UFCW 1006A is inviting members and their families to march with us this Labour Day, continuing a tradition that workers began more than 150 years ago.
The Labour Day parade will be taking place on Monday, September 4, 2023. Your union will be providing wristbands for free entrance to the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) for members who register their participation. Members are invited to bring their families and friends to march with UFCW 1006A.
NEW MEETING LOCATION THIS YEAR FOR TORONTO LABOUR DAY: On September 4, meet us between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. at Armoury Street between Centre Avenue and Chestnut Street (which is north of Queen St, and just east of University Avenue).
Registration for the Toronto Labour Day parade has closed. All members are welcome to join us in marching in the parade – if you have not registered, email Rick Young to see if CNE wristbands are still available: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Find an event near your community: List of Labour Day Events Across Canada (CLC)
Every year, UFCW 1006A members and staff march through the streets of downtown Toronto to ensure workers' voices are heard and to show the power of collective action.
In 1872, when the first Labour Day in Canada began, unions were illegal.
Members of the Toronto Printers Union had been consistently advocating for a shorter work week, only to be repeatedly ignored.
Facing unmovable employers, the workers took action, went on strike, and brought the publishing industry to a standstill.
Their collective action inspired other workers to join them in solidarity and on April 14, 1872, the first Labour Day took place as 10,000 workers came together.
Despite arrests, charges and scab labour, the Toronto printers’ efforts led to unions being decriminalized.
In 1894, as public support grew, Labour Day became a national holiday.
Through collective action, unions transformed Canada by helping in the creation of a strong middle-class, universal health care, the idea of weekends, the 40-hour work week, overtime pay, strong health and safety standards, parental leave, pensions, paid vacations and by eliminating child labour.
