The 1931 Fraser Mills Strike, Podcast Ep. 2
In the dark years of the Great Depression, workers at the Fraser Mills lumber plant in what is now Coquitlam put aside their differences and fought for fair wages and dignity. In this episode of the On the Line podcast, host Rod Mickleburgh takes us back to the 1930s, to a sprawling lumber mill where French Canadian, British, Scandinavian, Japanese, Chinese, and South Asian workers showed solidarity in the face of overwhelming hardship.
Publication date: October 5, 2020
Podcast length: 23:56
Hosted by: Rod Mickleburgh
Research and writing by: Patricia Wejr and Rod Mickleburgh
Production by: John Mabbott
At a time of widespread economic collapse, workers who managed to retain their jobs often faced severe wage cuts. Following their fifth wage reduction in 20 months, workers at the Fraser Mills lumber plant took a stand. They initiated a strike on September 17, 1931, seeking a reversal of the wage cut, better rates for shingle weavers, reduced overtime, and improved working conditions. As union President George Lamont stated, their struggle was based on “bread and butter” issues.
A defining feature of the Fraser Mills strike was the remarkable ethnic diversity of its workforce. Historically, such diversity often undermined strikes; however, at Fraser Mills, workers from various backgrounds found solidarity in this remarkable chapter of BC labour history.
Harold Pritchett, a 27-year-old shingle weaver, led the strike. He was a dedicated trade unionist and Communist who believed that race should not divide the working class. Under his leadership, Japanese, Chinese, and South Asian workers were represented on strike committees. Women also played a vital role, managing the community kitchen, organizing social events, and participating in picketing.
The strike faced considerable challenges. Police, including mounted officers, were present from the outset, leading to escalating tensions, arrests, and even the deployment of machine guns at the mill gates. Media coverage debated the workers’ actions, the parish priest threatened hellfire to anyone who signed a union card, strikers were arrested, but workers maintained solidarity.
After nine weeks, with no further concessions and Christmas approaching, the union voted to end the strike, accepting the company’s last offer. Although full union recognition was not achieved at that time, the Fraser Mills workers secured important benefits. The 10 percent wage cut was cancelled, shingle workers received a pay increase, and overtime was capped. The company also agreed to regular meetings with worker committees. The strike’s influence extended to future company decisions, leading to rent reductions and management wage cuts instead of solely impacting workers during later economic downturns.
However, the costs were significant for some. The company’s pledge against discrimination proved hollow, and union activists, including Harold Pritchett, were blacklisted. Tragically, Hans Keast, a striking immigrant, was deported and later died in a Nazi concentration camp.
Despite these immense personal sacrifices, the Fraser Mills strike remains a powerful illustration of working-class unity in British Columbia. During a severe economic crisis, a diverse group of workers transcended racial divisions to fight for better wages, conditions, and respect, achieving substantial gains despite not winning formal union recognition.