BIG STRIKE IN CANADA.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16448, 29 May 1919, Page 7

BIG STRIKE IN CANADA.

OYER UNION RECOGNITION. TROUBLE LIKELY TO SPREAD. By Telegraph—Rress Assn.—Copyright. (Received May 29, 1.10 p.m.) OTTAWA, May 15. Industry in Winnipeg is at a standstill owing to a general strike in sympathy with the metal trades for union recognition. Some weeks ago these trades asked for higher wages, shorter hours, and union recognition. The companies refused, but .agreed to arbitrate. The unions refused arbitration on the principle of collective bargaining. The companies thereupon agreed to the demands for higher wages and shorter hours, but refused to deal with any unions outside their own employees. To-day the climax was reached, when the street car employees, telephone, postal and elevator staffs, and thousands of clerks, stenographers, general workers and firemen came out. The eterotypers and pressmen joined the strike, and the newspapers suspended publication. The police walked out, but the strike committee ordered them to resume duty to preserve order. Sufficient bakers were also retained to supply bread to the hospitals, while a citizens’ committee manned the fire stations. Most of the shops closed and did not open until they received permission from tlie strike leaders who claim that 26 000 struck on the 16th. Bread and milk depots have been opened to relieve distress. A big force of police has been drafted in. There was some rioting this morning, and a few were injured. Manitoba Government employees are, demanding 50 per cent, advance in wages.

On the 26th the strike sprea to Calgary, Edmonton and Saskatoon. The postal employees refused to obey the Government order to resume. Volunteer postmen are delivering the mails. At Toronto the Labour leaders declare that 45.000 members of 50 unions will strike on Wednesday tho 28th unless the metal workers’ demands are consid-ered.—Aiif,-N,Z. Cable Assn.