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The Strike Fails

You go on strike, for you it is the right thing to do. You decide not to listen to the labor leaders and you take a stand against the powerful managers. The strike fails. The mill agents hire workers from other Lowell mills, bring in new workers from Maine, and hire a few of the Irish girls who have recently started coming to Lowell. Having barely escaped starvation during the Potato Famine, they are willing to work for low wages and under almost any conditions. You learn that an Irish girl is doing your job. You don't blame her, but you worry that she and the other immigrant workers will be exploited for they will work for so little.

You are not surprised to learn that you have been blacklisted. The blacklist is circulated not just in Lowell but throughout many New England mill-towns, and you know you it will be very difficult to get another mill job.

You think about going back home and helping your parents on the farm, but you're pretty sure you would be unhappy there after living in Lowell. Fortunately, you've saved some money. You can use it to make a future for yourself.

Your next choice is:

Copyright ©2003 Tsongas Industrial History Center, 400 Foot of John St., Lowell, MA 01852. E-Contact: Ellen_Anstey@uml.edu.

 

 

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