GRAND FALLS-WINDSOR, N.L. — It wasn’t the Labour Day celebration that Grand Falls-Windsor is used to holding.
This was supposed to be the day of the 100th Labour Day parade in the central Newfoundland town, but the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything.
Instead, the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour helped with the organization of a provincial event that was streamed live over social media. The federation worked with the Central Newfoundland Labour Council, along with the Grand Falls-Windsor Heritage Society, to produce the event.
“Every program I ever watched had a sponsor, and the sponsor this morning just wants to say to you this long weekend has been brought you by organized labour. Please enjoy,” said Ron Smith, member of the Grand Falls-Windsor Heritage Society and longtime participant in the parade.
The event attracted labour leaders from across the province, as well as federal, provincial and municipal officials.
It gave people the chance to recognize the work of essential workers during the pandemic, and put their support behind those essential workers striking at Dominion grocery stores across the province.
“The message is clear and simple enough, I think, about how workers need to be a part of any discussion on economic recovery." — Mary Shortall
There were a dozen or so pictures from past Labour Day parades and even some live music courtesy of Jim Payne.
A handful of spectators sat outside the event and watched the proceedings from afar. The pandemic restrictions didn’t allow them inside, but they sat in lawn chairs and took everything in.
Held at the Grand Falls-Windsor Heritage Society, which is near the site of the old paper mill, the event was kicked off by the sound of the mill's steam whistle.
“I’m thankful today we can come together as a small group and celebrate the contributions of all workers,” said Bev Burke with the Central Newfoundland Labour Council. “As we celebrate the day, let us not forget those workers who pioneered the way for us to carry on their hard work.
“This sounds simple today, but we know the journey was long and hard. Battles were fought and won. We stand here today as the beneficiaries of the struggle.”
That labour struggle has strong ties to Grand Falls-Windsor. At the turn of the 20th century, multiple unions were formed at the paper mill.
In the 1930s, papermaker Alphonse Gregory Duggan successfully formed the local Trade and Labour Council. He was also involved in the formation of the Pulp, Sulphite and Paper Mill Workers Union.
During the event, the federation of labour launched its plan for its worker-centred economic recovery plan.
The backbone of the federation’s plan will be the province’s workers and an effort by the provincial government to fund the public sector.
“We have consulted with and listened to our members, workers and others to propose what we believe are ambitious, feasible and necessary steps to achieve a strong and inclusive economic recovery,” said Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour president Mary Shortall.
The vision of the federation sees an economy that supports families and communities, respects the environment and funds quality public services.
The plan would see governments put money into social infrastructure, human capital and the green economy. Those expenditures would help stimulate the economy and help lift incomes, the federation says.
Under the plan, the economic recovery would also be inclusive and take gender into consideration, ensuring no one gets left behind.
“The message is clear and simple enough, I think, about how workers need to be a part of any discussion on economic recovery, and what better day to do it than on Labour Day and what better place to do it in than Grand Falls-Windsor,” said Shortall.
Nicholas Mercer is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter covering central Newfoundland for SaltWire Network