Labrador Steelworkers Put Priority on Electing Harry Borlase as Next Member of Parliament

LABRADOR CITY, NL, May 7, 2013 /CNW/ - Sending a message to the old-style politicians and electing a dynamic new voice who will stand up for working families in Labrador has become a preoccupation of Steelworkers across Labrador.

"This by-election is a good opportunity to reject the old-style Conservative and Liberal politicians, and send a new committed voice to Ottawa,' said Ron Thomas, President of Steelworkers Local 5795.

"The scandals and behaviour of the Conservative have ruled out support for him. And the fact that the Liberal voted on June 21^st of last year against an anti-scab motion and has failed to support the issues important to working Labradorians has similarly ruled out support for her as well," added Thomas.

"Harry Borlase knows it's wrong to vote for replacement workers, knows it's wrong to accept inappropriate contributions. And Harry knows it's wrong to raise the retirement age to 67 or let our health care system deteriorate.

"Our members and neighbours have told us, it's time we send a message rejecting the old-style politics. They want to give Harry Borlase a chance," said Thomas.

"With over 2,100 Steelworkers (USW) members and retirees in this riding, we will have a very big influence on the outcome. An influence the polls are not taking into account," said Ron Thomas.

"Steelworkers are going to turn out in very large numbers because we reject the two old-school politicians and want an MP who will stand up for average working families in this province."

Steelworkers are having unprecedented internal discussions, gatherings and mobilizing to get the vote out, such as a membership rally on May 9^th at the Wabush Legion Hall. We are working hard to make sure every Steelworker votes on May 13^th.

"In addition to our internal activities, the USW is registered as a 'third-party' for the election, and we will be running radio ads to get our message out," added Thomas.

SOURCE: United Steelworkers (USW)

Ron Thomas, President of USW Local 5795, [email protected], 709-280-0068.