NDP Candidate Niki Ashton Backed by Unions

Late last fall, unions in Thompson voted to continue their support of the New Democratic party, federally and provincially. The Thompson Labour Committee (TLC) voted in favour of a motion to maintain support and solidarity with the NDP, following a series of events, including the decision by the former NDP Member of Parliament to run as an independent in the federal election. Many Thompson union members attended the official opening of local NDP candidate Niki Ashton's campaign headquarters in Thompson.

"The NDP is the party of labour, and unions in our community have made it clear that we want to continue to have New Democrats represent us in Parliament and the Legislature," said Labour Committee President Wayne Levac. "We are campaigning vigorously on behalf of the NDP in the federal election."

Past TLC presidents Blair Hudson and Jasper Robinson were both in attendance at the opening (right).

"One of the basic principles of the Labour Movement," Hudson said, "is to support a political party that is worker friendly, opposes poverty, supports good healthcare, education and childcare. We are going to do everything we can to ensure that Niki Ashton is elected and that we continue to be well-represented in Ottawa."

Wayne Skrypnyk, United Steelworkers Staff Representative said, "Workers across this country must remain united and committed to our political action and involvement within the New Democratic Party."

Unions represented on the Thompson Labour Committee include the United Steelworkers, United Food and Commercial Workers, the Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union, ACTE 1725, Thompson Teachers Association, International Association of Firefighters, the Communication Energy and Paperworkers, the Public Service Alliance of Canada, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the Carpenters and Joiners Union.