Business Manager Jim Bicknell and Dispatcher Darryl Schmidt recently attended a dinner with Rob Ashton, a candidate for the leadership of the federal New Democratic Party.

Events like this are an important opportunity to stay informed and engaged on issues that could have a direct impact on workers, unions, and the skilled trades. No matter where someone stands politically, the outcome of a major federal party leadership race can shape the direction of labour policy, job creation, workers’ rights, and how governments work with unions across Canada.

For IBEW 993, it is important to be part of these conversations and to make sure the voices of electrical workers and tradespeople are heard. Having a federal party leader who understands the value of unions and is friendly to the building trades would be a major positive for working people and for our industry.

Rob Ashton brings a strong labour background to the race. He is the president of ILWU Canada, has spent decades in the labour movement, and is campaigning on giving working people a stronger voice within federal politics. He is also an officially approved contestant in the current federal NDP leadership race.

IBEW 993 believes it is important to remain engaged with political leaders and leadership candidates whose decisions can affect our members, our contractors, and the future of the skilled trades. Opportunities to meet directly, listen, and discuss the concerns of workers help ensure that the issues facing union members remain part of the conversation.