Nine-Hour Movement

The Nine-Hour Movement was an 1872 Canadian labour movement, based out of Hamilton, Ontario. The Nine-Hour Movement, which pushed for the nine-hour work day, was Canada's first attempt at a national labour movement. The action mobilized both unionized and non-unionized workers. The movement came to its height in May 1872 when a collective force of 1,500 workers demonstrated in Hamilton in a parade-style fashion. This action is recognized as a precursor to the Canadian holiday of Labour Day. While the movement failed to deliver the nine-hour work day to most industries, it made a major mark on labour relations in Canada.

Despite its failure, the movement succeeded in creating a unified protest and encouraged workers to fight for their rights through legal measures of labour law. Furthermore, the movement signalled the labour had a public presence and that its interests, institutions, and political stances reflected its unique social position and economic needs.

One positive result for labour rights that followed the Nine-Hour Movement was the passage of the Trade Unions Act by Sir John A. Macdonald on June 14, 1872, which gave workers the right to associate in trade unions. Additionally, minor victories of the Nine-Hour Movement included the repealment of repressive labour legislation and the passage of laws that strengthen workers' rights against employers. The Nine-Hour Movement also helped propel the development of the Canadian Labour Union.

Employer hostility and resistance, the waning prosperity of various industries, and significant divisions within the labour force (such as racial or gender differences) have all been identified as prominent factors which contributed to the failure of the Nine-Hour Movement.