In the winter of 1924-1925, the port town of Douarnenez in Brittany, France, was the site of a victorious strike by thousands of women employed in sardine canneries. The strike, led by the Penn sardin, or "sardine heads," as they were known, was a pivotal moment in the region's history. Journalist Anne Crignon has published a book, "Une belle grève de femmes," detailing the six-and-a-half-week strike and its impact on the community. Crignon's work is based on extensive research, including interviews with former strikers and archival materials.
Crignon's interest in the Penn sardin and their strike was sparked by her upbringing in Concarneau and her familiarity with Douarnenez. She realized that the history of the Penn sardin was beginning to fade, and she wanted to preserve their story. The journalist spent months immersed in books and articles, highlighting and annotating accounts of the strike. She also conducted her own research in Douarnenez, visiting sites significant to the strike, such as the hotel where militants stayed and the factories where the Penn sardin worked.
Crignon drew on a range of sources for her book, including the work of historian Maurice Lucas, who wrote about the economic and social history of Douarnenez. She also consulted the memoirs of Charles Tillon, a militant who supported the strike, and archival materials from La Dépêche de Brest and L'Humanité. Additionally, Crignon relied on the testimonies of former Penn sardin collected by Anne-Denes Martin in the 1980s. Martin's work, "Les ouvrières de la mer," published in 1994, provided valuable insights into the lives and experiences of the Penn sardin.
The strike led by the Penn sardin was a response to the harsh working conditions and low wages they faced. The women worked long hours, often exceeding 72 hours in four days, in poorly ventilated and unsanitary factories. The strike was not only about better working conditions but also about the dignity and respect of the Penn sardin. Crignon's book highlights the courage and determination of the women who took part in the strike, which ultimately led to improvements in their working conditions.
The term "Penn sardin" translates to "sardine head," but Crignon chose not to use a direct translation, as it could be seen as derogatory. The name originally referred to the headscarf the women wore to work, but it became a term used by employers to belittle the Penn sardin. Despite its potentially negative connotations, the term has become synonymous with the bravery and solidarity of the women who worked in the sardine canneries.
Crignon's book is not only a historical account of the strike but also a tribute to the women who fought for their rights. The journalist aimed to recreate the daily lives of the Penn sardin, the political context of the time, and the six-and-a-half-week strike. Her work is a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of preserving the stories of ordinary people who have made a significant impact on history.
The Penn sardin strike of 1924-1925 is an often-overlooked chapter in French labor history. Crignon's book seeks to rectify this by providing a detailed and engaging account of the strike and its significance. By exploring the experiences of the Penn sardin, Crignon sheds light on the lives of women workers in early 20th-century France and the struggles they faced in their fight for better working conditions and social justice.
Key points
- The book "Une belle grève de femmes" by Anne Crignon tells the story of the victorious 1924-1925 strike of thousands of female sardine factory workers in Douarnenez, France.
- The strike, led by the Penn sardin, or "sardine heads," was a response to harsh working conditions, including long hours and low wages.
- Crignon's work is based on extensive research, including interviews with former strikers and archival materials, and seeks to preserve the history of the Penn sardin and their fight for social justice.
