AFL President Congratulates UFCW 401 on Supreme Court Ruling

Edmonton – Gil McGowan, President of The Alberta Federation of Labour, offered his congratulations to the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 401 for winning a major victory for the rights of workers.

Today the Supreme Court of Canada struck down Alberta’s privacy laws as unconstitutional in relation to members of UFCW 401 recording individuals who chose to cross the 2006 picket line at Edmonton’s Palace Casino.

“This ruling ensures freedom of expression for working people and their unions,” said McGowan. “It’s a win for the rights of unions to fully represent workers during labour disputes.”

Doug O’Halloran, President of UFCW 401 said, “The Supreme Court has long recognized the importance of freedom of expression and we’re pleased with this ruling. This is an important victory for a union’s right to represent and protect workers.”

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Gil McGowan, President, Alberta Federation of Labour at 780-218-9888 (cell)