Biscay Mines: Workers' Rights, Strikes, and Industrialization

Biscay Mines: Workers' Demands and the End of Quarters

Workers of Biscay mines named a commission to require public authorities to end quarters and compulsory shops. Their reasons included broken promises from bosses regarding the closing down of compulsory shops and quarters taken during the 1890 strike. They also argued that this situation went against the liberal spirit of the century, which favored individual freedom and freedom of work.

The miners threatened to go on strike if the government didn't accept their petitions.

The Restoration System at the End of the Century

At the end of the century, the Restoration system was set up, rooted in the 1876 Constitution. This system presented itself as the only one that could guarantee social peace and political stability. These two factors would lead the country to an era of economic development.

Economic Development in Biscay

At the same time, Biscay underwent significant economic development based on the establishment of industrial companies with foreign and Basque capital, which exploited the Basque iron ore, highly valued in Europe. Iron exploitation produced high profits, which turned into the needed capital to begin industrial development in Biscay. All of this brought about great economic and social change in Biscay at the end of the 19th century.

Industrialization and the Rise of the Working Class

Due to the industrialization process in Biscay at the end of the 19th century, the number of industrial workers increased dramatically. A great number of them were immigrants looking for a better life and were employed at Biscay mines and in the new factories founded at this time. This cheap and abundant labor force became one of the most important factors in the economic development of Biscay.

Hardships and Working Conditions

These workers faced very hard working and living conditions, including long working hours, low wages, bad hygienic and housing conditions, and a lack of medical attention.

The Role of Miners in the Labor Movement

Miners would play an important role in the labor movement of Biscay. Most of them became affiliated with the socialist movement. Socialism was introduced in Biscay by Facundo Perezagua, who founded the "Asociacion Socialista de Bilbao." Affiliation grew especially after the first successful general strike.

Workers' Demands and the 1st of May

The workers met on the 1st of May and requested the government to defend their rights. Their reasons included:

• Labor benefits they gained in the 1890 strike: a 10-hour workday and the suppression of barracks and canteens.
• The liberal spirit of the century. The Restoration System meant the triumph of liberalism, and one of the aims of liberalism was the defense of citizen's rights and liberties and the protection of workers from capitalist exploitation, which consisted of long working hours in return for low wages, shopping at the bosses' shops, and living in dreadful barracks. All of this contributed to the enrichment of the factories and mine owners.

As a result, workers encouraged politicians to make quick decisions; otherwise, they threatened to go on strike.