Monday, February 7, 2022

Hello Brothers and Sisters,

The last 4 years have certainly been a rollercoaster for our local. The pandemic struck our community in the middle of tense bargaining, and we had to adjust our strategy which challenged our resolve and solidarity. We had to ensure safety measures were in place to keep each other safe and healthy.

After a year of sacrifice, our employer challenged our commitment to each other. Through all of this, we stuck together and showed our community the finest example of union solidarity. There was one voice who had our backs when the government ignored our action, and that was Jamie West and the provincial NDP.

Jamie and his team have been leading the fight and doing their very best to represent our community during this very challenging time. Doug Ford and his Provincial Conservatives have essentially ignored the people of Northern Ontario and instead have allied with big business to make the rich richer. Corporations made record profits during the pandemic, while the working class continues to pay more and more for the essentials. Just this week our community saw gas prices at an all-time high.

The Liberals are no better. Our former MPP Glen Thibeault was the Energy Minister five years ago, and we have had 16 years of mismanagement to blame for skyrocketing hydro and fuel prices. Jamie has been a rockstar advocate for the soaring cost of living, the opioid crisis, and the completion of Highway 69 to name a few. That’s why your Political Action team is putting the call out to help Brother West.

It shouldn't surprise anyone that the Conservatives and Liberals intend to make the Sudbury riding a target. No matter how much money these parties throw at our community, we can beat them with solidarity. Your PAC is actively looking for volunteers to give as much or as little time as they can to help Brother West represent our issues in Toronto.

Starting this February, leading up to the provincial election in June, we will be coordinating joint action with Jamie’s team to ensure he is re-elected.

Any activist interested in helping, or who has any questions about the wide range of opportunities available, should contact the PAC by email at [email protected].

In Solidarity,

Jerry Thibeault                                                              Sean Staddon
Political Action Committee Chairperson                        Political Action Committee Member
USW Local 6500                                                           USW Local 6500