A lawsuit has been filed against the former business manager and secretary treasurer of LiUNA Local 1089 in Sarnia.
A court file, issued electronically June 28, 2021, has been obtained by Blackburn News Sarnia that says a legal proceeding has commenced against Michael Maitland and DiCocco Contractors on McGregor Road.
Adam Farr, on his own behalf and on behalf of all members of Local 1089, is asking Maitland for $750,000 in compensation for general damages and $100,000 in aggravated, exemplary and punitive damages.
The claim against DiCocco Contractors asks for $300,000 in general damages and $100,000 for aggravated, exemplary and punitive damages.
Farr is also asking the defendants to cover indemnity costs of the court proceedings and has given them 20 days to respond.
LiUNA 1089's website says Farr is a field representative with the union.
Maitland, was the business manager and secretary at Local 1089 from June 2009 until he was removed from the position in July 2020.
In an email to BlackburnNews.com, Director of Public Relations, Communications and Strategic Partnerships Victoria Mancinelli said "LiUNA takes any and all allegations of impropriety that could impact our membership or the business of a local union, of paramount concern."
"When allegations were brought forward against former LiUNA Local 1089 Business Manager, Mike Maitland, LiUNA took immediate and decisive action," said Mancinelli. "In this case, an internal investigation commenced as well as a special hearing to critically and fairly adjudicate the allegations in question. The Special Hearing concluded that supervision of Local 1089 was necessary and Mike Maitland was removed from office."
Mancinelli said LiUNA Local 1089 has been under supervision for the past 11 months, to "remedy the unethical and unconstitutional acts of Mr. Maitland."
"Since the inception of the supervision, several investigations have commenced including an in-depth audit by Deloitte which unveiled a number of disturbing and egregious findings. These allegations have resulted in charges against Mr. Maitland under the LiUNA Constitution and LiUNA will be proceeding with a hearing and decision conducted by the Ontario Provincial District Council."
Mancinelli said since the matter is before the courts, LiUNA would not be speaking on the internal process of the investigation, the hearing by the Ontario Provincial District Council, or the findings until the hearing adjourns.
She said they are aware the process has been frustrating for members and LiUNA is working to rebuild and restore the local union in adherence to the LiUNA code of conduct.
On its website, Local 1089 of the Labourers’ International Union of North America says it represents over 900 construction craft workers and industrial janitorial workers across Sarnia-Lambton.
The union has offices at 1255 Confederation Street.