Part 1: An Uneasy Adjustment Canada in the 1920’s Part 1: An Uneasy Adjustment

After the War When soldiers returned home from the war, they found that there were few supports services and few jobs for them. Many Canadian who had jobs were also upset because during the war they had agreed to lower wages, as part of their patriotic duty. After the war, inflation made it difficult for many people because wages no longer covered the cost of rent and food. Effects of War Profiteering meant that the owners of factories became very wealthy from the war, while the workers did not share the profits. This meant that a confrontation with employers was inevitable

The Workers Respond

The Workers Respond Worker’s demands for higher wages, better working conditions and the right to join unions resulted in numerous strikes across Canada. Union leaders from Western Canada founded One Big Union (OBU), which would represent all Canadian worker’s. The OBU’s goal was to help workers gain more control of industry and government through peaceful means.

The One Big Union was a concept which emerged in the late 19th and early 20th century amongst working class trade unionists. The idea was that all workers should be organized in one union: one big union.

Winnipeg General Strike It is said that more work days were lost to strikes and lockouts in 1919 than in any other year in Canadian history. In 1918-1919 union membership soared, strikes increased (400 in 1919 across Canada) often the strikes were for union recognition by the employers. Tensions boiled over in Winnipeg, at the time this city was the financial center and biggest city in Western Canada. Some of the city’s workers demanded higher wages, a shorter work week and the right to collective bargaining. In May 1919, negotiations broke down and 30,000 people walked off the job, crippling the city.

Employer’s Response In response to the strike, business leaders formed the Citizen’s Committee of 1000. The committee saw the union leaders as part of a communist conspiracy to overthrow the government. They urged Winnipeg’s leaders to restore order. The city responded by firing the entire police force and replaced them with a special force to contain the strike. The mayor of Winnipeg also had many workers and strike leaders arrested.

Federal Government Gets Involved Afraid the strike would spark confrontations in other cities, the federal government decided to intervene. The Government changed the laws so foreign born union leaders could be deported without a trial. It also sent military troops to try to restore order.

Bloody Saturday On June 21, strikers held a parade to protest the mayor’s actions. The parade turned violent and one striker was killed, while 30 were injured. This day became known as “Bloody Saturday”

Results and Consequences of the Strike In the short run, the union movement suffered a setback. Seven union leaders were arrested and convicted of conspiracy to overthrow the government. Many striking workers were not rehired. Distrust between the working class and businesses grew deeper.

Results and Consequences of the Strike In the long run, the results are less clear. Gradually, much of what the workers fought for was achieved. Some of those involved with the strike took up political positions, were they continued to fight for worker’s rights. This lead to the birth of the New Democratic Party (NDP)

Did You Know… …that Kiefer Sutherland is the Grandson of another famous leader of the CCF/NDP.