Rain, Quiet Streets, and a Lone Candidate: Don Woodstock’s Labour Day Afternoon in Winnipeg

Editorial Board

The afternoon sky over Winnipeg offered a steady, persistent rain that effectively washed out any prospects of a traditional Labor Day march. The damp conditions kept the public away, leaving the designated gathering site completely empty of workers. In fact, no union representatives or members showed up at all. In total, only three people were present at the scene.

Among them was mayoral candidate Don Woodstock, who turned out for the event despite the weather and the absence of a crowd. When reporters asked why he was the only mayoral candidate to make an appearance on such a deserted afternoon, he pointed to his background.

“I believe in having strong unions for workers,” Woodstock said, noting that he spent his years as a transit operator in the amalgamated union. “I understand the importance of unions, and I understand the importance of Labour Day. To support our union brothers and sisters, I was handpicked and trained as a critical incident stress manager to provide vital support in the event of on-the-job accidents.”

His history in the sector runs deep. During his time on the job, he actively participated in labour advocacy, representing many of the members and even seeking the position of vice president at one point. He recalled that having a voice and knowing how the system works is vital for getting things done, pointing back to an incident from his days driving transit.

A motorized wheelchair had slipped and fallen on the bus, nearly crushing a young girl. With his help and the assistance of others, everyone was safely lifted up and out of harm’s way. Following the close call, Woodstock pushed transit management to install better straps and anchors to properly stabilize motorized wheelchairs. Transit agreed and implemented the changes, prompting him to joke at the time that they should name the equipment the “Woodstock strap.” For him, it was an example of why safety matters and how working people can effect real change.

When asked what he would do for the union if he became mayor, he stated his position plainly.

“I will make it stronger than ever,” Woodstock said. “Unions are important. They play a vital role in our society and when elected mayor, transit will be my baby.”

He added that he intends to personally manage all things related to transit from the mayor’s office, working collaboratively with the union to strengthen the system and improve service. With no crowds to address and only a handful of people braving the rain, the candidate’s appearance served as a straightforward statement of his union background on a quiet holiday afternoon.