Meet
Rob Ashton

I’m Rob Ashton. I’ve been a dockworker and a union member for over 30 years. Today, I’m the National President of International Longshore Workers Union (ILWU) Canada and I’m honoured that my members put their trust in me. I’m also a dad, stepdad, and grandfather. My family’s support gives me the strength to stand up and fight – not just for them, but for everyone.

I’m not a politician. For most of my life I’ve been a worker. I know what it means to put in a hard day’s work, to worry if the paycheque will stretch far enough, and to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with others to take on the boss – and win.

The issues that matter to Canadians are the same issues I hear people talk about in the break room or over coffee with friends: being able to afford the basics like a roof over your head and food on the table; looking forward to a comfortable retirement, and still having enough left over to enjoy life with your loved ones. Instead, people are facing an affordability crisis and growing inequality, as the gap between ordinary people and the ultra-rich widens year after year. 

During my career, I’ve fought for workers and I’ve fought for my community. I’ve built coalitions across movements fighting for fairness and equity. I’ve tried to listen carefully, to be a problem-solver, and to back up  words with action. I’ve kept 12 autonomous ILWU locals united for over a decade, so I know how to build consensus through open, tough, and honest conversations.