On this day in 1947, 15,000 workers in Mombasa, Kenya, approximately 75% of the workforce there, initiated a general strike, demanding higher and equal wages for all races. Although the colonial government declared the strike illegal, workers persisted and won wage increases twelve days later. In 1945, Kenya was a colony of Great Britain. Threats of a worker strike due to low wages led the British to create an investigatory "Phillips Committee", but, by the end of 1946, workers in Mombasa were upset with any meaningful change. In December 1946, workers held mass meetings, rumors spread about a potential strike, and government officials worked to prevent any labor action. On January 7th, 1947, 3,000 workers met to organize a strike, which began on the 13th with more than 15,000 workers, approximately 75% of the workforce in Mombasa, engaging in a general strike. The labor stoppage crossed many industries, including government, railroad, hotel, domestic workers, and dock workers. Taxi drivers went around the city spreading word of the strike and urging others to participate. The government immediately declared the strike illegal, citing the "Defense Regulations", which mandated the port at Mombasa to stay open, as it was the only major access site to Kenya Colony and Uganda. Despite this, workers persisted, meeting every day at a soccer field to organize. On the second day of the strike, 10,000 workers showed up to the daily meeting, which was run with no official leader, giving everyone an opportunity to speak. After more than a week of the city being paralyzed, a government official promised to gain improvements in working conditions within three months if the people would end their strike. Workers agreed and, on January 25th, 1947, all workers returned to their jobs. At the end of March, workers were given a 20-40% wage increase, housing allowances, paid holidays, paid overtime, and a higher minimum wage.

Im back (and also unable to copy the usual mega info)

  • Frank [he/him, he/him]
    ·
    3 years ago

    I think the whole "You have to be happy alone" shtick is self-help neoliberal cope. No one should be "happy alone". Humans can't survive being alone, we very quickly start to get strange. "Being happy alone" only makes sense in a hyper alienated neoliberal hell where your job my steal you away from your entire community and support structure at any time.

      • Frank [he/him, he/him]
        ·
        3 years ago

        I've seen it mutate from a self-help thing to a romantic relationships thing to an "Actually it is good for all people to be perfectly atomized singletons" general received wisdom thing.

    • ButtBidet [he/him]
      ·
      3 years ago

      Ya agreed. And like 70% of single males are in economic circumstances that make it very hard to be in a relationship now. Neoliberals are like "remember that thing that used to be considered very important for human happiness, ya it's not necessary and you're better without it". Pretty soon, we're going to start seeing messages that caloric requirements are overrated.

    • AlexandairBabeuf [they/them]
      ·
      3 years ago

      it doesn't help that everyone i know found their relationships thru those fucking apps or thier jobs. i've never met one of these mythical folk who were just gettin on and they partner fell into their lap

      • Frank [he/him, he/him]
        ·
        3 years ago

        Ugh, tell me about it. I'm not photogenic and I don't work so I haven't even met a human in a situation where flirting would be contextually appropriate in years.

        • AlexandairBabeuf [they/them]
          ·
          3 years ago

          you and me both.

          you get on one of the dating apps and i will too comrade. we'll all go together when we go