These concerns and the fear that new recruits would lose their jobs to returning soldiers led to the formation of the Winnipeg Firemen’s Union in 1916. When civic workers struck in 1918, fire fighters joined in. Most city workers won modest wage increases, union recognition and the right to strike. Fire fighters were refused this right. Strike action could mean dismissal.

Despite this threat, fire fighters voted overwhelmingly to support the General Strike. At the same time, they pledged to provide full service where human life was in danger. Civic authorities rejected this offer. On May 26, Winnipeg City Council dismissed fire fighters and all other civic employees who refused to return to work. It passed resolutions prohibiting fire fighters from joining international unions and participating in sympathy strikes.

The Citizens’ Committee advertised for replacements and hired 350 anti-strike volunteers. On Bloody Saturday, these “volunteers” used fire hoses to douse protesters. Equipment from the Maple Street fire hall was sent to extinguish the street car fire.

<--column break-->

In the days to come, 54 of the 204 firefighters <--caption--> who joined the strike were refused employment. One man was denied his pension. Despite these setbacks, the United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg re-grouped to provide effective representation for its members. In 2002, it became the first fire fighters union worldwide to win Presumptive Workers Compensation coverage for its members in recognition of the inherent dangers faced on the job.