The first recorded strike in history was by Egyptian tomb builders
Ancient Egyptian artisans staged history's first recorded labor strike in 1159 BCE after the royal administration failed to deliver their essential grain rations during the construction of the Valley of the Kings.
Work stopped on the royal tombs when craftsmen at Deir el-Medina walked off the job during the reign of Ramses III. These skilled laborers were paid in grain and supplies, but corruption and a failing economy led to months of delayed payments. The workers marched to local mortuary temples and staged a sit-in, chanting that they were hungry and thirsty.
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