in the near future.
We appreciate that news of an investigation is shocking and troubling but want to assure that all appropriate steps were and are being taken as per our Constitution and while respecting the rights of all individuals involved in the process.
Every Unifor member is held to the same standard and afforded the same rights under our Constitution.
We ask for your patience as the investigative process continues. Updates will be forthcoming.
In Solidarity,
Lana Payne, National Secretary-Treasurer
Renaud Gagné, Quebec Director
Naureen Rizvi, Ontario Regional Director
Linda MacNeil, Atlantic Regional Director
Gavin McGarrigle, Western Regional Director
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Earlier notice from Unifor:
March 13
To: All Unifor Members, Local Union Presidents, Recording Secretaries and Staff
Status of Unifor National President Jerry Dias
We write today to inform you that Jerry Dias has retired his position of Unifor National President effective immediately.
As you know, Jerry Dias has been on medical leave from his position since February 6, 2022. On March 11, he notified Unifor’s National Executive Board of his immediate retirement, stating that he continues to deal with ongoing health issues.
Like all of you, we are all wishing him well and thank him for his numerous and impactful contributions to working people over many years, from his days representing aerospace workers on the shop floor to National President of Canada’s largest private sector union.
The National Executive Board will meet on March 21 to determine next steps and discuss the Constitutional requirements around the vacancy. An update will be provided following the NEB meeting. Meanwhile, the important work of the union continues.
In Solidarity,
Lana Payne
National Secretary-Treasurer
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