MSS SC 175

Title: Winnipeg General Strike fonds

Dates: predominant 1919; 1965

Extent: 3.5 cm of textual records

Historical Note: The Winnipeg General Strike is Canada's best-known general strike. The Winnipeg Trades and Labour Council (WTLC) called a general strike when negotiations broke down between management and labour in the building and metal trades on 15 May 1919. Almost 30000 workers left their jobs that day. Composed of delegates from each of the unions affiliated with the WTLC, the Central Strike Committee coordinated the strike. The issues at stake included collective bargaining, better wages and working conditions. A Citizens' Committee composed of bankers, politicians and manufacturers were opposed to the strike. On June 17 government arrested 10 leaders of the Central Strike Committee and 2 propagandists from the newly formed One Big Union. Four days later the Royal North-West Mounted Police charged a crowd of strikers causing one death. As federal troops took over the streets and pressures from the government and employers mounted the strikers decided to return to work on June 25.

Custodial History: The custodial history of this collection prior to its arrival at the archives is not available. This collection was previously known as "Clippings from the Winnipeg Free Press: General Strike". This was changed to its present title in March 2002.

Scope and Content: The fonds consists of a scrapbook of newspaper clippings from both the Winnipeg Free Press and the Winnipeg Evening Tribune regarding the Winnipeg General Strike of 1919. The clippings are from May 27-29, June 2-3, 6, 10-13, 30 and July 1, 1919. One clipping is from 20 November 1965. One complete photocopy of the scrapbook is included.

Source of Supplied Title: Title based on contents of fonds.

Restrictions: There are no restrictions on this material.

Finding Aid: Finding aid is currently unavailable.