Long-time City of Calgary foreman elected new president of CUPE Alberta

LETHBRIDGE, AB, March 21, 2019 /CNW/ - Delegates at CUPE Alberta's annual convention elected Rory Gill to be their new provincial president, Thursday, wrapping up the three-day event.

"I'm very honoured that members elected me to further the mission of CUPE to protect workers' rights, promote social justice and better our society," said Gill, shortly after his acclamation.

"My priorities as president are to help in any possible way to re-elect Rachel Notley and Alberta's NDP Government, work to enhance communication and cooperation, and work to organize the unorganized within the public service in Alberta."

He replaces Marle Roberts, who retired after serving eight years as CUPE Alberta's president.

"I'm proud of the progress we've made," said Roberts, to a standing ovation. "And I'm humbled and grateful for the support and friendship you've given me over that time."

Gill worked in the public sector with the City of Calgary for over 20 years. He first joined the City as a seasonal parks labourer in 1997 and worked in several different capacities until he was promoted to foreman in the Parks Department in 2000.

In 2006, Gill became active in his local, CUPE 709 - the Calgary Civic Foremen's Union, where he served as a job steward. He has been active in his local since 2010 and has served on the CUPE Alberta's provincial executive since 2016.

Gill is originally from Aberdeen, Scotland, though he primarily grew up in Calgary. He is the proud father of two sons.

SOURCE Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE)