Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 15.djvu/365

 WOMEN IN INDUSTRY: BOOTS AND SHOES 351

reduction of wages on any pretext whatever." The "boss- stitchers" then agreed among themselves to compel every woman employed by one of their number to sign a certificate agreeing to give two weeks' notice before stopping or to forfeit five dol- lars. The women shoestitchers again acted with promptness and courage. At a meeting which was attended by about nine hundred of the women who were affected by the order, it was unanimously voted "that they could not comply with the resolu- tion, nor submit to any rule or r^ulation binding them, that did not likewise affect their employers." The resolutions which were passed at that meeting are of sufficient interest to be quoted at length, since they throw a good deal of light upon the char- acter of the women shoe operatives of this period.

We, the working-women, in convention assembled, do accept the fol- lowing resolutions, as an earnest expression of our sentiments :

Whereas, we have long been sensible of the need of protecting our rights and privileges, as free-born women, and are determined to defend them and our interest as working-women, to the fullest extent of our ability: therefore, be it

Resolved, That we, the working-women of Lynn, known as Upper Fitters and Finishers of Boots and Shoes, do enter a most solemn protest against any reduction of wages, on any pretext whatever; and that we will not submit to any rifles binding upon us, that do not equally affect our employers.

Resolved, That we feel grateful to the shoemakers of Lynn, for their interest and determination to stand by us in our time of need.

Resolved, That we, the free women of Lynn, will submit to no rules or set of rules that tend to degrade and enslave us.

Resolved, That we will accept no terms whatever, either with regard to a reduction of prices, notices to quit, or forfeiture of wages. That while we utterly ignore the spirit of selfishness and illiberaility, which prompted the late action of our would-be oppressors, we will not hesitate to resist, in a proper manner, the unjust encroachments upon our rights.

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be given to each one of the Committee, to be, by them, presented to each girl in every shop, and her signature thereon obtained, that she will adhere to the terms of the resolu- tions; and should any one of the employees of the shop be reduced in her wages, or ill treated, we willl desist from our work until she has obtained her rights.

Resolved, That a copy of the above be inserted in the Lynn papers, and a large surplus number be provided for distribution among the girls.