Although the weather in Thompson did not cooperate as expected for most of the festivities, the USW 6166 labour day celebrations held at the local Union hall went off without a hitch. The event which provided the crowd with free BBQ burgers, hot dogs, ice cream and refreshments, included foot races for all ages that were exciting as well as some live entertainment this year by Thompson rock band, Monalith. There were various prizes handed out and overall the crowd just had a great day during the event.

Labour Day at USW local 6166 this year was attended by various other local unons including City of Thompson workers, Health Care workers, and Government Employees workers. A lot of focus this year was geared towards raising awareness and garnering more support for Steelworkers out on strike against Vale Inco in Sudbury, Port Colborne, and Voisey Bay. There were T-Shirts and various other items handed out to help raise funds for the striking workers and their families. President Murray Nychyporuk has spoken in the press recently and at this event he stressed about how the issues affecting those out east could very well be the same ones this local faces in two years when the current collective agreement expires.

Steve Ashton, among a few dignitaries asked to speak at the event, was introduced by Murray Nychyporuk and Steve spoke to the crowd about his bid to run for the leadership of the provincial NDP and premiership. Steve, the longest serving MLA in the Manitoba legislature, resigned Sept. 4 from the provincial cabinet as minister of intergovernmental affairs and minister responsible for emergency measures.

Steve is Manitoba’s longest serving MLA since 1981 and has now resigned from cabinet to seek premiership

City of Thompson Mayor Tim Johnston speaks to the crowd at the Labour Day celebrations about supporting Steve Ashtons run at the Provincial NDP leadership position.

Raw video provided by Shaw Cable

Federal MP Niki Ashton delivered a speech that reminded the crowd of the struggle out east by stating "This is the time to keep pushing, keep fighting, because we have to protect every single right we have fought for....". She later went on to state "We're not going to let outside companies from Brazil or wherever they are, take away our rights and break our communities"

Raw video provided by Shaw Cable

Federal NDP MP for the Churchill Riding Nikki Ashton with Murray Nychyporuk

Thompson rock band Monalith performed a number of different songs at the event and although they had a struggle with the cold weather, the music seemed to warm them up as well as the crowd that participated.

Raw video provided by Shaw Cable

Thompson local rock band "Monalith" performs at the event

USW 6166 would also like to thank the Following