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The first recorded strike in history took place in Ancient Egypt around 1152 BCE, during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses III. This event is known as the Workers' Strike at Deir el-Medina, and it stands as a significant moment in the history of labor movements.
Background
The workers involved in this strike were employed as artisans and laborers at the royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings, particularly those working on the tombs in the workers' village of Deir el-Medina. These workers were skilled laborers responsible for constructing and decorating the tombs of Pharaohs and other elite individuals, and they were paid in rations, which included grain and other provisions.
Over time, however, the workers began to face delays in their rations and experienced problems with poor food supply, which led to frustration. They were also unhappy with the growing corruption among those in charge of distributing the rations. The lack of timely payment and resources ultimately led the workers to demand better conditions.
The Strike
In the year year 29 of Ramses III’s reign (around 1152 BCE), the workers of Deir el-Medina decided to take action. They stopped working and refused to continue their labor until their demands for proper payment and improved living conditions were met. The strike was carefully documented on papyrus, which has survived to the present day, providing insight into this historic event.
The strikers went to the temple of Amun to present their grievances and demands for fairer treatment, and the strike lasted for several days. The workers were able to negotiate directly with the Pharaoh’s officials, and their demands for better rations and conditions were eventually addressed.
Aftermath and Significance
While the strike itself did not lead to a major upheaval, it represents the first documented instance of workers organizing and using collective action to assert their rights. It shows that even in ancient times, labor unrest existed, and workers were not afraid to challenge authority to improve their working conditions. The Deir el-Medina workers were some of the most highly skilled and organized in Egyptian society, and their strike reveals a level of social consciousness and organization that was advanced for its time.
The strike is significant because it demonstrates the long history of workers' movements and collective bargaining, laying the groundwork for future labor actions throughout history. The event is also a reminder that social and economic struggles have been part of human civilization for millennia.