Two women participating in the Uprising of 20,000, 1910. Image courtesy of Ephemeral New York
The uprising of 20,000 workers
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On November 22, 1909, the International Ladies Garment Worker Union (ILGWU) called for a meeting. This meeting was called so shirtwaist workers could vote whether a strike to protest working conditions should occur. Thousands of workers attended. At this meeting, many spoke against the strike. After they spoke, the president of the American Federation of Labor, Samuel Gompers, announced his support for the strike. The workers were ready to vote, but the skeptical speakers persisted with their doubtful preaching. That is until Clara Lemlich, a daring laborer and experienced protester, interrupted the men with her declaration of support for the strike.
I am a working girl, one of those who are on strike against intolerable conditions. I am tired of listening to speakers who talk in general terms. What we are here to decide is whether we shall or shall not strike. I offer a resolution that a general strike be declared—now. -Clara Lemlich, 1909. "Triangle" by David Von Drehle. |
Laborers gathered for the strike meeting, November 22, 1909. Courtesy of the Kheel Center.
After Lemlich interrupted, the laborers voted to go on a strike.
The New York Call's Headline after the meeting, November 23, 1909. Courtesy of Labor Arts.
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The strike began on November 23rd, 1909, and 20,000 garment workers participated.
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Factory owners were startled by the newfound organization among their workers. So, they hired thugs to attack the protesters. The police then arrested the protesters for defending themselves, calling it assault. However, the protesters persisted.
You are striking against God and nature, whose law is that man shall earn his bread by the sweat of his brow. You are on a strike against God! -Unidentified judge in an accused protester's trial, 1910. Jewish Women's Archive. |
 A protester being taken to jail, 1909. Courtesy of The Kheel Center
The Uprising of Twenty-Thousand
Song In the black of the winter of nineteen nine, When we froze and bled on the picket line, We showed the world that women could fight And we rose and won with women's might. Hail the waistmakers of nineteen nine, Making their stand on the picket line, Breaking the power of those who reign, Pointing the way, smashing the chain. And we gave new courage to the men Who carried on in nineteen ten And shoulder to shoulder we'll win through, Led by the I.L.G.W.U Song written by the ILGWU. Courtesy of Cornell University. |
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The strike lasted a total of 11 weeks. After the strike, most shirtwaist factories gave their employees better working hours, pay, and conditions. The strike led to 85% of garment workers joining a union. The Triangle Factory didn't make any agreement. Had they, the tragic fire wouldn't have occurred.
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Picketers on the street, 1910. Courtesy of The Bain Collection
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If I turn traitor to the cause I now pledge, may this hand wither from the arm I now raise.
-Clara Lemlich, 1909. Courtesy of PBS.