UFCW 1006A members and staff were proud to march in downtown Toronto for Labour Day to ensure workers' voices are heard and to show the power of collective action.
In 1872, when the first Labour Day in Canada began, unions were illegal.
Members of the Toronto Printers Union had been consistently advocating for a shorter work week, only to be repeatedly ignored.
Facing unmovable employers, the workers took action, went on strike, and brought the publishing industry to a standstill.
Their collective action inspired other workers to join them in solidarity and on April 14, 1872, the first Labour Day took place as 10,000 workers came together.
Despite arrests, charges and scab labour, the Toronto printers’ efforts led to unions being decriminalized.
In 1894, as public support grew, Labour Day became a national holiday.
Through collective action, unions transformed Canada by helping in the creation of a strong middle-class, universal health care, the idea of weekends, the 40-hour work week, overtime pay, strong health and safety standards, parental leave, pensions, paid vacations and by eliminating child labour.
Thank you to everyone who marched with us.
