EDMONTON – The Alberta labour movement became stronger and more cohesive in January, thanks to a decision by the United Nurses of Alberta (UNA) to join the Alberta Federation of Labour.

The decision to affiliate to the Federation was made directly and democratically by UNA’s 18,500 members, who cast ballots at hospitals, clinics and other health facilities across the province.

Delegates to the nurses’ annual convention set the wheels in motion for affiliation last November when they overwhelming supported a resolution to join the AFL and Alberta’s seven district labour councils.

But under UNA’s constitution, the motion had to be approved by both a majority of the unions’ members and a majority of its 163 locals.

The final vote was held January 16 – and a clear majority of nurses and UNA locals gave the green light to affiliation.

"Obviously we’re extremely pleased by the decision," said AFL president Les Steel after the results of the vote were announced.

Steel described the affiliation decision as a "win-win" situation for both the nurses and the broader labour movement.

"By joining the Federation, UNA and its members will benefit from the strength and solidarity that comes from being a part of the House of Labour. And the AFL will benefit from an infusion of new people, new ideas and new energy."

Steel added that UNA has a reputation for being one of the "most successful and principled unions in the country – so we welcome them into the fold with open arms. We’re looking forward to working more closely with them."

UNA First Vice President Bev Dick was also pleased with the result, saying that unions are always stronger when they stand together within organizations like the Federation.

"Registered nurses play an important role in this province’s labour movement," she said. "We can contribute even more by participating with the AFL. This co-operation will help make us all more effective."

With UNA on board, the AFL represents 112,735 unionized working people in communities across the province. UNA will become the Federations’ largest single affiliate, joining about 30 other unions from both the public and private sectors.