Labour Day Walking Tour: Sherman Ave North and the 1946 Stelco Strike
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On the afternoon of Saturday, September 5th, we’ll be honouring the 80th anniversary of the 1946 Stelco Strike with a tour led by Professor Rob Kristofferson.
In 1946, 20% of Hamilton’s labour force walked off the job, including workers at Westinghouse, Firestone and eventually Stelco. But the solidarity and ability to do that didn’t just happen overnight. How did the city’s working class reach this breaking point? And how did their community rally behind them during weeks on the picket line?
Our tour will begin at the Playhouse Cinema, where the USW 1005 strike vote took place on July 18th, 1946. Dr. Kristofferson will lead the tour down Sherman Ave North, exploring the unique industrial and social history of the corridor that helped make the strikes of 1946 some of the most significant labour actions of their time, ultimately impacting labour relations in Canada for decades to come.
Following the tour, we will arrive at Pinch Bakery and Plant Shop for a community meal and original monologue performed by theatre artist and food security activist Emily Zimmerman. Inspired by the community kitchens and commissaries that emerge during labour unrest, Emily will explore the way food nurtured solidarity not only between the strikers, but their friends, neighbours and family too.
Save your spot on the tour today!
Thank you so much to our event supporters for helping us make this tour possible! USW Local 1005, CUPE 3906 and the Hamilton and District Labour Council.
Lead Image Credit: Facsimile of Photograph of Men Wearing Prop Masks and Carrying Signs in 1946 Hamilton Labour Day Parade from Industrial Images Exhibition, WAHC Permanent Collection.
In 1946, 20% of Hamilton’s labour force walked off the job, including workers at Westinghouse, Firestone and eventually Stelco. But the solidarity and ability to do that didn’t just happen overnight. How did the city’s working class reach this breaking point? And how did their community rally behind them during weeks on the picket line?
Our tour will begin at the Playhouse Cinema, where the USW 1005 strike vote took place on July 18th, 1946. Dr. Kristofferson will lead the tour down Sherman Ave North, exploring the unique industrial and social history of the corridor that helped make the strikes of 1946 some of the most significant labour actions of their time, ultimately impacting labour relations in Canada for decades to come.
Following the tour, we will arrive at Pinch Bakery and Plant Shop for a community meal and original monologue performed by theatre artist and food security activist Emily Zimmerman. Inspired by the community kitchens and commissaries that emerge during labour unrest, Emily will explore the way food nurtured solidarity not only between the strikers, but their friends, neighbours and family too.
Save your spot on the tour today!
Thank you so much to our event supporters for helping us make this tour possible! USW Local 1005, CUPE 3906 and the Hamilton and District Labour Council.
Lead Image Credit: Facsimile of Photograph of Men Wearing Prop Masks and Carrying Signs in 1946 Hamilton Labour Day Parade from Industrial Images Exhibition, WAHC Permanent Collection.
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Where is it happening?
177 Sherman Ave N, Hamilton, ON L8L 6M8, Canada
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherWorkers Arts & Heritage Centre
