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Unifor also campaigned against Stephen Harper’s Conservatives in the 2015 federal election, Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservatives in the 2018 Ontario election and Tim Hudak’s Progressive Conservatives in the 2014 Ontario election.

Unifor represents media workers across Canada, including journalists at the Toronto Sun, Toronto Star, Globe and Mail, Hamilton Spectator, London Free Press, Winnipeg Free Press and Global and CTV.

Dias’s email said he’s aware of concerns from Unifor’s media members that the public will think they are biased against Conservatives in covering the election, because of Unifor’s stand.

“Journalists, my own communications staff, even our Atlantic Regional Director, Lana Payne, a former journalist, have all explained to me why our union’s partisan stance makes some of you uncomfortable. I hear you,” Dias wrote.

But not enough to change his mind.

“I have heard from some members in the media sector, in particular journalists, who do not like our union’s involvement in politics. I am writing as a courtesy to share with you our plans to aggressively fight to stop a wave of anti-worker conservatives from taking away our rights and your jobs.”

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In previous interviews, Dias has defended his right to free speech and to protect media jobs, arguing the public’s perception of media bias is that they are anti-Liberal, caused by media owners who support the Conservatives.

“The group, I would argue, that are putting them in conflict are the editors and publishers who are openly saying, we are supporting the Conservative Party of Canada,” Dias said.