The Printers' Strike of 1872

Photos by Alan L Brown - Posted March, 2004

An Ontario Heritage Trust plaque, here on the northeast corner of Queen's Park Crescent East and Grosvenor Street, has this to say:

Plaque coordinates: 43.66195 -79.3898

The Nine-Hour Movement of 1872 was a broad labour effort to achieve a shorter work day through concerted strike action. The printers of the Toronto Typographical Union went on strike for a nine-hour day in late March. On April 15, they paraded with union supporters to Queen's Park. Near here, a crowd 10,000 strong rallied in their support. Employers, led by Liberal George Brown of the "Globe", had strike leaders charged with criminal conspiracy. Seeking workers support, Prime Minister John A. Macdonald passed the Trade Union Act which established the legality of labour organizations. Although certain restrictions remained on union activity, the strike won the TTU a nine-hour day and significantly altered relations between workers, employers and the government.

Related Toronto plaques
George Brown 1818-1880
Sir John A. Macdonald 1815-1891

Related Ontario plaque
The Nine-Hour Movement

More
Conflict

Here are the visitors' comments for this page.

(none yet)

Here's where you can write a comment for this page.

Note: If you wish to ask me a question, please use the email link in the menu.

Note: Comments are moderated. Yours will appear on this page within 24 hours
(usually much sooner).