CHAOTIC STRIKE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10293, 30 May 1919, Page 5

CHAOTIC STRIKE

IN CANADIAN CITIES

AL.L CIVIC AND INDUSTRIALAFFAIRS AFFECTED.

By Telegraph— Press Association—Copyright Australian aud N.Z. Cable Association. WINNIPEG, May 15 (delayed).

Industry in Winnipeg (Manitoba) is at a standstill, as a general strike is in force in sympathy with the demands of the metal trades lor union recognition. Some weeks ago these trades asked for higher wages, shorter hours, and recognition of the union. The companies refused the demands, but agreed to go to arbitration. The unions refused arbitration, on the principle of collective bargaining, and the companies thereupon agreed to. the. demands tor. higher wages and shorter hours, but refused to deal with any unions outside their own employees. ■ To-day a climax was reached. The street car employees, telephone, postal, and elevator staffs, thousands ot clerks, stenographers, general workers, and firemen came out. The stereo-, typers and pressi>ien joined the strike and the newsnapers suspended publication. The police also walked out, but the strike committee ordered them to resume duty to preserve order. Sufficient bakers were also retained to supI ply bread for the hospitals, while a i citizens' committee manned the fire stations. Most of the shops are closed, and others were not opened until they received permission from the strike leaders. The leaders claim that 20,000 workers have struck. WINNIPEG, May 16 (delayed). The bread, and milk depots were opened to'relieve distress. A big force of police was drafted in, and there was some rioting this morning, and a few people were injured. The Governoent employees in Manitoba are demanding a 50 per'cent. advance in wages. The. strike has spread to Calgary and Edmonton (in. Alberta), and Saskatoon (in Saskatchewan). Postal employees refused to obey a Government order to resume work, and volunteer postmen are delivering the mails. WINNIPEG, May 10.

Thirty thousand unionists are on strike, demanding recognition of the unions. Tho city is at a standstill, and almost without food. ,

Reuter's TVlpsrrnm. TORONTO, May 27

The Labour leaders declare that for-ty-five thousand members of fifty unions will strike on Wednesday unless the metal workers' demands are conceded.