NDP Leader Marit Stiles visits picket line at National Steel Car

Thirteen days into the strike at National Steel Car in Hamilton, NDP Leader Marit Stiles visited the picket line to show support.

“This company, like so many other companies, is making billions, billions on the backs of working people, shame, billions on the backs of working people who are going to lose their homes if this company doesn’t come forward with a solid deal,” Stiles said to workers on the picket line.

One thousand and four hundred workers are on strike at National Steel Car, demanding better wages to deal with recent inflation that’s been as high as eight per cent.

READ MORE: Hamilton unions rally in support of National Steel Car strike

The workers are encouraged by the visit from Stiles.

Local 7135 president Frank Crowder said they are very excited that members of the government are coming down to see them.

“It shows that our message is getting out there, that workers right across Ontario and Canada are suffering for what’s happening in this economy and wages just need to go up for everybody.”

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“This company deserves to show these members some respect here,” Stiles said. yeah.”

As opposition leader, Stiles said she’ll be telling Premier Doug Ford he should be pushing the company to settle the strike.

“The premier’s willing to do, you know, once in a while he’s willing to pony up billions of dollars to attract companies here, well let’s start to talk to companies that are here about being better employers, more responsible employers,” Stiles said.