Hong Kong Seamen's Strike of 1922

Hong Kong Seamen’s Strike of 1922

 

the first large antiimperialist strike in China. It was organized by the Chinese seamen’s union, established in Hong Kong in 1921, and was headed by Su Chao-cheng. The strike began on Jan. 12, 1922. The seamen demanded higher wages and the participation of their trade union in the hiring and assignment of workers. When the British authorities in Hong Kong banned the seamen’s union, the strike grew into a general political strike. More than 100,000 workers left Hong Kong for Canton, where the democratic government of Sun Yat-sen was located. The strike ended Mar. 8,1922, in a victory for the seamen.