The origins of Labour Day can be traced back to April 14, 1872, when a parade was staged in Toronto to support the Typographical Union’s strike for a nine hour workday. After members of the union were arrested, labour leaders called for a demonstration to take place on September 3rd of that year. It was only in 1894 that the governments of Canada and the United States made it an official holiday.
Labour Day is a celebration of working people and the gains they’ve won:
~ Higher wages and paid vacations
~ Decent pensions
~ Health and dental benefits
~ Health and safety standards
~ Equal rights at work
Workers march in Canada and the United States on the first Monday of September to call for greater equality, economic democracy, social justice and workers’ rights. It is up to working people, unions and their allies to continue this tradition in our struggle for a better world.
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