The Québec Ship Labourers' Benevolent Society

A cargo vessel returning to port after a successful launch Credit: Nicholas Morant, National Film Board of Canada. Photo Library, Library and Canada, accession number 1971-271, e000761445

By combining mutual aid with union activities, the Québec Ship Labourers' Benevolent Society (QSLBS) marked a turning point in the strengthening of collective efforts to defend the rights and interests of Canadian workers. The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC) recognized the national historic importance of this event in 2006.

The QSLBS, one of the first and most important workers benevolent societies of the 19th century, was created by a law that passed on June 9, 1862. Originally set up to be a mutual aid association, it offered a program to provide assistance to workers in case of illness or industrial injury, or to help their families in the event of their death. During an economic downturn, it also worked to improve its members wages and working conditions at a time when union activities were banned. Demanding the establishment of standard wage rates from merchants, the Society's members went on strike in 1866 and again in 1867. Despite unsuccessful attempts to revoke its charter, the Society was able to act as a union five years before legislation guaranteeing freedom of association for workers was passed in 1872. The Society achieved various gains, both on wages and the length of the workday. In 1877, 5,000 workers rallied to celebrate its anniversary.

A powerful symbol of worker mobilization in the 19th century, this organization, founded by Irish labourers, owed its success to its openness to French Canadian workers. By championing the common cause of ship labourers, the QSLBS acquired the means to achieve its goals. It was one of Canada's first examples of cooperation between groups from different cultures in defence of workers rights and interests.