Labour Day 2024
August 13, 2024
Labour Day falls on the first Monday in September. While many Canadians may think of Labour Day as the unofficial end to the summer, it is actually a day of great significance for the labour movement and workers' rights.
In 1872, at a time when unions were still illegal in Canada, a demonstration was held in support of striking workers from the Toronto Typographical Union who were fighting for a shorter work week. What began as a group of 2,000 workers marching through the city streets became a parade of 10,000, standing together at Queen's Park in solidarity. Prime Minister John A. Macdonald sided with the workers and eventually passed the Trade Unions Act, which repealed outdated laws and decriminalized unions.
The events in Toronto showed the power of workers to influence public opinion and shape policy through solidarity. Parades supporting and celebrating workers' rights became annual traditions across Canada. In 1894, Labour Day was declared a national holiday.
Today, we recognize the efforts of those early leaders of the labour movement. Across Canada, we come together to honour those who have fought to ensure better rights, wages and working conditions for all workers, and to speak out about ongoing labour issues and injustices.
ONA members have taken stands on major labour concerns in health care, including workplace violence, health and safety, safe staffing and pay equity. They are committed to standing up for any issues that directly affect their ability to deliver high quality care to Ontarians.
- Take Action - Support Nurses at LAMP Community Health Centre!
- Nurses and health-care professionals picket to protest profits in nursing homes – Ontario Nurses' Association
- Ontario Nursing Homes Ordered to Pay Nurses and Health-Care Professionals 11.5-per-cent Salary Increases Over Two Years – Ontario Nurses' Association
As the roles our members play in the health-care system grow and evolve, ONA will continue working to ensure safe practice settings for health-care workers and patients.
Events
We encourage ONA members, family, and friends to join us and other labour leaders in celebrating this Labour Day.
The Canadian Labour Congress has compiled a list of 2024 Labour Day Events. Find one in your community!
