Winnipeg General Strike – May/June 1919

Workers became angry with working conditions and the lack of rights they had in the work force

Strikers demanded 3 things: More $ to live8 hour work daysunion representation

30,000 workers of all job types went on strike in Winnipeg when these demands were not met.

These strikes sparked a series of general strikes across Canada.

On June 17, the authorities were sent into Winnipeg and arrested 8 strike leaders.

On Sunday June 21, 1919, (Bloody Sunday) strikers began to become violent, lighting a streetcar on fire.

The Royal West Mounted Police were sent in and attacked the strikers with clubs.

The strikers threw bricks and rocks at the police forcing them to retreat.

The Police returned with the military, strikers attacked with bricks and rocks again.

The military opened fire killing two men and injuring many others.

The government did not give into the strikers demands but it led the way for future improvement in labour legislation.