Labor (Labour) Day in Canada has its origins in an 1872 demonstration held by the Toronto Trades Assembly (TTA). Serving as Canada's first significant campaign for worker's rights, the demonstration was created to garner the release of 24 leaders of the Toronto Typographical Union (TTU). During this time, trade unions were illegal and the TTU leaders were imprisoned for striking to campaign for a nine-hour working day.
The TTA held large parades and picnics and received a large public following. The parades became so empowering that Canadian Prime Minister Sir John A. Macdonald repealed “anti-union” laws and in June of 1874 parliament passed the Trade Unions Act. Contemporary Canadian celebrations of Labor Day consist of picnics, fireworks, trips, and parades.
Labor Day in North America has blurred origins. Some believe that co-founder of the American Federation of Labor Peter J. McGuire is responsible for the holiday, while others believe that machinist, Matthew Maguire is responsible. Whatever the origins, the first American Labor Day was influenced by the Canadian holiday and was held on September 5th, 1882 in New York City. In 1884, the first Monday in September became the official day for the holiday.
Traditional celebrations of Labor Day in North America consisted of large parades, festivals and speeches by prominent union members. Contemporary celebrations include smaller parades and celebrations. The holiday is now viewed as the unofficial end of summer and the official slowing down of the vacation season.
Find out more about Labor Day by visiting TimeandDate.com and the United States Department of Labor.
