A look back at the Newfoundland Loggers' Strike

In 1958, the Newfoundland Loggers' Strike took place in central Newfoundland.

The strike was led by the International Woodworkers of America. Loggers went on strike demanding better labour and living conditions in logging camps.

The strike built up to the Badger Riot in March of 1959. The loggers clashed with over 60 police officers from the Newfoundland Constabulary and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

One police officer, Constable William Moss of the Newfoundland Constabulary, was hit in the head with a pulp log. He died two days later in the hospital. When Moss was killed, public support of the strike waned.

The provincial government passed a number of laws stripping the IWA of its right to bargain while also making labour unions liable for illegal acts committed on their behalf.

When the strike ended, loggers joined the Newfoundland Brotherhood of Wood Workers. In the end, the IWA was expelled from Newfoundland.

Note: this story mentions the Newfoundland Constabulary; the Royal designation was not granted until 1979.