Labour Day

As we enjoy the extra day off this long week-end, I think it is important to remember the reason we observe Labour Day.  In Canada, we have celebrated Labour Day since the 1880’s and we have observed it on the first Monday in September since then.   This is a time to remember the sacrifices and vision of those who came before us and fought for many of the benefits we now take for granted – things like a forty-hour week, an eight-hour day,  sick leave and maternity leave. 

The labour unions were the first to advocate the “eight-hour movenment” – eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation and eight hours for rest.   Because of the efforts in this regard of the Toronto Trades Asssembly, made up of twenty-seven unions, our first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, repealed anti-union laws and the first Trade Union Act was passed in 1873. 

Labour Day is very important to union members all over the world and is celebrated world-wide, although not all on the same day.  The majority of countries who celebrate Labour Day site  its origin as the fight for the eight-hour day and also celebrate all the other benefits gained over the years after that.  We now enjoy good working conditons and fair wages which contribute to a better way of life for all of us.

Even those who are not members of a union should appreciate the actions of organized labour that have led to all of us being treated fairly and with respect in the work place.  It was because of the pressure excerted by the members of organized unions that even non-unionized work places began to offer eight-hour days and forty-hour weeks.  We now enjoy many other benefits, no matter where we work and no matter if we are affliated with a union or not.

Many people see the Labour Day week-end as the end of summer and the start of the new school year.  People who have cabins at the lake often close down their summer place on this week-end.  And of course, in Saskatchewan, we cheer on our Riders in the annual Labour Day Classic against the Blue Bombers.  Parents often use this week-end to spend leisurely quality time with their children before the mad rush of school and extra-curricular events and sports begin.  Whatever your plans are for this week-end, I hope you enjoy it and have a wonderful time.  I also hope you take a moment to reflect on the reason we celebrate this week-end and to appreciate the lifestyle we enjoy because of it.