Follows the rollercoaster of New Democratic Party fortunes under its first three leaders: Tommy Douglas, David Lewis and Ed Broadbent. In spite of the rise of big public sector unions, labour support proves less substantial than the NDP's founders had hoped. The negative public image of unions reflects on the party. In four major elections, 1979 to 1988, the Canadian Labour Congress mounts major campaigns for the party, with disappointing results. Another falling-out with labour occurs after the 1988 'free trade' election, and Broadbent steps down as leader.