Albert Goodwin
19/20th-century Canadian coal miner and labor rights activist / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Albert "Ginger" Goodwin (May 10, 1887–July 27, 1918), nicknamed Ginger for his bright red hair, was a migrant coal miner who advocated for workers' rights and promoted the cause of unions in British Columbia, Canada.[1] Angered by the working conditions in coal mines, Goodwin sought to increase wages and improve working conditions, and fought companies that disregarded workers' rights.[2] He participated in and led multiple strikes, and served as a delegate for the British Columbia Federation of Labour and as an organizer for the Socialist Party of Canada.[3] In the years following his increased activism and involvement with labour unions, Goodwin fell under scrutiny for his opposition to military conscription during World War I. He was killed by a police officer in 1918.[3] There is debate on whether Goodwin was a victim of murder or if his death was the result of the officer's self-defence.[1] His death sparked a one-day general strike in Vancouver on August 2, 1918, which was the first general strike ever held in Canada.[3] The strike was a precursor of the Winnipeg general strike of 1919 and other labour conflicts.
Albert "Ginger" Goodwin | |
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Born | Albert Goodwin May 10, 1886 Treeton, Yorkshire, England |
Died | July 27, 1918(1918-07-27) (aged 31) "Mount Ginger Goodwin" west of Cumberland, British Columbia, Canada |
Cause of death | Single gunshot/head trauma |
Resting place | Cumberland cemetery 49.637485°N 125.006775°W / 49.637485; -125.006775 |
Monuments | Memorial headstone |
Other names | Ginger Goodwin |
Citizenship | British-Canadian dual national |
Occupation(s) | Coal miner, labour activist |
Years active | 16 |
Known for | Advocacy of workers' rights, his controversial death, martyrdom |
Political party | Socialist Party of Canada (SPC) |
Movement | Labour |
Criminal charge | Evading conscription into the Canadian Army |
Criminal penalty | State-ordered apprehension |
Criminal status | Killed during apprehension |