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Memorial Stone for the Mining Strike of 1869
Background to the Strike
The strike of 1869 in Persberg was triggered by the company’s plans to worsen the terms of employment for the mine workers:
- Previously, workers had been hired on a yearly basis. The company wished to change this to a monthly basis, which greatly reduced job security.
- The hiring bonus of 5 riksdaler per year was to be abolished.
- Cuts were also planned to the free healthcare provision.
The Conditions of the Mine Workers
In her catalogue for the exhibition on the strike, Linnea Garli describes the harsh existence of the mine workers and the events during the 11-day strike. With her permission, parts of the catalogue’s content are reproduced below.
Erection of the Memorial Stone
The memorial stone was erected in 1974 on the initiative of members of the Persberg Workers’ Commune and the Mining Union Branch 18.
The work was led by a committee consisting of:
- Hilding Engström
- Berndt Johansson
- Bertil Kvist
- Hugo Olsson
The memorial stone symbolises the workers’ struggle for fair working conditions and their solidarity during difficult times.
