On this day, 23 February 1864 300 female collar laundry workers at 14 firms, who had just formed one of the first US’s women workers’ unions, went on strike in the town of Troy, New York. They were demanding pay increases of 20-25%, and better health and safety.
At first the owners claimed they couldn’t afford to pay any more. However, after 5 ½ days of strike action, a few of the employers caved in, with the rest giving into the women’s demands the following day.
For more radical women’s history in the US around this time check out our podcast about the first factory strike in the country: https://workingclasshistory.com/2019/08/12/e28-the-pawtucket-mill-strike/ https://www.facebook.com/workingclasshistory/photos/a.296224173896073/1357465564438590/?type=3