1916 New York Cloak Makers Strike: Picketing Steps Scene

This historical photograph captures a significant moment in the labor movement, depicting cloak makers on strike in New York City on May 1, 1916. The image shows several picketers gathered on the steps of a building, their presence marking a crucial fight for workers rights in the cloak-making industry. At this time, many garment workers faced grueling conditions, low wages, and long hours, leading to an increased demand for better working conditions and fair compensation.

The strike in this image is part of a broader wave of labor activism that swept through the early 20th century. The cloak-making industry was particularly impacted by these labor disputes as workers sought to unionize and demand more equitable treatment. The photographers of the Bain News Service played a key role in documenting such events, offering a visual narrative of the struggles and resilience of workers during this turbulent era in American history. This photograph serves as a historical record of those efforts, highlighting the significance of collective action in advocating for labor rights.