Albert Johnson 1961- 2014

Red Deer, Alta. – May 25, 2015 – UFCW 1118 activists recently gathered in Red Deer to dedicate the local’s education centre in memory of Albert Johnson, the local’s long-time leader who suddenly passed away last October after serving as president for 28 years.  The activists, officers and executive board members were joined by Tammy Johnson, who led the ribbon cutting in front of what is now The Albert Johnson Memorial Training and Education Centre.

“As you know, what motivated Albert were people, fairness, and dignity in the workplace,” Tammy told the gathering about her late husband. “Albert loved being there for the members, and I know he would feel so honoured not just for this occasion, but by being able to help the members and the local throughout the years.”

At the time of his death, Albert Johnson was the longest-serving UFCW Canada Local Union President in the country, and a committed lifetime activist and champion for the membership, the union, and for the rights of all working people — including temporary foreign workers who were able to achieve permanent status, thanks to groundbreaking UFCW 1118 collective agreements which obliged employers to provide a pathway to permanent residency.

“Albert’s commitment to assisting workers was incredible and second-to-none,” said UFCW Canada Local 1118 President Peter Frost, who first met Albert as a fellow worker and activist at Fletcher’s four decades ago, and was elected Local 1118 President following Albert’s passing. “And he told us continuously that, as activists, we had a responsibility every day to talk to our neighbours and community and send a message that equality and workers’ rights, and the union movement were good things. It was a great lesson, and a message that fits so well with an education centre honouring Albert’s memory.”