The big strike of the Penn Sardin in 1924

In the 1920s working conditions in the Douarnenez canneries were hard. Since the age of 8, labours worked relentlessly, day and night, up to 20 hours per day. On the 21 November 1924, workers start striking. More than 2000 workers hit the streets. The communist mayor, Daniel Le Flanchec, gives his support and is suspended. An assassination attempt against Le Flanchec on 1 January 1925 mediates the conflict. Factory owners accept the workers’ demands. After 46 days of conflict, the workers are obtaining a raise of 1 franc per hour for the women and 1.50 francs for the men.