Longtime Labor leader Alan Netland retired from his position as president of the North East Area Labor Council, a seat he held for 18 years.
Central Labor Body President Derek Pederson was unanimously elected as the next NEALC President. “I want to thank Al Netland for his tireless work the last 18 years as the NEALC president,” Pederson said. “He is a true leader and will be missed.  I want to congratulate him on his retirement and wish him the best of luck.

Pederson said he was honored to be unanimously voted in as NEALC president and looked forward to strengthening solidarity and increasing engagement in the seven-county NEALC territory.

Netland spent his tenure building political and union solidarity across the seven-county area, serving as both a modest figure and tough fighter throughout the years in the position.

“His contribution to the Labor Movement in Northeastern MinnesotaI has been substantial,” said Bernie Burnham, president of the Minnesota AFL-CIO. “I first met Alan years ago when our children attended the Lowell Music Magnet Elementary School. As parents, we worked together on PTA and family events, supporting our educators and public education.

“Moving forward, I became a teacher myself and attended Central Labor Body meetings as a representative for Duluth Federation of Teachers, Local 692.  I can honestly say I learned a lot through the years from Alan. He was there for me when I decided to run for vice president of Education Minnesota and again when I ran for the seat I hold today.”

Burnham said Netland and other union colleges stood with the teachers through school board races, referendum and levy votes. “Under Alan’s leadership in the last round of contract bargaining for the DFT, educators knew they had the support of our broader labor family.  It’s not only educators, other unions have benefited as well from our collective voice.” 

Burnham said Netland’s leadership has been key throughout the years. “I know I’m not the only one who can say he taught me well and I’m grateful for all we’ve done together throughout the years.”

Burnham also said she looked forward to working with Pederson in his new role.