Steelworkers release statement in support of Marit Stiles for new leader of the Ontario NDP

TORONTO — The United Steelworkers union (USW), District 6, says they are endorsing Marit Stiles to be the next Leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party (ONDP).

“Marit acknowledges that workers are the main contributors to the economic engine of Ontario. Her commitment to openly engaging and talking about workers’ issues and trade union priorities solidified our support for her,” said Myles Sullivan, Director of USW District 6, which encompasses Ontario and Atlantic Canada.

The United Steelworkers is a founding member of the New Democratic Party and is a partisan union. Over the years, Steelworkers say they have remained dedicated activists and supporters within the NDP.

“We need a leader who understands labour issues and the needs of workers – one who is proud to say the words ‘labour’ and ‘unions.’ We need a leader who will bring more working-class voters back to the NDP. I am confident Marit will provide strong leadership to our party during a time when Ontario needs it the most,” added Sullivan.

Stiles reportedly brings a strong trade union background with her and experience working with various sectors across Ontario. As the National Director of Research and Bargaining for ACTRA, Stiles was vital in forming a strategic partnership between the USW and ACTRA. This strategic partnership reportedly brought the Steelworkers union to the bargaining table with ACTRA during its negotiations with major motion picture studios.

“Over the coming weeks, I encourage Steelworkers members to sign up or renew their ONDP memberships and USW local unions to affiliate with the ONDP and engage in this process. Together, let’s re-energize labour as a vital force in our party,” concluded Sullivan.

The United Steelworkers union 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.