May 15, 1919
The Winnipeg General Strike starts. At 11 a.m., 30,000 workers walk off the job and take to the streets after negotiations over wages and working conditions break down.
The same day, police officers, public servants and municipal employees join the private-sector workers in solidarity. The strike will last for six weeks and paralyze the city.
Six weeks later, on “Bloody Saturday,” June 21, the North West Mounted Police (NWMP) will charge and attack the striking workers. One person will die, and 30 people will be injured in the confrontation. The strike will finally end on June 26, as labour leaders call it off for fear of more violence.
To learn more:
Library and Archives Canada
The Canadian Encyclopedia
Justice Laws Website
Canadian Museum of History
Read the blog "A Witness of the Winnipeg General Strike in 1919"
Crowd gathered outside the Union Bank of Canada building on Main Street during the Winnipeg General Strike.