Unions need to re-energize - Tom Cooper, Hamilton Spectator, Canada
Although Canada celebrates officially on the first Monday in September, many jurisdictions around the world consider today their official Labour Day.
Throughout the 20th century, Canada's labour movement made important strides in pushing for progressive changes in the workplace. Despite sometimes violent opposition from business and government, unions were largely responsible for advancements such as safer workplace conditions, fair hours, paid holidays ... even the concept of 'the weekend.'