Here’s a summary of Breaking the Chains by Jean Debney, a powerful account of a landmark labor struggle in British women’s history:
📚 Synopsis
In 1910, in Cradley
Heath (in England’s Black Country), working-class women labored tirelessly
in backyard forges producing chains—from cow‑ties to massive ship anchors—for
as little as 1 penny per hour
Led primarily by Mary
Macarthur and organized under the National Federation of Women Workers,
these women were subjected to brutal conditions and exploitation. When
employers refused to honor a promise of improved wages, the women were locked
out—a moment that sparked a powerful movement
🛠️ The 10-Week Lockout & Victory
- The workers refused to accept unjustly low
pay and stood firm during a 10-week lockout, backed by growing public
support and a widespread awareness campaign .
- Their persistence paid off when they
secured the nation’s first legally agreed minimum wage, effectively
ending the widespread “sweated trades” in such industries
- This victory became a catalyst for
wider labor reforms, propelling the campaign for fair wage legislation
across the country .
🎯 Key Themes
1. Workers’ solidarity — how organized, collective action can
topple both exploitation and apathy.
2. Gender and labor — amplifying often‑overlooked women workers
whose relentless effort fueled global chains and industry.
3. Birth of the minimum wage — a major step towards more equitable labor
laws in the UK.
4. Public opinion’s power — how media coverage and activism reshaped
policy.
📄 About the Book
- Author: Jean Debney
- Published:
October 31, 2010
- Pages: 176, by Brewin
Books
This work highlights a pivotal moment when ordinary working women in a small town shook the foundations of labor rights in Britain. It’s a compelling case study on how even the underdogs can spark systemic change through unity, resilience, and strategic action.
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