b'THE WINNIPEGGENERAL STRIKE OF 1919The 100th anniversary of the event that solidifiedthe labour movement in ManitobaBy Warren HeeleyThe Winnipeg General Strike of 1919hours seven days a week. Workers andfrom Manitoba, met in Calgary where marked its 100th anniversary in 2019.their families were forced to live indelegates passed resolutions to improve This momentous event solidifiedrundown, inadequate housing. conditions for workers, including a the fragmented labour movementThe strike was a conflict of the socialfive-day work week, a six-hour work day in Manitoba and across the country,classes dating back to the industrialand the formation of One Big Union galvanizing public support for unionsrevolutionthe wealthy versus thosethat would solidify the interests of the and collective bargaining to securewho live in poverty. At the time,entire working class. When Winnipeg reasonable wages and safe, healthybusiness owners could not see the valuelabour representatives returned after working conditions for workers.of employing workers who were paidthe Calgary meeting, relations between The strike occurred because of areasonable wages, could afford properWinnipeg workers and business owners number of factors and events. Thehousing and provide a good life for (which were deteriorating for some economic and social situation in Canadatheir families.time) sank to a new low as Winnipeg after World War I was causing seriouslabour pushed to have the worker concern for workers. Factories wereThe state of organized labour inresolutions adopted by their employers closing, prices were on the rise dueManitoba in 1919 is essential tothrough collective bargaining.to inflation and jobs were difficult tounderstanding why the strike happened.In April 1919, negotiations between find. Typical working conditions wereIn March of 1919, western labourbusiness owners and the Metal and abysmal due to low wages and longleaders, including representativesBuilding Trades broke down without 48 BUILD MANITOBAwinnipegconstruction.ca'