Last week, from April 24 to 27, 2025, GSU delegates joined many other unions in Edmonton for the Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL) convention. Held every two years, the event serves as an opportunity to shape the priorities and direction of the AFL.

A central focus of this year’s convention was the development and promotion of a comprehensive worker agenda — a detailed roadmap of policy goals and initiatives aimed at improving the lives and working conditions of Albertan workers. The agenda featured several forward-thinking and potentially transformative ideas for the labour movement. A key principle emphasized throughout was the importance of unionized workers actively supporting one another and standing in solidarity with all working people across the province.

A particularly inspiring moment for many attendees was the keynote address delivered by Chris Smalls. For those unfamiliar with his story, Chris is the founding President of the Amazon Labor Union (ALU) in New Jersey. His story is remarkable: he spearheaded a grassroots organizing drive in the midst of the COVID-19 lockdowns. After being unfairly dismissed for speaking out about worker safety, Chris didn’t stop fighting. Instead, he and others set up every day at the bus stop outside his former Amazon warehouse, engaging with his fellow workers for more than 300 days. This unwavering dedication to the often difficult work of organizing ultimately led to his former workplace becoming the very first unionized Amazon warehouse in the United States — a historic achievement, especially against a $1.5 trillion corporation.

Beyond the formal sessions and speakers, the Convention highlighted the fundamental importance of workers coming together. These gatherings provide invaluable spaces for union members to connect, share the challenges they face in their respective workplaces, and exchange ideas for building a stronger labour movement. On this front, it was particularly significant that the president of our newest GSU local — Local 10, representing workers at Trouw Nutrition in Westlock, Alberta — was able to attend. It provided a fantastic opportunity for Rolando to see firsthand the diverse range of unions that collectively make up the AFL and to experience the strength of that broader solidarity. Working people who stand up don’t stand up alone.