JERRY DIAS

One of the loudest voices in Canada's corner during talks to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement was Jerry Dias.

As president of Canada's largest private-sector union, Dias played an instrumental role in making sure Canada's automotive industry wouldn't face damaging auto tariffs as a result of a new trade agreement. Those talks led to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement on Sept. 30.

"There are some incredible victories in this deal, things we've been arguing and fighting for for the last 24 years," Dias said.

Dias' activity on international trade follows up a momentous year in 2017, in which Unifor held a nearly monthlong strike against General Motors at the CAMI plant in Ontario.

Dias, 60, long known for speaking his mind and giving clear answers, remains a shining example of being a good advocate for labor and leads his organization in a transparent manner.