International Workers’ Day
May 1st marks the International Workers’ Day which is celebrated across the globe.
As a unique Program that represents the Union and the Employer in the Federal Public Service, it is important for the JLP to commemorate this symbolic day. A day that represents past labour struggles against a host of workers' rights violations, including lengthy work days and weeks, poor conditions and child labour.
This day was chosen to commemorate the 1886 Haymarket affair in Chicago during the general strike by workers for the eight-hour workday. The government of Canada endorsed a worker's holiday in 1894. This is known as Labour Day which is celebrated on the first Monday of September in Canada.