Thousands of union members (and friends) turned out for the 2016 Labour Day Parade to celebrate the strength and solidarity of workers.
Many participants who braved the blazing summer sun started at University Ave. and Queen St. and marched to the CNE grounds with bands, labour flags and megaphones.
It was an important day to celebrate the gains workers have made, such as maternity leave, sick days, weekends and other important benefits.
However, it is important to remember that many are losing some of those gains, and we have to fight to keep them.
Labour Day in Toronto dates back to 1872 when local printers went on strike to have their working week shortened to 58 hours. Other workers supported the strike and many were arrested and thrown in jail.
Eventually, Prime Minister John A. Macdonald’s government decriminalized union activities with the Trade Union Act.
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OSSTF D34-ILSC members (L to R) Former D34-ILSC President Alexander Brown, D34-ILSC Chief Negotiator Valerie Uher, D34-ILSC President Mark Dallas and D34-ILSC member John McGraw came out to celebrate on this important day.
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| D34-ILSC Chief Negotiator Valerie Uher (L) and D34-RCM President Stanley Rosenzweig (R) |
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Amalgamated Transit Pipers were also there to celebrate
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