One of Canada’s largest unions, United Steelworkers (USW) Canada have endorsed Rob Ashton for leader of the NDP.
“In these challenging times, workers need a political leader who is right for this moment — someone who doesn’t just talk about the challenges working people face, but has lived them, fought for progress and delivered real results. Rob is that person,” said Marty Warren, USW National Director.
Ashton is the president of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Canada and is the only labour leader currently in the leadership race.
In a post on X, Ashton welcomed the endorsement.
I’m honoured to have the endorsement of the @SteelworkersCA, the largest private-sector union in Canada. Together we will rebuild this party for the working class and protect workers from sector to sector to sector. pic.twitter.com/xY7AtW48Pk
— Rob Ashton (@Rob_T_E_Ashton) December 1, 2025
USW is the first major union to issue an endorsement in the NDP leadership race.
“I hear regularly from workers who are feeling the strain of a cost-of-living crisis, worsening income inequality and the uncertainty created by our current trade war. People are working harder than ever just to stay afloat – and they’re looking for leadership that understands what they’re up against,” said Warren.
Endorsement comes as tariffs continue to pressure workers
The endorsement of Ashton comes the same week as Algoma Steel in Sault Ste. Marie, ON announced that it was laying off 1,000 workers, most of whom are represented by United Steelworkers Local 2251.
Ashton issued a statement this week about the layoffs at Algoma Steel. He criticized the company for taking public money and then cutting jobs.
“What’s happening at Algoma Steel is exactly what’s wrong with this country: big corporations get money from the government while workers are left to fend for themselves,” his statement reads. “A thousand steelworkers are being thrown out of their jobs while the federal and provincial governments keep shovelling public money into the pockets of corporate executives who have never set foot on a mill floor.”
Ashton said that as NDP leader, he would make it difficult for companies who took public funds to cut workers.
“Under my Good Jobs Promise, this never happens again. If a company takes taxpayer dollars, they don’t get to walk away from their workforce. Period. Public money means public rules: job guarantees, community benefits, and iron-clad commitments to keep operations in Canada. If CEOs don’t like it, they can give the money back,” the statement goes on to say.
The steel industry has been hit particularly hard by tariffs from the US. Earlier this year, US president Donald Trump placed a 50 per cent tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum.
READ MORE: Import tariffs protect Canadian steel but workers still need wage supports
Warren said he had confidence that Ashton was the right choice to protect union jobs in Canada.
“This is our chance to build the kind of leadership working people deserve – leadership that will take on corporate power, stand up to trade threats and fight for good jobs that support our families and our communities,” said Warren.
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