Jerry Dias

Jerome P. Dias Jr., born on October 10, 1958, is a prominent Canadian trade unionist known for his leadership in the labor movement. He made history in August 2013 when he was elected as the first national president of Unifor, a union formed from the merger of the Canadian Auto Workers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada. Under his guidance, Unifor has expanded significantly, now representing over three hundred fifteen thousand workers across various sectors of the Canadian economy.

As the head of Canada's largest private sector union, Dias has been a staunch advocate for workers' rights, equality, and social justice. His commitment to these causes has resonated with many, leading to his re-election in both 2016 and 2019. His tenure has been marked by a dedication to improving the lives of workers and ensuring fair treatment in the workplace.

However, his career faced challenges when, on March 13, 2022, he announced his immediate retirement due to health issues. Shortly thereafter, he was embroiled in controversy, facing accusations of accepting a bribe of fifty thousand dollars from COVID-19 test manufacturers in January. Despite these challenges, his legacy as a leader in the labor movement remains significant, and he was succeeded by Lana Payne on August 10, 2022.