November 22, 1909 - In the “Uprising of the 20,000,” female garment workers went on strike in New York City to demand better pay and an end to sweatshop working conditions. They were led by 19-year-old Clara Lemlich, who exorted her fellow workers, "I have no further patience for talk as I am one of those who feels and suffers from the things pictured. I move that we go on a general strike...now!” The strike was successful in achieving some gains for workers, but not in breaking the cycle of sweatshop production. Two years later, the slave-like conditions made international headlines when 146 workers were killed in the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire. Read more about Clara Lemlich and the Uprising of the 20,000 at http://www.aflcio.org/aboutus/history/history/uprising_fire.cfm and http://www.tenement.org/encyclopedia/labor_uprising.htm