USW aims to double union's NDP members

NEWS RELEASE

UNITED STEELWORKERS

************************* Steelworkers launch NDP membership drive

As part of the 2012 NDP leadership race, the USW is reaching out to individual union members to join the NDP and be part of changing Canadian politics

TORONTO - As part of the 2012 NDP leadership race, the United Steelworkers (USW) is reaching out to individual union members to join the NDP and be part of changing Canadian politics.

"Well before the federal election, Jack Layton asked the Steelworkers to engage in an NDP membership drive," said Ken Neumann, USW national director.

"Jack reminded us that because of Stephen Harper's proposed changes to the election expenses laws and the NDP's one-member-one-vote rules, it is essential for USW members as individuals to become NDP members," Neumann added.

Jack Layton and the Orange Wave elected 103 NDP MPs in the federal election, becoming Canada's Official Opposition.

Since then, we have lost Jack, but we have not lost the momentum and excitement of the NDP's breakthrough.

"For Steelworkers who are not already members of the NDP, now is a great time to join," said Wayne Fraser, USW District 6 director. "By joining as individuals, Steelworkers have a chance to help choose the next NDP leader."

"Help the Steelworkers, help working people, help change politics - join the NDP," said Stephen Hunt, USW District 3 Director.

The USW's NDP membership drive is reaching out to Steelworkers and asking USW members to take their support for the NDP one step further by joining the party as individuals.

USW members who join the NDP before February 18, 2012, will be entered in a draw to win an iPad from the USW.

It's easy to join!

Online

Phone: 1-866-525-2555

Mail: NDP membership form at usw.ca

The USW has membership kits available to help USW members sign up friends, family and co-workers. USW-NDP Membership kits include:

• Introductory USW brochure

• New, full-colour Jack Layton Love, Hope, Optimism poster

• NDP membership form

• Postage-paid return envelope

To order membership kits, send an e-mail

The membership drive will include telephone, online, e-mail and face-to-face efforts to ask Steelworkers to join the NDP.

The USW's goal is to double the union's NDP members and make Steelworkers the largest union within the NDP.

The NDP's membership deadline is February 18, 2012, to be eligible to vote in the March 24, 2012, leadership race.

The Steelworkers' NDP Membership Drive campaign page.

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