While Goodwin eventually did sign up for the draft, he was initially exempted from conscription after a medical examination found him unfit for service. Following his exemption, Goodwin called for a strike on November 10, 1917 at the Trail Smelter where he worked in an attempt to establish an eight-hour work day. As the strike continued, Goodwin was recalled for medical examination and as a result, was then ordered to report for duty for overseas, contrary to the decision priorly made.