Keys to History

The vast majority of Montrealers still belonged to the working class. Most of them were employed in the manufacturing, transportation and construction industries. Skilled workers were likewise benefiting from the favourable economic situation. More of them were joining trade unions, almost all of which were affiliated with rapidly expanding international unions based in the U.S.A. Workers were playing a more active part in politics, through the Parti ouvrier [Workers' Party] and its workers' clubs. In contrast, labourers and unskilled or poorly skilled manufacturing workers led a more precarious existence characterized by low wages, seasonal unemployment and no job security.

This period also saw the emergence of the office employee and retail sales clerk group, which generally enjoyed more stable employment. Their workplace was very different from that of factory employees. Growth in this social group did not really take off, however, until after the war.