Little Falls Textile Strike (1912)

Wed Oct 09, 1912

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Image: Little Falls textile strikers in front of the strike headquarters (Slovak Hall)

On this day in 1912, Phoenix Mill workers in Little Falls, New York spontaneously walked off their job to demand a wage increase and a 54-hour work week. The labor action is known as the Little Falls Strike.

The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) sent in organizers such as Matilda Rabinowitz, Ben Legere, Joe Ettor, and “Big Bill” Haywood to assist with the strike, resulting in many of the striking workers voting to join the IWW.

The strike ended on January 3rd, 1913 with the striking workers and IWW prevailing. The workers’ demands were met, including the 54-hour work week at the previous 60-hour pay.