AFL President: On the road to a potential General Strike…

Yesterday, the Alberta Federation of Labour held a press conference in response to Danielle Smith and her UCP government’s decision to force teachers back to work. 

“Danielle Smith has awakened a sleeping giant,” warned Alberta Federation of Labour President Gil McGowan. “She has galvanized unions across the province, and indeed, across the country like never before.”

McGowan went on to say that Smith’s actions have given the labour movement a singular purpose: to topple the UCP government in Alberta.

McGowan reached out to all Albertans outraged by the UCP government’s actions, saying work will begin immediately to fight back, including the possibility of organizing Alberta’s first province-wide general strike if necessary.

Click here to watch the full press conference.

Already, other groups are voicing their outrage. Amnesty International has now condemned the government’s actions, as has the Canadian Civil Liberties Association. Both of these groups are well-known for advancing human rights and the concept of free speech.

It’s no surprise that Albertans are feeling frustrated and ready to fight back. A recent report by Global News notes that the number of Albertans who are relying on food banks is soaring.

Click here to read the Global News report.

As the affordability crisis solidifies into a longer-term fixture, creating nearly impossible conditions for everyday Albertans to make ends meet, frustration bubbles over, and a desire for change intensifies.

Alberta’s labour movement is offering Albertans an avenue to fight back at bargaining tables, in the media, and perhaps even in the streets.

To join the fight, the AFL is asking concerned Albertans to text RESIST to 55255 to join the Ready to Resist List and stay up to date on opportunities to fight for fairness in Alberta, regardless of where you work.

Posted on: October 30,2025