Manitoba companies could be banned from hiring replacement workers during strikes if MLA Steve Ashton becomes premier.

Ashton said he is willing to consider passing a law that would forbid companies from hiring temporary workers to fill in for striking employees.

The idea has been a long-standing request from union leaders, but business groups say it would be unfair. Graham Starmer, head of the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce, said a ban would force companies to shut down during a strike, which could put some out of business permanently.

The other two leadership candidates — who, like Ashton, resigned from cabinet to seek the party leadership — are also cool to the idea of outlawing replacing workers.

Greg Selinger said he would instead build on a current law that allows labour disputes to go to arbitration after 60 days.

Andrew Swan said he would be "unlikely" to ban replacement workers, and would prefer to find other ways to maintain labour peace.

NDP delegates will choose the party's next leader Oct. 17. The winner will replace Gary Doer, who has been named Canada's next ambassador to the U.S.