Militancy, Activism, and the Silk Industry

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March 3, 2023
Militancy, Activism, and the Silk Industry
Understanding the historical realities of society is essential for everyone. It allows him to appreciate better the various socio-political circumstances that led to the development of society as we have today. Accordingly, this article will focus on the late 1800s and early 1900s, the Paterson, NJ, silk industry marked by labor activism and struggle. The following sections will discuss the reasons for activism and its realities during the 1800s and the early 1900s.
Reasons for Worker Radicalism, Militancy, and Strike Activity
Steve Golin's book "The Fragile Bridge: Paterson Silk Strike, 1913" sheds light on the reasons behind the worker radicalism, militancy, and strike activity in the Paterson, NJ, silk industry during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Low wages, long hours, and dangerous working conditions characterized the Paterson silk industry. Workers, mostly immigrants, were often subjected to harsh treatment by their employers and had little recourse for grievances. The lack of adequate labor unions and legal protections left workers vulnerable to exploitation. A desire for better wages improved working conditions, and greater job security drove the workers' radicalism and militancy. The strikes were a means of exerting collective bargaining power and pressuring their employers to make concessions.
Goals of the IWW Members
The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) members who participated in the 1913 Paterson Silk Strike had several goals. They sought to secure higher wages, better working conditions, and shorter hours for the workers in the silk mills. Additionally, they demanded an end to the "stretch-out" labor system, which involved assigning more work to each worker without increasing their pay. The strikers also sought to establish an effective labor union in the industry, representing the workers' interests and providing a means of collective bargaining. The IWW members believed that the strike was not just about immediate economic gains but also about challenging the capitalist system and advocating for a more equitable society. They envisioned a future where workers had greater control over thei...