Hands, Hearts, and Labour Day

by Angela Sanford

The long weekend of September is upon us bringing, for many, the final camping trip or getaway of the season. It means the temporary closing of favourite sites, such as Summertime Treats and it also signals the return to routine—packing lunches, organizing schedules, and, for those in education, preparing to welcome a new school year.

   But what is the deeper significance of Labour Day?

   Step back to the 1870s and protests for worker’s rights, specifically better hours and working conditions, were the driving factors for the Toronto Printer’s Strike. Nearly 25 years later, in 1894, Labour Day was nationally recognized as a holiday to celebrate the heart of our country – our workers. The day honours the efforts of countless vocations to improve work conditions and highlight the pride of their craft.

   From the perspective of a teacher, Labour Day carries a layered meaning. Teaching has never been confined to the four walls of a classroom. At one time, it was widely considered a lifestyle choice—a calling that shaped a teacher’s identity, making them sought out community figures. 

   Today, however, increasing bureaucracy, stress, and demands have made it harder to view teaching as an all-encompassing way of life. For many, the profession is now treated more like a 9-to-5 ob out of necessity, with boundaries drawn to preserve personal well-being. 

   Even so, teachers continue to advocate for students – for manageable class sizes and student supports among the common issues. Though not considered a trade, teaching is a craft, one that shapes community. 

   Having married a tradesperson (Drywaller), I also see Labour Day through a different lens. Skilled trades are essential to community life, with physical and tangible contributions where we live, learn, and gather.

   They, too, work long hours. They have regular meetings to discuss ever evolving safety standards and, like teaching, have seen fewer people entering their fields in recent years, raising concerns about how to sustain these critical roles in the future.

   When you place these perspectives side by side, a common thread emerges; whether in a classroom or on a construction site, labour is about creating, sustaining, and improving community life. While the labour force has certainly changed over the decades since the introduction of Labour Day as a holiday, the significance of Labour Day has not.

   So, yes, Labour Day may be the last hurrah of summer, but it is also a day to pause and honour of all types of labourers – those people who keep our communities strong.  Whether you join a parade, relax on a beach, spend time with family, or however you chose to spend your day, take a moment to express your gratitude to a worker who gives their skill and commitment to our benefit our community.