More than three hundred union leaders and activists from around the province gathered in Edmonton May 3-6 to participate in the Alberta Federation of Labour’s biennial convention.

During the course of the four-day meeting, delegates focused their discussions on the linkages that exist between democracy, globalization and workers rights.

The convention’s title – "This is What Democracy Looks Like!" – was a slogan used by activists involved in the recent anti-FTAA protests in Quebec City.

"We talked about democracy both inside our unions and in the broader Canadian society," said out-going AFL President Audrey Cormack. "In particular, we talked about the need for unions to get involved in the democratic process in order to better protect and promote the interests of working people."

Delegates to the convention heard from a number of high-profile speakers including, Dave Barrett, former Premier of British Columbia.

In addition, a panel was held to discuss the threat to democracy and workers rights posed by international trade agreements like NAFTA and the proposed Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA).

Convention delegates also discussed a wide range of resolutions and policy documents, including papers on human rights, drug testing in the workplace and strategies for political action by the labour movement in Alberta.

For more information about what went on at the AFL convention click on the links below.

Convention News

• Cormack says: "Thanks for the memories"
• New AFL president promises to fight for "better deal" for working Albertans
• Convention delegates picket Petro-Can
• Barrett urges labour to unite across borders
• Policy paper calls for new strategies to halt erosion of workers’ rights
• Delegates support dues increase for Federation
• Delegates agree to make Secretary-Treasurer unpaid
• Delegates vote to create taskforce on political action
• Council expands to include youth rep

Policy Papers (PDF)

• Losing Ground: 
  The Slow Decline of Workers’ Rights and Privileges in Alberta, 1975-2000
• Breaking Out of the Rut:
  A Position Paper on Politics and Democracy in Alberta Federation of Labour
• Labour of Loss: 
  An Examination of the Economic Effects of Discrimination in the Canadian Labour Market
• Drugs and Alcohol in the Workplace: 
  A Position Statement on Drug and Alcohol Policy

The Alberta Federation of Labour believes that only an informed electorate will keep our democracy healthy.
With big business dominating the mass media, it is essential that alternate, reliable information be available to working people -- so that they can cast their ballots in their own best interest. As part of the effort to provide that information, the AFL has put together this political action kit for union members. It contains fact sheets on key issues that each local can either distribute to members, schedule into regular meetings, or make use of in part or in whole as they see fit.