Lori A. Flores’ article in 2009 delves into the largely forgotten history of Texas labor systems, particularly the Tex-son garment workers’ strike from 1959 to 1963, which caused great disruption to San Antonio. The strike marked the first time the International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union ran a campaign under the leadership of a Mexican-American woman. This city, rooted in racial hierarchies and strong anti-union culture, the strike involving nearly 200 Mexican workers demanding wages and conditions that met federal minimums. Revolting against some of San Antonio’s most aggressively anti-union employers, this was hugely uncommon. Flores found the strike to be historically significant on its own, but additionally due to womens involvement. The San Antonio press framed the strikers as dangerous, harmful and disorderly, and the women’s creative response was incredibly empowering and impactful. Women chose to dress conservatively, bring children to demonstrations, and center their rhetoric around motherhood and family. Flores argues the importance of this movement’s recognition and role in shaping labor systems, gender roles, and ethnic history- recognition it has not received.
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