Full bibliography

In March 1902, 3000 men were in St. John's prepared to go to the ice when rumours of lowered wages precipitated a major strike. The event produced minimal violence and delayed the fleet's sailing for only two days. Nevertheless, it was the only major sealing labour action in the era of the famous "wooden walls" and for the first time some limits were placed on the power of the Water Street merchant elite. Long-range causes involve many aspects of Newfoundland political, social, and economic organization; results included sealing safety legislation and encouragement of the foundation of William Coaker's Fisherman's Protective Union. The article discusses the background, evolution, and significance of the strike.