To mark May 1, the Rossland Museum and Discovery Centre is sharing a glimpse into the city’s working-class past: a historic photo of miners underground at the Centre Star Mine, circa 1907.
Museum staff explain that May 1 — also known as International Workers’ Day — is a time to recognize the hard-won victories of worker activism and solidarity.
In its early days, Rossland was a hub for workers’ rights in Canada.
Labour relations between miners and mine owners were a central issue as the town grew during the mining boom of the 1890s.
Many of the miners and prospectors who came to Rossland had experience in the mines of Colorado, Montana, and Idaho, and brought strong union traditions with them.
That legacy took root in 1896, when Rossland miners formed Local 38, the first Canadian branch of the American-based Western Federation of Miners (WFM).
The WFM’s presence raised concerns among local and federal officials, who were wary of American influence, museum staff note.
Despite political pressure, the union made significant gains.
Museum staff say Local 38 successfully fought for higher wages, safer working conditions, and — most notably — the eight-hour workday, a milestone in Canadian labour history.
To learn more about Rossland’s union legacy, visit rosslandmuseum.ca/minersunion.
Have original photos that capture Rossland’s rich history?
The museum welcomes contributions.
Staff can digitize images for preservation and return the originals.
