TORONTO, Sept. 15, 2015 /CNW/ - The United Steelworkers (USW) welcomes New Democratic Party Leader Tom Mulcair's plan to defend and create jobs in Canada's auto sector.



"After a lost decade marked by the disappearance of hundreds of thousands of manufacturing jobs, only Tom Mulcair and the New Democrats have a comprehensive plan to support and expand Canada's auto and manufacturing industries," said USW National Director Ken Neumann.

"A New Democratic government will defend Canada's auto sector by insisting on maintaining regional content rules in trade deals, such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership," Neumann said.

"From Day One, only Tom Mulcair has shown the principled leadership to challenge Stephen Harper's secrecy and mishandling of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which threatens Canadian jobs and our economy," he said.

Neumann also praised Mulcair's plan to develop a National Automotive Strategy, beginning with an auto summit with provincial, municipal, industry and labour leaders within 100 days of taking office.

"The NDP's practical, forward-thinking strategy will support research and innovation in our auto sector and will provide incentives for manufacturers and suppliers to make new investments and create good, sustainable jobs," Neumann said.

"Canadians are seeing that Tom Mulcair is ready to lead and take bold positions on issues that matter, to defend Canadian jobs and to get our economy back on track," said Neumann.

SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)

For further information: Ken Neumann, USW National Director, 416-544-5951; Bob Gallagher, USW Communications, 416-544-5966, 416-434-2221, [email protected]