The Alberta Federation of Labour has launched a significant new campaign targeting the provincial government's recent policy moves, positioning what they call a "worker agenda" as the central focus of their advocacy efforts.
Union Leaders Announce Strategic Campaign
At a media conference held on November 14, 2025, at Edmonton's Chateau Lacombe hotel, AFL president Gil McGowan and secretary-treasurer Cori Longo outlined their comprehensive strategy to counter what they describe as anti-worker policies from the current government. The campaign represents one of the most coordinated efforts by Alberta's labour movement in recent years.
The union leaders expressed deep concerns about several government initiatives that they believe undermine workers' rights and protections across the province. While specific policy targets weren't detailed in the initial announcement, the campaign signals a heightened level of organized opposition to the government's direction on labour matters.
Growing Tensions in Alberta Labour Landscape
The launch of this worker agenda campaign comes amid increasing tensions between organized labour and the provincial government. The Alberta Federation of Labour, representing thousands of workers across multiple sectors, has positioned itself as a leading voice in advocating for worker protections and fair labour practices.
Gil McGowan, a prominent figure in Alberta's labour movement, emphasized the urgency of their campaign, noting that government actions in recent months have created what he called "an unprecedented challenge" for working Albertans. The federation plans to mobilize its membership and build public support for their alternative vision of labour policy in the province.
Strategic Approach and Expected Impact
The campaign will employ multiple strategies, including public education efforts, direct advocacy with government officials, and potential mobilization of union members. The AFL leadership indicated they plan to make the worker agenda a central issue in public discourse, particularly as the government continues to implement its policy priorities.
This development represents a significant escalation in the ongoing dialogue between labour groups and the provincial government. The campaign's launch at a prominent Edmonton hotel underscores the seriousness with which the federation is approaching this initiative and their intention to maintain a high-profile presence in the policy debate.
As the campaign unfolds, observers expect increased public discussion about workers' rights, labour standards, and the balance between government policy objectives and worker protections in Alberta's evolving economic landscape.
