London matchgirls strike at Bryant and May (1888)

In July 1888, women and teenage girls at the Bryant & May match factory in Bow, London, went on strike. The action began after management dismissed a worker following their refusal to repudiate an article on poor conditions published by Annie Besant. The strikers continued bargaining for fair pay and improved conditions, leading to the formation of the Union of Women Matchmakers later that year.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. The Bryant & May factory in Bow, London, was involved in divisive industrial episodes, including wage fines that led to the 1888 strike. Working conditions caused great discontent due to long hours, poor pay, unjust fines, and health risks from white phosphorus. Prior strikes occurred in 1881, 1885, and 1886 over low wages and punitive fines.

Precipitating Events. Social activist Annie Besant and her friend Herbert Burrows became involved in the situation. Besant published an article in her halfpenny weekly paper The Link on 23 June 1888 detailing terrible working conditions at the factory. This publication prompted management to dismiss a worker on or about 2 July 1888, setting off the strike.

Outcomes. Following the strike's success, the Union of Women Matchmakers was formed later in 1888. The strikers initially protested the dismissal of a worker but continued the industrial action to bargain for a cessation of unfair deductions from pay and other improvements to working conditions.

People involved

Sources

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