Manitoba steelworkers to endorse Steve Ashton at upcoming NDP leadership
convention

WINNIPEG , Oct. 1 /CNW/ - United Steelworkers (USW) members participating in the Manitoba NDP leadership convention on October 17, 2009 will be endorsing Thompson MLA Steve Ashton as the next premier and party leader. The event will take place in this capital city and through satellite meetings in The Pas and Thompson.

Over 50 USW members will be attending the convention as USW and NDP constituency delegates.

In a vote held among USW local union leaders and representatives from across the province yesterday, the union's endorsement was unanimous. The vote took place following presentations to the union from both Ashton and competing candidate Greg Selinger .

"After hearing from both candidates, our union decided that Steve Ashton is the best candidate to represent the interests of all Manitobans in all regions of the province," says USW area supervisor Wayne Skrypynk. "We strongly believe that Ashton will continue to move the province forward on both the economic and social fronts."

A former USW Local 6166 member from the Inco operations in Thompson, Ashton was first elected to the legislature in 1981. A former Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, he has served the government in various cabinet roles including Minister of Transport and Government Services and Minister of Labour and Immigration.

" Steve Ashton is an experienced MLA that has a lot of respect from the diverse membership of our union," says Skyrpynk. "We believe he will be an excellent premier and future leader of the province."

The Steelworkers are Canada's largest industrial union with over 250,000 members in all sectors of the economy, including over 7,000 members in Manitoba.

For further information: Wayne Skrypynk, [phone]