Former Unifor boss Jerry Dias underneath police investigation

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Nearly two weeks after being accused of accepting $50,000 from a COVID-19 speedy take a look at provider in return for selling the kits to his members’ employers, the previous head of Canada’s largest private-sector labour union is the topic of a police investigation.

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On Tuesday, Toronto police confirmed to the National Post that former Unifor President Jerry Dias, who stepped down from his position in early March, is now the topic of an investigation.

TPS spokesperson Const. Caroline de Kloet stated in a press release that the investigation was being carried out by members of the town’s monetary crimes unit.

“The investigation is in its preliminary stages and we would not comment on specifics at this time, as to not compromise the investigation,” she stated.

Initially tweeting on Feb. 16 that he was briefly stepping apart attributable to well being points, and fewer than a month earlier than he introduced his retirement, the circumstances of Dias’ departure remained murky till March 23. On that date, Unifor publicly accused him of accepting $50,000 from a provider of COVID-19 speedy assessments.

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During a press convention, Unifor’s Lana Payne alleged that take a look at kits from that very same provider had been being actively promoted for buy to union members’ employers by Dias late final 12 months.

Dias then allegedly approached an unidentified Unifor worker on Jan. 20 and instructed him of the $50,000, providing to separate the cash with him.

The union started an inner investigation after the worker filed a proper criticism.

Unifor declined to call the take a look at provider, or which firms bought the kits.

The union stated they requested Dias to take part of their investigation, however Dias acknowledged he declined to participate on the recommendation of his doctor.

On Monday, Unifor issued a press release saying they handed over the cash allegedly acquired by Dias to police.

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“It will now be for Toronto Police to decide whether to investigate any matter connected to that money,” the assertion learn.

Shortly earlier than the start of Unifor’s March 23 press convention, Dias issued a press release saying he was coming into a residential substance abuse remedy facility after utilizing “pain killers, sleeping pills and alcohol” to self-medicate a bout of sciatica.

“These factors have impaired my judgment in recent months, and I owe it to our members to seek the treatment I need,” Dias stated within the assertion.

None of the allegations in opposition to Dias have been confirmed, and no expenses have been filed in opposition to him.

Dias, who rose by means of the ranks whereas employed as an plane employee on the former Toronto de Havilland plant, was Unifor’s first president following the 2013 merger of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union (CEP) and Canadian Auto Workers (CAW.)

• Email: bpassifiume@postmedia.com | Twitter: @bryanpassifiume