Legal Trade Unions in Canada Turn 150
June 14, 2022
Happy anniversary, unions in Canada! On June 14, 1872, federal passage of the Trade Union Act made workers associating into unions legal in Canada. Canadian labour researcher Doug Nesbitt writes that the Union Act was not a direct result of “enlightened and benevolent politicians looking out for the masses,” but worker agitation, organizing, and strikes, especially in Central Canada, like the Toronto Printers’ Strike of 1872 and broader Nine-Hour Movement.