First Recorded Strike in History (1159 BC)

Sat Nov 14, 1159

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Image: Enslaved brick-makers, depicted in the tomb of the vizier Rekmire, c. 1450 BCE [https://www.thetorah.com/]

On this day in 1159 BC, the first recorded strike in history began when necropolis workers in Ancient Egypt refused to continue working after going 18 days without pay.

The workers were preparing for Pharaoh Ramses III’s thirty-year jubilee, a lavish celebration in his honor, years in advance.

The payment to the workers at Deir el-Medina (also known as Set-Ma’at, “The Place of Truth”) was inconsistent before finally stopping altogether. After 18 days of non-payment, workers laid down their tools and marched toward the city shouting “We are hungry!”

After negotiations for back pay broke down, the workers took over the southern gate of the Ramesseum, the central storehouse of grain in Thebes. After winning their back pay, wages continued to be paid inconsistently and workers again went on strike, taking over and blocking all access to the Valley of the Kings, which disrupted important religious ceremonies.

These labor actions went on for three years; the workers would not receive their pay, they would then go on strike, the officials would find the means to pay them, and the same scenario would be repeated again the next month.

  • ironhydroxideEnglish
    111·
    7 days ago

    Oddly reminiscent of the US government funding, it’s almost like the lawmakers are the ones at strike, for the lack of government. And the people get mad enough they pass another funding bill.