Labor Riots at Lawrence, Mass

Massachusetts militiamen with fixed bayonets surround a parade of peaceful strikers. The Lawrence textile strike was a strike of immigrant workers in Lawrence, Massachusetts in 1912 led by the Industrial Workers of the World.

A serious labor trouble has prevailed at Lawrence, Mass., this week, resulting from the strike of 15,000 textile workers. In changing from a 56 to a 54-hour week, the mills reduced wages accordingly. The hands wanted the full week’s pay. Now they demand an increase of 15 per cent, double pay for overtime and the abolition of the premium system. There was so much rioting that eight companies of the state militia were ordered to reinforce the police and civil officers. The state hoard of arbitration is trying to bring about a settlement, and there were indications yesterday that the troubles would soon be settled.