You Sign!
Your heart pounds as your pen moves across the page adding your name to the hundreds already written across the petition. You know signing may cost you your job but you believe you are doing the right thing. The petition seems to work -- at least partially anyway. Because of the petition and because the corporations have noticed how many people support the workers, they agree to shorten the work day. They give the workers a little more time for breakfast and lunch. It is a small victory, but it shows that people are taking notice.
In addition, the state legislature has decided to hold hearings on working conditions in Lowell. Since you have not been involved in the Factory Girls Association, you will make a good witness. The idea of speaking in front of a room full of legislators terrifies you, but you know it's the right thing to do.
The legislators don't seem to hear what you say, and they take no action. You are bitterly disappointed, but the experience of meeting textile workers from all over Massachusetts and knowing that 10,000 people risked their jobs to sign the petition convinces you to work for safer conditions and higher wages.
Your next choice is:
Copyright ©2003 Tsongas Industrial History Center, 400 Foot of John St., Lowell, MA 01852. E-Contact: Ellen_Anstey@uml.edu.
