Trade unions legalised in Canada (1872)

The Trade Unions Act, passed by Prime Minister Macdonald on June 14, 1872, legally recognized the right of workers to associate in trade unions. This legislation emerged from the broader context of the Nine-Hour Movement, which began in Hamilton, Ontario, in 1872. Although the movement failed to secure the nine-hour workday, it marked Canada's first national labor attempt and significantly influenced labor relations.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. The Nine-Hour Movement started in Canada in 1872, based out of Hamilton, Ontario. It was Canada's first national attempt at a labor movement, uniting unionized and non-unionized workers to push for a nine-hour workday. The movement reached its height in May 1872 with a demonstration of 1,500 workers in Hamilton, which is considered a precursor to Canada's Labour Day.

Legislative Context. Prime Minister Macdonald passed the Trade Unions Act on June 14, 1872. This act gave workers the right to associate in trade unions. While the Nine-Hour Movement failed to deliver the nine-hour workday to most workforces, it made a major mark in labor relations in Canada and propelled the development of the Canadian Labour Union.

People involved

Sources

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