WORKERS RIGHTS Josh Elsbury, Rachel Meecham, Karishma Mehta, Domenico DiFelice, Ryan Sabo

 Soldiers returning from the war were scarred from the horrors they had witnessed  Some found it hard to settle down to the civilian life  Lots were affected by shell shock (PTSD) RETURNING VETERANS  Few services were available for them  At first soldiers with disabilitieswere given government support, bus as the economy weakened, the support was cut  Veterans with disabilities were unemployed

 Some veterans thought by joining together they could fight the federal government  In a number of cities vets tried to organize protests but would end up in jail GREAT WAR VETERANS’ ASSOCIATION  The GWVA tried, but failed, to win improved compensation for all vets with disabilities and the families of those who had been killed

 In the early 1900s, labor union activity increased in Canada  This activity reflected growth in the worldwide labor movement LABOR UNREST  Canadian workers began to demand 8 hour work days, recognition of their unions, and improved wages  Between 1914 and 1918 membership and labor unions grew

 The experience of Canadian soldiers in Europe had taught many that working collectively brought results  Strikes organized by labor unions in the states found broad based support in Canada LABOUR UNREST CONT.

 On May Winnipeg trade of union building went on strike  on May 15 at 11am the Winnipeg trade union and labor board settled for a city wide strike  An hour later people of 94 unions were offered jobs  The strike closed factories, stores and stopped city street cars WINNIPEG GENERAL STRIKE  A central committee coordinated a negotiation with the labor protesters  Services such food delivery and delivery of dairy products were allowed after that  Delivery trucks had signs saying “Permitted by authority of strike committee”

 Idea of unions coming together became popular  March 1919 unions gathered in Calgary and decided to make one big union  Members would support one another if one decided to strike  The beliefs of OBU (one big union) were the same ONE BIG UNION  Workers were urged to unite fight those who denied equalities and fairness  To achieve goals OBU supported general strikes  General strike wasn’t against one employer  At Calgary meeting OBU declared a general strike starting JUNE 1

 Army moved to occupy streets of city  Strikers returned to work 6 weeks after strike started in fear of losing jobs  Forced to sign agreements not to join a union OPPOSITION TO THE STRIKE  On June 17, some strike leaders were arrested  100 people were injured and one worker was dead

 Citizens’ committee of 100 formed to oppose the strikers  They viewed the strike as an effort by foreigners to overthrow the democratically elected Canadian Gov.  Recruited volunteers to replace striking workers, fired all Winnipeg police officers refusing to sign a pledge of not joining strike and hired 1800 special police officers CITIZEN’S’ COMMITTEE  City called in Royal North-West Mounted Police  Federal Gov. was afraid the strike would spread to other cities (supported the committee)  Immigration laws were changed so that any striker who was an immigrant could be deported immediately

On Saturday, June 21, 1919, members of the Royal North-West Mounted Police charged at protesters who had attacked a streetcar driven by a replacement worker. Order was restored, but that day become known as “Bloody Saturday” because of the violence

 Law required employers to recognize the right of workers to bargain collectible through a union  Began a new era of political involvement for workers  John Queen became mayor of Winnipeg  J.S. Woodsworth was elected to House of Commons in 1921 CONSEQUENCES OF THE STRIKE  Did not bring the changes workers hoped for  Union membership dropped as unemployment rose  Strike was not a conspiracy to overthrow government