Inspired by Labour Day demonstrations in Toronto, Mathew McGuire brought the concept to the USA.
Here a link to a brief article about the first Labour Day parade in 1872:
http://thecanadianencyclopedia.com/en/article/labour-day/
The annual Labour Day Picnic was held by the Nanaimo, Duncan and District Labour Council on September 3, 2013. New Democrat MLAs Lenard Krog, Bill Routley and Doug Routley and MP Jean Crowder attended, each making a few short remarks saluting the Unions gathered.
For the first time, the Machinists Union had a table display. Chief Shop Steward John Humphrey from Inland Kenworth (LL1857), arranged for the table to be manned. Featured was information about the IAM and our newsletter, Northwest News. Shirts were given away in a draw and the usual swag, including our excellent pencils c/w clips.
The table was not the only contribution made by Machinists. Two members of unioNation™ came to share some of the original songs written by Machinists. Brother Brad Seefried brought two other members of his band Mine Town to perform his songs ‘Little Penguins’ and ‘I AM a Workingman’. BR Alastair Haythornthwaite performed ‘Sleeping Giant’ and a new song about the founders of our Union ‘Ride, Boomers, Ride’. Their efforts were well received.
Volunteers served hot dogs and fried onion to the crowd while an antique and muscle car show by ILWU rounded out the day’s attractions.
This update is from BCFED. Reader may be aware of the epic battle the Machinists have been waging with IKEA in the USA. Read more here.
AT ISSUE
IKEA in Richmond wants to lower the wages it pays its employees by imposing a tiered wage structure. More than 350 employees have been locked out by IKEA since May 13 of this year.
AFFECTED SITES
IKEA Richmond – Currently behind picket lines.
IKEA Coquitlam – No picket lines, but every dollar spent in IKEA Coquitlam is helping IKEA win the fight in Richmond.
HOW CAN I HELP?
Join IKEA workers at the Richmond IKEA location this Saturday at 11:00 am in a show of support for a fair settlement.
CLICK HERE for the Facebook invite and more details.
HOW ELSE CAN I HELP?
BACKGROUND
Socialism is linked in this print to a better life for all who toil. All the demands of the Labour Unions and farm labourers are on the ribbons, the abolition of privilege, the land for the people, the eight hour day, employer liability for injuries and adult suffrage. But also the dream of a better personal life, freedom from starvation, “A life worth living”.
We have come a long way since 1894 but the struggle has not stopped, both to protect what we have won and to fulfil all the other hopes inscribed in the print.
The Hope of Labour is the Welfare of All