They Called Us Radicals

The first comprehensive look at the history of labour in Windsor and Essex County and the workers that fought for fair treatment.

For 170 years, Windsor-Essex workers have contributed their blood and their sweat to the fight for justice, fair pay and better conditions. Often, they were dismissed as troublemakers, communists, and radicals. But they persevered.

In the first comprehensive look at the history of labour in Windsor and Essex County and the regional roots of the labour union movement, award-winning author and journalist Gary May takes us through their struggles and nation-building achievements (including universal health care, the Rand Formula, workplace safety reforms). May explains how the first craft guilds and unions of the 19th century inspired industrial workers to fight for their own representation and how it speaks to the special relationship that exists between Windsor and Detroit and to the important part new Canadians played in driving change.

They Called Us Radicals: The Story of Work and Labour in Windsor and Essex County looks at what generations of workers sacrificed in an attempt not only to benefit themselves but others as well. Despite attempts to marginalize them as troublemakers, they fought on, believing that theirs was a noble battle, while also looking ahead to the battles yet to be fought for migrant workers, farm workers, retail, hospitality and part-time workers who have not shared in mainstream workers' gains.