In his younger years, Al worked across northern Canada before returning to settle in Saint John where he was employed at Canada Post.

It was there that he discovered his passion for the labour movement.

He served numerous terms on the executive of Fundy Local of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers.

He held a temporary position at CUPW Regional office in Halifax and served on the National Disciplinary Committee.

Al was also a delegate to the Saint John and District Labour Council and N.B. Federation of Labour and became a familiar face and voice at demos and picket lines.