In May and June 1919, thousands of workers walked off their jobs in the city of Winnipeg to voice their anger at several issues including the lack of collective bargaining rights, union recognition, and growing inequality. In Direct Action Gets the Goods: A Graphic History of the Strike in Canada, the Graphic History Collective looks at many of the strikes that have helped form Canada starting even before it became a country when in 1829, Cree boatman refused to work for the Hudson's Bay Company unless they received the same pay for their pelts as those who worked for York Factory. It then follows a timeline right up to 2018 when graduate students and contract faculty struck at York University.

For anyone interested in the history of labour in Canada, this is a fascinating read. Art has been a very important part of union history since its beginnings and it works well here to advance the narrative. Although it was released to commemorate the Winnipeg General Strike, it is a valuable resource for future actions, not only for labour but for other movements whether the climate days of action or against austerity measures that are presently being enacted against the most vulnerable in our society including the recent cuts to healthcare and education and not only in Canada.

Thanks to Netgalley and between the Lines for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review ( )