What strike of 1,400 women and girls was caused by poor working conditions in the Bryant & May factory in 1888?
London matchgirls strike of 1888 London matchgirls strike of 1888 The London matchgirls’ strike of 1888 was a famous industrial action by the women and teenage girls working at the Bryant and May Factory in Bow. The strike was caused by the poor working conditions in the match factory, including fourteen-hour work days, poor pay, excessive fines and the severe health complications of working with allotropes of white phosphorus, such as phossy jaw, but was sparked by the dismissal of one of the workers on or about 2 July 1888. Social activist Annie Besant became involved in the situation with her friend Herbert Burrows and
Bryant and May Factory, Melbourne Bryant and May Factory, Melbourne The Bryant and May Factory, located in the Cremorne area of Richmond in Melbourne, is notable for its distinctive red brick buildings, and as the location for the manufacture of Australia's most popular brand of matches through much of the 20th century. Bryant and May adopted the brand name Redheads in 1946, and are still the most popular match in the country, now manufactured in Sweden. Bryant and May are also notable for operating as a model factory, providing workers with conditions and amenities which even today seem generous. These included a dining hall and