1. The Winnipeg General Strike
May 15 - June 25, 1919

2. After the War
After the war, jobs are scarce, veterans resent not being able to find work.
The success of the Russian Revolution (1917) encourages some to embrace a more socialist ideology.
Unemployment and inflation are very high.

3. One Big Union
In early 1919, labor leaders in Calgary meet to form a giant, all-encompassing union: “One Big Union. The idea spreads.
In Winnipeg on May 15th, the Winnipeg Trades and Labor Council called a strike.
They had demanded better working conditions, better wages, and the right to collective bargaining.

5. Who Went On Strike?
The response is nearly unanimous: working-class men and women close factories and retail outlets, and stop the trains.
Public-sector employees: policemen, firemen, postal workers, telephone operators and employees of waterworks and other utilities also join the strike

6. Opposition
An organization of business leaders (The Citizen’s Committee of 1000) meet to strategize an end to the strike.
They blamed the strike on immigrants (calling them “communists”, and “alien scum”) and meet with the government (Arthur Meighen: Minister of the Interior).
The government refused to meet with the strike leaders.

7. Frustrations Mount
The immigration act is changed so that strike leaders can be more easily deported.
June 17th, 10 of the main leaders are arrested.
July 21st, Police on horseback rush the crowd, injuring 30, and killing one striker.
(known as “Bloody Saturday”)

9. Return to Work The strikers return to work on July 25th.
Six of the leaders are released.