The Winnipeg General Strike.pdfVIP

The Winnipeg General Strike Life In Canada During the War ? During WW1, labour shortages were a constant problem since many workers were off fighting the war in Europe. ? Labour shortages meant higher wages for those “essential workers” who remained in Canada. However, a shortage of workers also meant higher costs of living (e.g. Food, shelter and clothing. ? Workers were very busy and in high demand to keep up with the relentless need for wartime production (tanks, ships, and other military Contracts) War Planes Production Life for the Troops when they returned ? Many business people in Canada “profiteered” from this situation ? When WW1 ended and the 500,000 Canadian troops came back from Europe, they were looking for work to pay for the increased costs of goods and services. ? Often, they could not find work and joined the ranks of the unemployed The Red Scare ? With high unemployment and high costs of living, many looked for political change. ? Inspired by the revolutionary theories of Karl Marx, the Bolsheviks under Vladimar Lenin had established the first communist state in Russia. This ideology stressed the need for worker’s solidarity against Capitalist oppression (e.g. war profiteers). ? For some, the fight for improved working conditions and rights for labourers was merely used as an attempt to bring a communist regime to Canada. The “Red Scare” had begun. Vladimar Lenin The One Big Union ? The One Big Union was a “revolutionary industrial union” formed in 1919. ? Their goal was to organize general strikes whereby entire cities would be shut down. All workers would be organized to walk off the job at a specific time to exercise their bargining power against the powerful and wealthy industrialists. ? They fought for: ? Better wages, ? legal recognition of their union (they were labelled as illegal ? a six hour work day The City of Winnipeg Shuts Down ? At 11 am May 15th, 191