Self-Guiding Tour

#13    Special Exhibit: The 1919 Winnipeg General Strike

The Winnipeg General Strike of 1919 was the largest strike in Canadian history. Between May 15 and June 25, 1919, more than 30,000 workers left their jobs. Factories, shops, transit and city services shut down. The strike resulted in arrests, injuries and the deaths of two protestors. It did not immediately succeed in empowering workers and improving job conditions, but the strike did help unite the working class in Canada.

Firefighters who were recruited to replace those who enlisted for military service when the First World War began feared the loss of their jobs when the soldiers returned from overseas. In 1916, these concerns led to the formation of the Winnipeg Firemen’s Union.

Read the full story and see the artifacts on display in the two dedicated cases.

Your Donations Keep Our Engines Running

The Winnipeg Firefighters Museum aims to entertain and educate our visitors about the current processes and historical stories of the fire service. The museum relies on your donations in order to continue with the mission of the Winnipeg Firefighters Historical Society. Please follow the link below to make a secure, charitable donation.

© 2019 The Firefighters Historical Society of Winnipeg | Reproduction of the site in part or in whole prohibited unless with written permission. All rights reserved.