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In the early 1800s during the industrial revolution workers formed unions to react to low wages, long hours, and unfavourable work conditions.
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In 1872 in Toronto Typographical unions went on strike for nine hour days. 10,000 workers followed as well. Although at the time in 1872 unions were still illegal and the people in charge of the strike were arrested. Following these events the Trade Union Act became law.
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1919 in Winnipeg on May 15th, due to high inflation thousands of workers walked out and did not return to work until June 21. During the protest on June 21th, the RCMP used excessive force which resulted in the death of two people and many more left injured.
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During The Great Depression (1929-1939) some younger workers traveling "On to Ottawa Trek” resulted in the creation of unemployment insurance.
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In March of 1960, after five immigrant workers had sadly passed in a tunneling accident, unions fought to establish the Ontario Industrial Safeties Act.
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In the 1960s women in the workforce increased by 30% to 60%,
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in the 1970s it rose to over 70% more women working Unions started to fight for birth rights while working.In 1971, maternity benefits were established in Canada. Overtime unions negotiated longer maternity leave, and better pay.