Seraing Strike of 1869

a strike by metalworkers and miners in the city of Seraing, Belgium, between Apr. 2 and Apr. 12, 1869. The Seraing Strike began in response to an increase in the length of the workday, to the system of payment of wages in goods from stores owned by the factory, and to other problems. On the night of April 9, soldiers and police broke up a strikers’ meeting and massacred many participants, thereby virtually crushing the strike. In support of the workers, the First International led an international campaign of protest against the brutality of the Belgian authorities.