Alberta’s largest union, the 45,000-member Alberta Union of Provincial Employees was suspended by their national union, the National Union of Public and General Employees.

The suspension has resulted in AUPE losing affiliate status at both the Canadian Labour Congress and the Alberta Federation of Labour.

AFL President Audrey Cormack pledged continued support for AUPE members from the Alberta Federation of Labour.

"This is a difficult time for the labour movement – both nationally and here in Alberta," said Cormack. "We are facing substantial pressure on workers’ rights and entitlements, and anything that weakens solidarity undermines our ability to protect working people."

AUPE makes up about 30% of the Alberta Federation of Labour’s membership.

The AFL will be forced to make some tough decisions about programs and staffing," said Cormack, "but the labour movement will deal with this problem and move forward."

"We will continue to speak out for all workers in Alberta," concluded Cormack. Ultimately, we in the labour movement will be united again because that is both our strength and our underlying principle."