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Today in History: Lawrence Textile Workers Strike Over Pay Cuts

1/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In January 1912, immigrant textile workers in Lawrence, Massachusetts, initiated the Bread and Roses Strike in response to a pay cut linked to a new law reducing their workweek from 56 to 54 hours. Led by the Industrial Workers of the World, the strike quickly grew to over 20,000 participants, impacting nearly every mill in the city.

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Story summary

In January 1912, immigrant textile workers in Lawrence, Massachusetts, initiated the Bread and Roses Strike in response to a pay cut linked to a new law reducing their workweek from 56 to 54 hours. Led by the Industrial Workers of the World, the strike quickly grew to over 20,000 participants, impacting nearly every mill in the city.