The general strike that began in Winnipeg on May 15 was in large part inspired by the One Big Union's ideals. many One Big Union leader including Robert B. Russell, were arrested in conjunction with the strike, Russell being sentenced to two years imprisonment. Edmonton, Calgary, Drumheller and Vancouver began their own general strikes, spurned on by Winnipeg. Most strikeleaders, such as Edmonton's Joe Knight, Calgary's Mrs. Jean MacWilliams, and Amherst's Frank Burke were OBU affiliates. A.S Wells, leader of the BC Federation of Labour at the time, was a founding member of the OBU.