By: Amelia Perfetto
Labour Day, a Canadian statutory holiday and the symbolic end of summer break, falls on September 1st this year. While many of us simply view it as a much-needed day of rest, there is an interesting and underappreciated history behind Labour Day, dating back 153 years at a labour demonstration in Toronto.
In 1872, printers were subjected to a punishing 12-hour, 6-day work week. The Toronto Typographical Union demanded a 9-hour workday and, when employers refused, the union members walked out of the job on March 25. Twenty-four union leaders were imprisoned for striking, as trade unions were illegal at this time. On April 15 that year, 10,000 supporters showed up for a rally at Queen’s Park, calling for the release of the union leaders. This demonstration led to the enactment of the Trade Unions Act, which officially decriminalized trade unions.
The demonstrations in 1872 inspired similar celebrations throughout Canada. In 1882, an American labour leader witnessed one of these labour festivals in Toronto. Inspired, he returned to the United States and organized the country’s first “labor day”. Throughout the 1880s, the Canadian government faced pressure to declare a national labour holiday. Finally, Prime Minister John Thompson passed a law making Labour Day official in 1894.
Labour Day is a reminder of how far we have come in Canada, the historic struggles of the working class and the continuing importance of establishing fair working conditions for employees’ wellbeing. When employees feel respected and happy at work, they demonstrate enhanced engagement, productivity and dedication.
At SWL, we will be celebrating our long weekend by travelling, resting and spending quality time with our loved ones. We know that it is only when our own cups are full that we can truly do good work for others.
