The Alberta Federation of Labour wrapped up its biennial convention May 6 with its newly elected president, Les Steel, pledging to strengthen labour unity and continue the fight for workers’ rights in the province.

"This was an incredibly productive and energizing convention," said Steel. "The delegates proved that labour solidarity is alive and well in Alberta."

Steel, who has served as the AFL’s Secretary-Treasurer for the past 6 years, was acclaimed as president by the 310 delegates who attended this year’s convention. Kerry Barrett, a member of the United Food and Commercial Workers’ union (UFCW) Local 401 in Medicine Hat, was chosen as Secretary-Treasurer.

Steel says one of his top priorities as president will be to bring as many unions into the AFL’s "house of labour" as possible.

"This convention reminded us that working people are stronger when they stand together," said Steel. "When unions band together we create a powerful movement – a movement on behalf of working people that can’t be ignored."

Steel’s other priorities as president include a commitment to:

Fight for labour laws that remove unfair barriers to labour organizing and contract negotiation

Spread the word more widely about the benefits of union membership and the positive role played by unions in society

Continue working with labour’s social partners to oppose things like private health care and international trade agreements that undermine the rights and interests of working people.

"I am confident that we will be able to build an even stronger and more united labour movement over the next few years," said Steel. "I’m also confident that the AFL will continue to be one of the most creative, progressive and effective labour centrals in the country. This convention has provided us with the tools and the energy we need to continue fighting on behalf of working people in this province."