Gil McGowan re-elected for two-year term

EDMONTON – A record 506 delegates, representing unions across the province, participated in the 54th AFL Constitutional Convention at the Edmonton Expo Centre, hosted by the Alberta Federation of Labour. Gil McGowan was re-elected as president for another two-year term on Sunday, the final day, and Cori Longo, retained her role as secretary treasurer through acclamation.

“This Convention confirmed the growing strength of the labour movement in Alberta,” said McGowan. “Every union leader and representative gathered in Edmonton this week was galvanized behind the Common Front, which is a commitment by unionized workers to stand up and support each other in pursuit of fair wages, better and safer working conditions, and a respect for their hard-earned rights.”

The theme of this year’s convention was “The Worker Agenda,” a detailed roadmap of what Alberta workers want, an agenda for change. The seven chapters of “The Worker Agenda” outlined solutions on the important issues facing Albertans today: wages; affordability; jobs and the economy; public services; health and safety; democracy; and the future of the labour movement itself. The Worker Agenda included seven resolutions that were passed by delegates, providing a clear focus for many of the AFL’s advocacy efforts over the next two years.

Other highlights of the Convention week included a keynote address from Chris Smalls, founder of the Amazon Labor Union, and the “Common Front Resistance Rally” at the Alberta Legislature on April 26.

-30-

MEDIA CONTACT:
Laurence Miall
Director of Communications and Campaigns, AFL
Email: lmiall@afl.org