The United Steelworkers union endorses Wab Kinew’s Manitoba NDP

Working people in Manitoba are ready for change. After seven years of cuts and disrespect from the Stefanson-Pallister Progressive Conservatives (PCs), Manitoba workers are demanding better.

The United Steelworkers union (USW) is proud to support Wab Kinew and the Manitoba NDP in the Oct. 3 provincial election. The Manitoba NDP is the only party with a plan to start fixing health care, make life more affordable and support working families in Manitoba.

“The USW and the Manitoba NDP have a long history of solidarity when it comes to building a better Manitoba and we are excited to support the Manitoba NDP in this provincial election,” said Scott Lunny, USW Director for Western Canada and the Territories, who represents Steelworkers across the province including in Winnipeg, Flin Flon, Thompson, Selkirk and Brandon.

“The Manitoba NDP has always prioritized Manitoba workers by supporting unions and fighting back against the PCs’ austerity and anti-worker agenda. Under the leadership of Wab Kinew, the Manitoba NDP has blocked anti-union legislation like Bill 16 and opposed the Pallister-Stefanson wage freeze bill,” said Lunny.

As the Official Opposition Leader, Kinew has stood up for working people, fighting for safer working conditions and cheaper bills while the PCs make dangerous cuts and send cheques to billionaires like Galen Weston.

“The last seven years have been tough for working people in Manitoba. The PCs froze the minimum wage for two years. They broke the law by freezing the wages of public workers. They have underspent their promised infrastructure investments by more than $1 billion and they have made massive cuts to our health-care system, including firing health-care workers and cutting funding to personal care homes,” said Lunny.

The USW firmly believes that under Heather Stefanson’s and Brian Pallister’s leadership, the PCs have had the wrong priorities when it comes to workers and their well-being. The Stefanson-Pallister government has negatively affected workers by failing to address the needs of Manitobans.

“Pallister and Stefanson cut the Minister’s Advisory Council on workplace health and safety. That is wrong and it shows that working families are not a priority for PCs. Manitoba needs Wab Kinew and the Manitoba NDP who have the backs of workers,” said Lunny.

Seven years of the PCs picking fights with workers has led to strike after strike under the PC government. Wab Kinew’s Manitoba NDP has supported workers on the picket line every time.

“Wab Kinew is a leader who knows that working people built our province. Instead of cutting, he is going to rebuild the infrastructure we need for the future with Manitoba jobs for Manitobans,” said Mike Pulak, USW Manitoba Area Co-ordinator.

“To grow our economy, we need to train more people in skilled trades and Wab Kinew is committed to doing this while increasing the number of women and workers from marginalized communities. Manitoba workers just can’t afford another four years of PC cuts and disrespect. The USW is proud to support the Manitoba NDP and endorse Wab Kinew for Premier of Manitoba,” said Pulak.

Advance voting starts Sept. 23 through Sept. 30. Manitobans can vote at any advance poll in the province during all eight days of advance voting.

The USW represents 225,000 members in nearly every economic sector across Canada and is the largest private-sector union in North America, with 850,000 members in Canada, the United States and the Caribbean.

Each year, thousands of workers choose to join the USW because of our strong track record in creating healthier, safer and more respectful workplaces and negotiating better working conditions and fairer compensation – including good wages, benefits and pensions.

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