Alberta Federation of Labor

This article provides an overview of the Alberta Federation of Labor (AFL), including its history, significant events, and current issues. AFL was founded in 1912 to fight for the rights of mining workers and tradespeople in Alberta. It has grown to represent approximately 170,000 members and has played a significant role in advocating for workers' welfare. The article also discusses the challenges AFL faces, such as conflicts with the government and discrimination in the workplace, and the approaches taken to overcome these challenges. Overall, AFL aims to create a conducive working environment and equality for all workers.

Running Head: ALBERTA FEDERATION OF LABOR 1
Alberta Federation of Labor
Name
Institution
Tutor
Date of Submission

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Introduction
Alberta Federation of Labor (AFL) is a trade union in the province of Alberta that was
founded in the year 1912. Its main office is located in Edmonton, Alberta. The underlying reason
why AFL was established was to fight for the rights of the mining workers and the tradespeople
in Alberta. At the time (1911), the mining workers and tradespeople in Alberta’s coal fields were
facing unfavorable working conditions with high mortality rates being reported (Dempsey,
2010). When the people of Lethbridge demanded for the establishment of safety regulations and
occupational health guidelines, the response was formation of the Alberta Federation of Labor. It
is made up of moderate unionists such as skilled craft unions and radical unionists usually
coming from semi-skilled and skilled ranks (Finkel, 2012). With approximately 170, 000
members from several organizations, it has been able to represent it employees satisfactorily. For
instance, in connection with organizations such as Trades and Labor Congress (TLC), American
Federation of Labor, and Workers’ International Union, AFL was able to fight for the welfare of
the employees.
Significant events in the life of AFL union
Since the formation of AFL in 1912, it has encountered some events that has been
influential in the growth of the union. One major event happened in 1951 when AFL became
allies with the Oil Workers’ International Union (OWIU). Before this, AFL had experienced stiff
competition from other unions such as the One Big Union (OBU), Civil Service Association of
Alberta (CSA), Mine Workers Union of Canada (MWUC), and United Packinghouse Workers of
America (UPWA) (Laroche & Dufour-Poirier, 2017). Its association with the OWIU and later
with unions such as the Communications, Energy & Paper workers’ and Oil Chemical & Atomic
Workers was a relief. As a result, by the year 1955, it had increased its membership to over 8,

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000 with many employees working in packaging houses, steel plants, mines, railway and energy
companies.
Another major event of the union is the historical interaction of the AFL union with the
political parties in Canada. It all started in 1960s to 1990s. The support they got from the New
Democratic Party gave them a voice to air their grievances. The union was able to carry out
strikes and demonstrations without fear as they aired the injustices their workers faced (Choudry
& Thomas, 2013). Through this, a collective bargaining power was established for every
government worker. Another significant event was in 2014, when the union faced a fine of $ 50,
000 from the Canadian Television and Radio Commission. This was as a result of violation of
rules set by the provincial election robocalls.
These events had tremendous impact on the organization. For instance, the first two
events made the union grow, it became popular in Canada, and the members increased as well. It
gained access to the political arena whereby it could table the issues affecting their employees
and get an almost immediate response. The lives of their members, therefore, improved as the
government supported the union in offering a conducive working environment and better pay for
the workers. However, the last event and a negative impact on the union as they incurred a huge
loss when they were fined. Nevertheless, the union has vowed to fight for their workers and
bring justice in the workplace.
Current issues facing the union
AFL is facing several issues that make it have a rough time while carrying out its
mandate. The major one being experiencing conflicts with the government. The top officials of
the AFL claim that the government has placed several restrictions and regulations that affect

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their operations (Barnetson, 2009). These regulations make it hard for new members to join the
union and the process of establishing a union in a new workplace is hectic as well. Sometimes
the unions are faced with huge fines for taking parts in strikes and demonstrations. Also, the
union is faced with the challenge of fighting discrimination in the workplaces. Usually, workers
coming from poor backgrounds and the minority groups face harsh treatment in the hands of the
rest (Degener, 2016). The most affected groups being children from poor backgrounds, people
with disabilities, older people, immigrants, women, Aboriginal persons, and racialized persons.
Additionally, the challenge of dealing with employers who break the code of standards agreed
between them and the union. Many workers have complained that their workers’ compensation
coverage procedure has not been followed (Abella, 1974).
However, to overcome these challenges the AFL has come up with several approaches.
For instance, it has embarked on educating the minority and disadvantaged groups on their
rights. Every individual need to be respected in their workplaces without any discrimination. By
knowing their rights, they are able to articulate their grievances without feeling intimidated
(Tremblay, 2016). Further, the union through peaceful demonstration has embarked on letting
the government understand that some restrictions need to be uplifted. That their agenda is to
create a conducive working environment for all the citizens.
Therefore, the AFL is involved in various social issues as it advocates for several
concerns in the work places. They include issues on education, public health, energy policies,
and pensions. It aims at creating equality in all aspects of life.
Personal observations

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The sole purpose of the AFL union, is to create a difference in the lives of people.
Therefore, I would be glad if I became a member of this union. This is because my passion in life
is to create an environment that is favorable for all. Thus, it would bring me joy to fight for
people that cannot fight for themselves.

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References
Abella, I. (Ed.). (1974). On Strike: Six Key Labor Struggles in Canada 1919-1949 (Vol. 1).
James Lorimer & Company.
Barnetson, B. (2009). The regulatory exclusion of agricultural workers in Alberta. Just labor
Journal, 14 (1), 1-6.
Choudry, A., & Thomas, M. (2013). Labor struggles for workplace justice: Migrant and
immigrant worker organizing in Canada. Journal of industrial relations, 55(2), 212-226.
Degener, T. (2016). Intersections between disability, race and gender in discrimination law. In
European Union non-discrimination law and intersectionality (pp. 39-56). Routledge.
Dempsey, H. A. (8th Ed.). (2010). The day Alberta went dry. Alberta History, 58(2), 10-17.
Academic OneFile.
Finkel, A. (2012). Working people in Alberta: A history. Athabasca University Press.
Laroche, M., & Dufour-Poirier, M. (2017). Revitalizing Union Representation through Labor
Education Initiatives: A Close Examination of Two Trade Unions in Quebec. Labor
Studies Journal, 42(2), 99-123.
Tremblay, D. G. (2016). Trade Unions and Work-Life Rights: The Challenge of Work-Life
Interface in a Union Environment. Employee Responsibilities and Rights Journal, 28(3),
171-187.