Collar Laundry Union Strike (1864)
Tue Feb 23, 1864
Image: Collar workers at Cluett Peabody & Co. circa 1890, in Troy, New York [timesunion.com]
On this day in 1864, the "Collar Laundry Union", the first female union in the U.S., went on strike for a 20-25% raise, winning their demands after just six days. The union continued to fight for worker rights for several years afterward.
The union was formed under the leadership of Kate Mullany, a 23-year old Irish immigrant. Kate was employed as a laundress in Troy, New York. Working conditions were particularly brutal - workers were expected to work 12 to 14 hours a day in dangerous conditions due to scalding hot water.
On February 23rd, 1864, shortly after forming the union, approximately 300 women went on strike from all fourteen commercial laundry establishments in Troy. That afternoon, Kate met with the women to discuss their demands for a 20-25% wage increase and concerns about the boiling water.
After just six days, workers won their demands. The female laundresses had been assisted by the male Iron Molders' Union No. 2, and the laundresses showed their appreciation in a picnic, attended by more than 4,000.
Kate Mullany and the Collar Laundry Union continued to agitate for better pay and working conditions, going on multiple strikes in the following years. The Collar Laundry Union also formed a cooperative to sidestep negotiating with capitalist employers, however their venture failed.
Mullany would go to become the first woman to hold a national labor position, serving as the assistant secretary of the National Labor Union.
- Date: 1864-02-23
- Learn More: www.katemullanynhs.org, www.womenofthehall.org.
- Tags: #Labor.
- Source: www.apeoplescalendar.org