Short Answer
London, July 1888. The air in the East End is thick with the smell of phosphorus, a sharp, acrid scent that clings to the clothes and skin of the women and girls who file into the Bryant & May match factory each morning. They are the ‘matchgirls’—some as young as fourteen—who spend their days dipping matchsticks into white phosphorus, wrapping them in paper, and boxing them for sale. The work is monotonous, the pay is meagre, and the conditions are brutal. Many suffer from ‘phossy jaw,’ a disfiguring and often fatal disease caused by the phosphorus fumes. Yet when the company’s owners demand that they publicly deny these allegations of low wages and poor working conditions, the women refuse. Their refusal ignites a strike that will echo far beyond the factory gates, marking a turning point in the history of women’s labour rights.
What Happened?
In the summer of 1888, the management of Bryant & May, one of London’s largest match manufacturers, summoned its workforce to deny reports of exploitation that had appeared in the press. The women, who had long endured low wages and dangerous conditions, refused to comply. In response, the company dismissed several workers believed to be the source of the allegations. This act of retaliation sparked a walkout of approximately 1,400 women and girls. The strike quickly gained public attention, and with the support of socialists and middle-class sympathizers, the women formed the Matchmakers’ Union. The strike lasted for several weeks, during which the women held meetings, picketed the factory, and sought to publicize their grievances. Eventually, the company agreed to reinstate the dismissed workers and to address some of the worst abuses, including the use of white phosphorus. The strike was a remarkable victory for the women, demonstrating the power of collective action.
- Company demanded that women deny allegations of low wages and poor conditions.
- Women refused; management fired suspected whistleblowers.
- Approximately 1,400 women walked out in protest.
- Strikers formed the Matchmakers’ Union.
- After weeks of pressure, Bryant & May reinstated workers and improved conditions.
How It Was Seen at the Time
Contemporaries viewed the strike as an extraordinary event. The idea of women, particularly young working-class women, organizing and striking was almost unheard of. The press covered the strike extensively, and the public was shocked by the revelations of the women’s working conditions. The strike was seen as a moral crusade against the greed of employers and the suffering of the poor. Many observers noted the courage of the women, who risked their livelihoods to stand up for their rights. The formation of the Matchmakers’ Union was hailed as a significant step forward for working women. As one contemporary commentator remarked, the strike demonstrated that women could be as resolute and effective as men in defending their interests.
Historical Snapshot
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | Summer 1888 (July–August) |
| Place | Bryant & May match factory, Bow, East London, England |
| People | Approximately 1,400 women and girls, mostly aged 14 and up; management of Bryant & May; social reformers and trade unionists |
| What Happened | Women refused to deny allegations of poor conditions, were fired, and went on strike |
| Why It Mattered | Led to unionization and legislative improvements for women workers |
Contemporary Newspaper Coverage
The strike received widespread press attention. The Illustrated London News, a leading illustrated weekly, published sketches of the factory on 4 August 1888, bringing the conditions to a wide audience. Other newspapers reported on the strike, and the women’s cause was taken up by reformers. The coverage helped to sway public opinion in favor of the strikers. Reports emphasized the youth of the workers, the dangers of phosphorus, and the apparent callousness of the company. The press played a crucial role in turning the strike into a national talking point and in pressuring Bryant & May to negotiate.
Daily Life
The matchgirls performed a variety of tasks: dipping matchsticks into a mixture containing white phosphorus, drying them, cutting them, and boxing them. The work was repetitive and dangerous. The phosphorus fumes caused a condition known as ‘phossy jaw,’ which could lead to necrosis of the jawbone and death. Wages were low, and many workers were employed on a casual basis, with irregular hours. Children as young as 14 were regularly employed, and the factory was a major employer in the East End. The National Archives notes that ‘casual and sweated labour, marked by irregular work and poor conditions, was common.’ The women often worked long hours in poorly ventilated rooms, and the threat of dismissal hung over them if they complained.
Aftermath
The strike ended with a victory for the women. The company agreed to reinstate the dismissed workers and to improve conditions. The Matchmakers’ Union continued to represent the workers, and its formation marked a significant step in the organisation of women workers. The strike also had a broader impact, contributing to legislative changes that protected women in the workplace. As the Women’s Legal Landmarks project notes, the strike ‘led to legislative improvements to protect women in the workplace and demonstrated that women could play a key role in gaining important rights through collective workplace bargaining.’ The success inspired other groups of workers, and the matchgirls became a symbol of working-class resistance.
How Historians See It Today
Modern historians view the strike as a watershed event in the history of women’s labour rights and feminism. As Jacqueline Lane writes, ‘this strike stands out as a watershed event in the evolution of feminism, demonstrating that women too could be successful in bargaining with their employers for improved conditions.’ The strike is seen as a precursor to the larger labour movements of the twentieth century and as a key moment in the fight for women’s rights. Historians also emphasise the role of the strike in highlighting the health hazards of white phosphorus, which eventually led to its ban in match production. The matchgirls’ courage and solidarity are now recognised as foundational to the modern trade union movement.
Common Misconceptions
The Matchgirls’ Strike of 1888 remains a powerful reminder of the courage and determination of working-class women. The primary sources—newspaper sketches, union records, and the testimonies of the strikers themselves—reveal a moment when ordinary women, armed with little more than their solidarity, challenged the might of a powerful company and won. Their victory not only improved their own lives but also paved the way for future generations of women workers to demand fair treatment and respect. The strike stands as a testament to the enduring power of collective action and the indomitable spirit of those who refuse to be silenced.
FAQ
What caused the Matchgirls' Strike?
The strike was triggered when Bryant & May management demanded that workers deny allegations of low wages and poor conditions. When the women refused, several were fired, prompting a walkout of about 1,400 workers.
How many women participated in the strike?
Approximately 1,400 women and girls took part in the strike, which occurred in the summer of 1888.
What was the outcome of the strike?
The strike succeeded in reinstating the dismissed workers and led to improvements in working conditions. It also resulted in the formation of the Matchmakers' Union and contributed to legislative changes protecting women workers.
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