Ontario's Historical Plaques

Here's where you can learn a little Ontario history.

The Printers' Strike of 1872

Photo by Alan L Brown - March 19, 2004

Plaque Location

The City of Toronto
On the NE corner of Queen's Park Crescent East and Grosvenor Street

Plaque Text

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 page:
The Nine-Hour Movement

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