TORONTO, March 23, 2022 /CNW/ — Former Unifor National President Jerry Dias issued the following statement:
“I wanted to take some time out to address the members of Unifor, as serving them has been the honor of my life.
I have been informed that Unifor has decided to proceed with the hearing in respect of a complaint against me during my tenure as President. On the advice of my doctor, I have not been able to participate in the investigation.
I want you to know that during my tenure as President, I was always guided by the principles laid down in our Constitution.
Anyone who knows me knows that my work with Unifor has been a reason to get out of bed for nearly a decade. Sangh has been my whole life, born and brought up. But now is the time to listen to my doctor and put my health first.
Last December, my life took a remarkable turn for the worse when I was diagnosed with a debilitating sciatic nerve issue. It’s hard for me to say, but my coping mechanism has been pain relievers, sleeping pills, and alcohol. These factors have influenced my decision in recent months, and I have to seek the necessary treatment for my members.
My doctor has told me straight away that I need help. So I am entering a residential rehabilitation facility. I will also be temporarily stepping down from all my advisory positions.
My medical leave was federally approved in February and a detailed report from my physician has been provided to the investigator. I would have no problem sharing it with the National Executive Board.
I want every member of Uniphore to remember what we have achieved together. We are not defined by it.
We have been a force to be reckoned with by governments and employers in their emphasis on higher wages, safer job sites and overall better working conditions.
Together, we helped ensure Canadian workers got a seat at the bargaining table when Canada renegotiated NAFTA. We successfully reopened the Oshawa GM plant to employ thousands of auto workers and suppliers in the Durham area. And we secured $6 billion in automotive contracts, giving Ontario workers the opportunity to become world leaders in this important industry.
This movement is bigger than any of us, and now is the time for a new generation of leaders to take up this fight and move forward on what they have achieved.
As I turn the pages of this final chapter, I thank all our members for their love, support and solidarity.”
Source Jerry Dias
Decision
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