The Río Blanco Strike: An Inspiration for the Fight for Labor Dignity

On January 7, we remember a pivotal moment in Mexico’s history: the 1907 Río Blanco strike. Over two thousand workers from a textile factory in Veracruz raised their voices against inhumane working conditions, demanding fair wages, reasonable working hours, and the regulation of child labor. They were represented by the Circle of Free Workers, standing up not only to their employers but also to President Porfirio Díaz’s order to return to work.

This movement was not just a cry for justice in Río Blanco; it ignited a spark that spread to Puebla, Tlaxcala, and Mexico City, laying the groundwork for the Mexican Revolution.

Ten years later, their demands were enshrined in Article 123 of Mexico’s 1917 Constitution, which protects the right to dignified work and labor organization.

This historic event reminds us that the Río Blanco workers were pioneers in the fight for dignified labor conditions, setting the stage for a struggle that continues in many sectors today, including the fashion industry. Their courage inspires us to reflect on the challenges that persist: ensuring respect, justice, and well-being for today’s textile workers. Honoring their legacy means striving for a more humane and sustainable fashion industry, where every hand that crafts a garment is valued and protected.

I share these engravings by Fernando Castro Pacheco, which depict the strike and its consequences, located at the #MuseoCarrilloGil.