Former Union Boss Accused of Financial Shenanigans

Matthew Guy
by Matthew Guy

In the latest development of the Jerry Dias saga – the man who, until recently, led most of the unionized auto workers in Canada – has taken yet another turn. According to reports, Dias is being accused by the union of taking money from a COVID-19 testing company, allegedly in exchange for promoting that outfit as a place to purchase test kits.

For those playing at home, the Dias saga has played out in this form: An announcement of taking time off for medical reasons, followed by an abrupt retirement, and now this development.

The Freep and other outlets are alleging that Dias accepted $50,000 from a supplier of COVID-19 tests before going on to recommend this supplier to various companies, either directly or through staff under his direction. This apparently led to several of the firms purchasing tests. Taken as a whole, you see the issue.

How’d the whistle get blown? News outlets are suggesting Dias gave half the money to a union employee a couple of months ago, telling them its source. That person then apparently filed an ethics complaint and gave the money to Unifor’s treasurer – who is now the interim union leader until new top brass can be selected later this year. The union has been careful to note this brouhaha did not involve any finances belonging to the brotherhood.

Adding some icing to the situation was a statement released by Dias earlier this week saying he was using alcohol, pain killers, and sleeping pills to address an ongoing sciatic nerve issue. This substance abuse has apparently “influenced his judgment” in recent months, a timeframe in which the alleged financial improprieties took place. Dias says he’s seeking treatment and plans to enter rehab.

With curveballs flying in several directions from this ongoing situation, chances are high this won’t be the last update we’ll be providing about Unifor.

[Image: OFL Communications Department]

Matthew Guy
Matthew Guy

Matthew buys, sells, fixes, & races cars. As a human index of auto & auction knowledge, he is fond of making money and offering loud opinions.

More by Matthew Guy

Comments
Join the conversation
6 of 25 comments
  • Dusterdude Dusterdude on Mar 25, 2022

    Good they reported him.. ( many companies / unions etc want to bury reports of corruption / fraud due to bad publicity ). Given his age I suspect this wasn’t his first bribe , ( if they caught him this time what other times did they miss ? ). A forensic review of his finances may be in order ..

  • 28-Cars-Later 28-Cars-Later on Mar 25, 2022

    The bitter irony here is he took the bribe but then gave half to a union employee presumably for the union. Such an act feels "Canadian" to me, I'd very much doubt UAW leadership of the past twenty years doing so when they took bribes.

    • See 3 previous
    • 28-Cars-Later 28-Cars-Later on Mar 26, 2022

      @Lou_BC This is true, I was imagining cash in the non-descript black briefcase but perhaps as a "fee"? If the latter I'm not sure what the laws are in your country but as such it seems less egregious. Could have taken the "consulting" fee and personally donated half the cash to the union for a partial deduction.

  • Dukeisduke Womp womp.
  • FreedMike China's whining about unfair trade practices? Okay.
  • Kwik_Shift Hyunkia'sis doing what they do best...subverting expectations of quality.
  • MaintenanceCosts People who don't use the parking brake when they walk away from the car deserve to have the car roll into a river.
  • 3-On-The-Tree I’m sure they are good vehicles but you can’t base that on who is buying them. Land Rovers, Bentley’ are bought by Robin Leaches’s “The Rich and Famous” but they have terrible reliability.
Next