National Work Strike Day

Group of diverse workers holding picket signs, wearing colorful protest shirts, urban city setting.. — National work strike day illustration

Hey there! Are you ready to learn about National Work Strike Day? Well, grab your picket signs and let's dive in!

When is Work Strike Day?

It's national work strike day on the 18th February.

The Internet and the National History of Work Strikes

Ah, the frustrating and triumphant world of work strikes. Whether it's a strike for better pay, improved working conditions, or more doughnuts in the break room, these demonstrations have a long and storied history. And of course, in today's digital age, work strikes have found their way onto the internet.

On February 18, 2017, the internet was buzzing with chatter about National Work Strike Day. Twelve mentions were detected online, making it a day when employees from all walks of life expressed their discontent or rallied for change.

But let's take a step back and explore the roots of work strikes. The first documented work strike can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where workers building the pyramids demanded better working conditions and shorter hours. Fast forward to the 19th century, and the labor movement began gaining momentum, fighting for workers' rights and fair treatment.

Nowadays, the internet plays a crucial role in organizing work strikes. Activists take to social media to spread awareness, coordinate protests, and rally others to join their cause. In fact, the power of the internet has made it easier for employees to connect, share information, and even take part in global movements.

So, on National Work Strike Day, people across the web come together to shed light on workers' issues, cheer each other on, and hopefully inspire positive change. It's a day to reflect on the impact of work strikes throughout history and recognize the ongoing fight for fairness in the workplace.

History behind the term 'Work Strike'

1768

Machines replacing craft workers

As the Industrial Revolution gained momentum, machines began to replace skilled craft workers in various industries. This led to increased unemployment and discontent among workers, fueling the origins of the term 'work strike'.

1794

Lyrics inspired by workers' protests

In the midst of the French Revolution, the song 'La Carmagnole' emerged as a popular anthem for workers' protests. The lyrics contained the phrase 'strike at work' ('prendre en grève au travail'), which served as an early reference to organized work stoppages.

1829

Printed document mentioning 'strike'

The term 'strike' as a labor protest gained more recognition in 1829 when it was printed in a legal document during the tailoring trade strike in New York City. This marked an important moment in the formal documentation of the term.

1842

First strike referenced in the press

The year 1842 saw the first usage of the term 'strike' in the context of labor disputes in a newspaper article. The article reported on the demand for higher wages and better working conditions by cotton spinners in Preston, England.

1884

Formal definition of 'strike'

The definition of 'strike' as a work stoppage was formally codified in 1884 by the International Workingmen's Association (also known as the First International). They defined a strike as 'a total or partial cessation of work by a combination of workmen, to enforce compliance with demands made on their employer.'

Did you know?

Did you know that the longest recorded work strike in history lasted for 22 years? The Borax Strike in Death Valley, California began in 1906 and ended in 1928. Those workers sure had some serious stamina!