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All Together Now!

Banners of the Labour Movement

Banner, Hamilton Union of Unemployed

1980s, cotton canvas and paint

The Hamilton Union of Unemployed (HUU) was founded in 1978. 

Unions of unemployed persons came out of Canada’s recession in the early 80s. By mid-1982, Canada was suffering from its worst recession since before the Second World War. Unemployment was high, at 10.8%. The recession hit Hamilton, Ontario, particularly hard. Companies laid off thousands, and hundreds more permanently lost their jobs to plant closures. 

Hamilton’s Union of Unemployed formed in 1982, and made housing one of its key priorities. HUU campaigned for affordable housing, and advocated for those fighting evictions. HUU also successfully campaigned for unemployed workers to pay half-price bus fares.

Black and white photo of a parade, people are carrying a banner and placards, some are wearing them hanging from strings

Behind the banner

Unions of Unemployed

All Together Now!

Banners of the Labour Movement

An online exhibition presented by the Workers Arts and Heritage Centre

© WAHC