Why Do We Celebrate Labour Day?
Canadians celebrate Labour Day each year on the first Monday in September, but what does the holiday really mean?
Today, Labour Day serves as a reminder to continue improving work conditions and the treatment of all people — building more inclusive, welcoming and respectful workplaces.
The Origins of Labour Day —
The origins of Labour Day can be traced back to April 15, 1872, when the Toronto Trades Assembly organized Canada’s first significant demonstration for worker’s rights. The aim of the demonstration was to release the 24 leaders of the Toronto Typographical Union who were imprisoned for striking to campaign for a nine-hour working day. At this time, trade unions were still illegal and striking was seen as a criminal conspiracy to disrupt trade. In spite of this, the Toronto Trades Assembly was already a significant organization and encouraged workers to form trade unions, mediated in disputes between employers and employees and signaled the mistreatment of workers.
There was enormous public support for the parade and the authorities could no longer deny the important role that the trade unions had to play in the emerging Canadian society. A few months later, a similar parade was organized in Ottawa and passed the house of Canada’s first prime minister, Sir John Macdonald. Later in the day, he appeared before the gathering and promised to repeal all Canadian laws against trade unions. This happened in the same year and eventually led to the founding of the Canadian Labour Congress in 1883.
Labour Day was originally celebrated in the spring but it was moved to the fall after 1894. A similar holiday, Labor Day is held on the same day in the United States of America. Canadian trade unions are proud that this holiday was inspired by their efforts to improve workers’ rights. Many countries have a holiday to celebrate workers’ rights on or around May 1.
Holiday Hours: CANS Office Closed on Monday, September 5, 2022
A reminder that CANS office will be closed this upcoming Monday, September 5 for Labour Day. We encourage you to plan accordingly for this temporary break in services; otherwise, please enjoy the long weekend!