The Brutal Reality of the Cigar Factory
The Cigar Makers' Union uncovers the exploitation of children and girl laborers working grueling hours in Seattle.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
The Executive Committee of the Cigar Makers' Union heard testimony from six young girls employed by a proprietor named Behrman on Kinsey street. It was shown that they worked from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and three nights each week until 11:00 p.m., making bunches for cigars. Most received only $3 per week, and the owner deducted pay for every minute of lost time. When health inspectors arrived, the proprietor routinely hid underage workers. This case is cited as a typical example of tyrannical labor practices in the city.
“It was shown that they worked from 6 o'clock in the morning to 9 o'clock at night, and three nights each week until 11 o'clock... When the health inspector visits the place the proprietor manages to secrete children under age.”
This report from 1883 highlights the early labor movement's battle against child labor and wage theft in Seattle, issues that remain relevant in the ongoing debate over labor rights and fair pay.
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