In a small cage. I knew at once that I wanted to keep him

LABOUR DAY ESSAY 5 (600 WORDS) 
Introduction 
Labour Day is a special day dedicated to the labour class to recognize their hard work and 
efforts. It is celebrated across the globe in various countries. In most of the countries it is 
celebrated on the 1st of May that happens to be the International Workers‟ Day. The 
history and origin of Labour Day differs in different countries. 
Labour Day – The Origin of the Idea 
With the growth of industrialisation in Canada towards the end of the 19th century, the 
labour class became loaded with work. Their number of working hours and the amount of 
work increased drastically while their wages continued to be meagre. They were exploited to 
the core and this exploitation caused a lot of distress among them. Many of them fell ill due 
to the constant work load and many even lost their life owing to this reason. In order to 
raise their voice against this injustice, labourers from different parts of the country joined 
hands. They carried out various movements against the tyranny of the capitalist class. 
Labour Day in Canada 
In Canada, the Labour Day is celebrated on the first Monday of September. The labour 
class in the country was given its rightful rights after a lot of struggle. A number of 
movements were carried out in this direction by the labour unions. 
It was the Toronto Printers Union that demanded lesser working hours in early 1870s. In 
March 1872, they went on strike to get their demands fulfilled. They also conducted 
demonstrations for the rights of the workers. The printing industry in the country suffered 
immense loss due to this strike. Trade unions were formed in other industries too and soon 
they all came together to raise their voice against the industrialists. 
Around 24 leaders were arrested for instigating people to go on strike. Going on strike was 
an offence at that time. The law did not even allow the formation of trade unions. However, 
the protests continued and they were soon released. Few months later, similar parade was 

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organised in Ottawa. This forced the government to revise the law against the trade unions. 
Canadian Labour Congress was eventually formed. 
Labour Day in United States 
During the late 19th century, the trade unions in the United States suggested a special day 
to mark the contribution of the labour class towards the society. 
The growing exploitation of the labour class in the United States led to the Central Labour 
Union and Knights of Labours joining hands. Together, they led the first parade that 
marked a significant movement against the industrialists who were exploiting the labourers 
by paying them meagre wages and forcing them to work for long hours. The first parade 
was held in New York City. Workers from various organizations participated in it to stand 
for the cause. Their demands were eventually heard. 
In the year 1887, Labour Day was observed as a public holiday for the first time in Oregon. 
By 1894 as many as 30 states in United States began celebrating Labour Day. The day is 
celebrated to honour the American Labour Movement. 
Alternatively, it is said that it was Peter J. McGuire from the American Federation of 
Labour who first suggested that a special day must be dedicated to the labourers. He came 
up with the proposal in May 1882 after having seen the annual labour festival in Toronto, 
Ontario, Canada. 
Just as in Canada, Labour Day in the United States is also celebrated on the 1st Monday of 
September each year. 
Conclusion 
Labour Day is a time to relax and rejuvenate. It is also the time to honour those who fought 
for the rights of the labourers and brought about reforms. It is only because of the few 
people who came forward and encouraged others to do so too that the labourers were given 
their lawful rights. 
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