Wondering why we still need unions today? Wondering what unions have done for people in the past? Unions have helped to take a unified message from a group of workers and amplify it, making workplaces safer, more inclusive, and fairer. What people sometimes forget is that the work of unions like the IUPAT doesn’t just benefit people with union jobs. Below are some union actions that have benefited Ontarians and Canadians, no matter where they work.
The ‘Nine Hours Movement’Shortens the Work Day
If you benefit from the current structures of work hours and overtime, you have the Typographical Union of Toronto, and other trades unions to thank. In the late 1800s, tradespeople typically worked 11-12 hours per day. In order to pursue a shorter work day, the Typographical Union of Toronto led a strike in 1872 that was supported by other trade unions, even though people coming together to increase wages or lower hours was illegal at the time. Not only did this strike lead to the establishment of nine hour work days in many trades, it also led to the legalization of this type of union negotiation as well as peaceful picketing.
The ‘Workmen’s Compensation Act’Provides Insurance
Even with shorter work days, tradespeople often worked in dangerous conditions, and if they were injured on the job before 1914, their only recourse was to sue their employer. With 40-50 workers injured every day and 5 workers being killed every week, both tradespeople and employers came together to put pressure on the government to create an insurance program that would improve workplace safety and injury compensation. The Ontario’s Workmen’s Compensation Act was introduced in 1914, which led to the foundation of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. This Board continues to serve Ontarians more than 100 years later.
Unions Fight for Workplace Safety
In the 1950s and 1960s, union jobs continued to have a high level of risk, and the exploitation of workers remained a widespread issue. In March of 1960, five Italian immigrant workers died in a tragic workplace incident resulting from a lack of safety measures and protective gear. This incident led to Ontario union organizers to fight to give Canadian workers more rights related to their health and safety. This movement eventually led to the creation of the Canadian Labour Safety Code, allowing all Canadians the right to refuse work, the right to be informed about hazards, and the right to participate in health and safety discussions.
‘Parental Leave’Supports Union Members and Their Families
While many of us take parental leave for granted now, paid maternity leave didn’t exist in Canada until 1971! Unions fought for the initial federal maternity leave program, but they didn’t stop there. Many unions continued to negotiate for not only longer paid maternity leave, but also paternity leave and parental leave for adoptive parents. These negotiations didn’t just improve conditions for members of that union; government legislation has been changed thanks to the persistence of those with union jobs speaking up for all Canadians.
Unions Help Pass ‘Bill 148’
Many people have said they are already benefiting from the increase in Ontario’s minimum wage and other provisions of Bill 148. People with union jobs played a significant role in making this happen, fighting not only for the rights of union workers, but for all people working in the province. This solidarity allowed the movement to reach across industries and gain enough momentum to have the demands met by the provincial government.
Not all people will end up working union jobs, but the people who do have a strong legacy of ensuring the rights of all working people are protected and respected. If you are looking to join the IUPAT, please contact us. We always welcome new members! If you have concerns about violations of your rights on the job, any IUPAT member can call our tip line24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 416-630-5180 or toll free at 1-877-717-4322.
