Unifor President Jerry Dias to be replaced at election in August; two candidates in running

Dias’s nine-year tenure makes him Unifor’s first and only president, and Wheaton likened replacing him to finding a stand-in for Apple’s Steve Jobs.

“No one ever thought they would replace the head of Apple … You can never replace Steve Jobs — but I still talk on an iPhone and they still have the business going and it moves forward, and I think the same will be said [of Unifor].”

Wheaton expects the new leader will be able to rely on the “good infrastructure” already in place, adding that union leadership changes often bring a new set of ideas and agendas.

As the race to replace Dias gets underway, Doherty has the backing of the union’s current leadership. He is endorsed by its 25-member national executive board, which is made up of regional directors and chairpersons, as well as regional council leaders.

Cassidy has secured local and some auto sector support, saying the Local 444 executive board, as well as Unifor’s Stellantis council have endorsed his run.

Other entrants will be able to enter the race nearly until votes are cast, including any candidates nominated on the convention floor this summer. Unlike in direct voting systems, in which one member is given one vote, delegates at Unifor’s convention cast their votes on behalf of members.

Along with the national presidency, the union’s three regional directorships and the role of secretary treasurer will be put to votes.