Atlanta Washerwomen’s Strike of 1881

1881

Washerwomen in Atlanta staged the largest strike ever by African Americans.

After the end of slavery, many African American women worked as domestic laborers, including as washerwomen. By the 1880s, more Black women worked as washerwomen than any other type of domestic laborer.  

Washing clothes in the 19th century was difficult work. Washerwomen made their own soap and carried gallons of water to wash clothing. In 1881, tired of low wages and harsh conditions, 20 washerwomen in Atlanta went on strike. After unionizing, and with assistance from Black ministers, the movement expanded to 3,000 strikers.  

As vital household labor went undone, city officials and customers finally agreed to a uniform pay rate for washerwomen. The washerwomen’s success inspired other domestic workers, including hotel workers and cooks, to demand better wages and working conditions.