Labour Day is celebrated throughout Canada and the United States on the first Monday in September. It honours the labour movement and recognizes the achievement of labourers in both countries. Even though fewer and fewer people participate in Labour Day activities, it remains a statutory holiday. Many Canadians spend the Labour Day participating in leisure activities with their families.
The Origin of Labour Day
Labour Day history dates back to the 1880s. It originated from the rallies organized by the workers in the Victorian era. Some historians trace it back to the Nine Hour Movement that took place in Canada between January and June 1872. Its goal was to introduce a standardized nine-hour working day. Up to that point workers often had to work twelve hours a day. Though this demand didn’t stick at the time, the movement did have an impact, as it led to the creation of the Canadian Labor Union.
The September celebrations were held even more frequently after the New York convention that took place in September 1882. The American Federation of Labour and the Knights of Labour as well as the Canadian chapters of these organizations also supported them. The September celebrations took place in Toronto (1882); Hamilton and Oshawa (1883); Montreal(1886); St. Catherine’s (1887); Halifax (1888); Ottawa and Vancouver (1890); and London (1892).
Declaring it a Statutory Holiday
As the unofficial holiday (Only Montreal made it a civic holiday in 1889) became more and more popular, the labour organizations put a pressure on the federal government to make it a statutory holiday. Between March and April of 1894, many labour organizations from Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Manitoba and British Columbia sent petitions to Members of Parliament to make the September celebrations an official day off. Prime Minister, John Thompson, sponsored a bill to promote discussion about the holiday’s legal status in The House of Commons in May 1894. The House passed a law making the holiday official. It received Royal Assent on 23 July, 1894. The US federal government also recognized the holiday in 1894.
September 3, 1894 Celebrations
September 3, 1894 was a big celebration. In Montreal, the city’s Trades and Labour Congress organized a parade that set out from the Champ de Mars Park at 9:00 a.m. Its divisions gathered union workers representing the same trade. The Knights of Labor of Grande-Hermine led them to a park where they held speeches, games and a picnic. In Quebec City, the Trades and Labour Congress held a mass instead followed by bicycle competitions, foot races and a lacrosse match.
Similar events took place across Canada. The parade was the main event. It featured mostly working men, the breadwinners. Women were mostly excluded; they only helped prepare food for the participants and waved to the marching men. Immigrant workers, minorities and other marginalized groups as well as the Indigenous people also didn’t participate.
Loss of popularity
Labour Day has been losing popularity since the 1950s. There are several reasons why this is happening. Most importantly, the rise of consumer society has made people want to spend their time outside of the cities to de-stress and reconnect with their families. Secondly, the changes in labour unions and politicizing their messages has driven people away. Thirdly, there are other events that celebrate workers such as May 1 (International Workers’ Day/May Day) or Women’s Day (which is important for feminist unionism).
In spite of that, Labour Day continues to be celebrated in Canada. Formal Labour Day festivities go hand in hand with informal celebrations. For example, parades are still held in Toronto and Ottawa on the first Monday in September, but many people prefer to go to picnics, or go hiking and spend time with friends and family members. It is a treat for kids to watch the fireworks in the evening. It is a great way to finish off the summer.
Happy Labour Day!
