Saint John’s labour roots date back more than 160 years and they also have historical significance as well.
A plaque unveiled on Friday honouring the contribution of the Saint John Benevolent Labourers’ Association formed by the longshoreman in 1849 who later merged with the Internation Longshoremen’s Union in 1911.
Pat Riley of the ILA says they are really proud of their forefathers.
“The only other union we found with a similar date is the Liverpool dockers. Curiously at that time, Saint John was nicknamed ‘Little Liverpool’ so we are sure there was a connection between the dock workers on either side of the Atlantic Ocean,” Riley told us.
Saint John-Rothesay MP Wayne Long speaks about the significance of the plaque to honour the Saint John Labourers’ Benevolent Association. pic.twitter.com/kb52wWpu2G
— Tamara Steele (@tamarasteele1) November 16, 2018
The plaque from the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada will be installed next spring near the labourers’ bell on Market Slip.
A ceremony to unveil the plaque featuring Mayor Don Darling, Saint John-Rothesay MP Wayne Long and members of the labour community at the Frank and Ella Hatheway Labour Exhibit Centre.
A closer look. pic.twitter.com/90bPZVkCfd
— Tamara Steele (@tamarasteele1) November 16, 2018
